March in Budapest arrived with that particular brand of optimism only a survived Hungarian winter produces. The heating is still on. But you start to believe it might not be for much longer. It was in that spirit - cautious hope, practical focus - that we gathered at...
Chasing Winter and Tax Cards I can’t quite believe I’m typing this, but this is my 98th post on the HOW TO HUNGARY INSIDER blog. Writing about the inner workings of Budapest for nearly a hundred articles has taught me one thing: for every beautiful sunset over the...
Autumn in Hungary is when entrepreneurs start reviewing the year -balancing invoices, planning winter budgets, and facing the familiar dance of tax filings and supplier calls. Andrew and I are right there too. Between his home technology architecture company, which...
The shift is undeniable: autumn has arrived. The rain has broken the summer heat, and Budapest feels lighter, brighter, and a little more alive. Andrew and I are spending more time back in the city, and it’s already shaping up to be a busy September. September 17th...
Money doesn’t stay behind when you move countries. It follows you - in all its messy, complicated forms. Pensions. Taxes. Healthcare costs you didn’t think about until the first time you need a doctor. Even the exchange rate that suddenly makes your monthly budget...
Splitting my time between Budapest’s buzzing streets and the laid-back wine hills of Lake Balaton, I’ve seen firsthand how Hungary’s property market can feel like a moving target - especially if you’re a first time buyer. The government’s new Otthon Start loan scheme...
Update – February 2026Since publishing this article, I’ve learned that Brody House now uses card terminals that prompt for an additional tip, even when a service charge has already been added. This changes the practical experience described below. If you’re confused...
After four days of sunshine, rosé, and unusually warm weather for the May Day weekend, it’s tempting to stay in a blissful Balaton bubble. But Hungary’s legal and real estate drama doesn’t take holidays - and neither do I, apparently. This is Part Four of my ongoing...
Living in Hungary has always felt like a bit of a rollercoaster—equal parts scenic views, unexpected dips, and a slightly alarming number of bureaucratic loops. But lately? The ride feels smoother. Faster, even. There’s a buzz in the air, from the heart of Budapest to...
I’m Anikó Woods, a Canadian-Hungarian who’s been knee-deep in life here since 2017 - bureaucracy, culture, and everything in between.
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