The American Citizens Services (ACS) Section provides assistance with U.S. passports, Reports of Births Abroad to U.S. citizens, Reports of Death, voting abroad, notary services, Federal benefits, and a few other, specialized consular services, such as repatriation loans, prison visits to incarcerated Americans and welfare and whereabouts queries. ACS cannot act as your travel agent, bank, interpreter, employment office, lawyer, investigator or law enforcement agent, or assist with personal legal, medical, etc. matters. However, ACS can tell you how to receive help on these and other matters. Should questions arise while browsing through this guide, do not hesitate to contact us. We can be reached by telephone, fax, E-mail, or in-person.

Passport and Overseas Birth Registration Services:

The American Citizens Services (ACS) Section is open to American citizens Monday-Thursday 1pm-4pm; Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm for passport and registration of overseas birth services. A person with a lost or stolen passport may come in at any time during business hours. ACS is closed on Hungarian and American holidays (refer to the Holiday list on our general consular information page). For further information, please consult the Passports & Citizenship; Birth Abroad section of this web page.

Notary Services:

Notary services are provided to American citizens as well as Hungarian citizens Monday-Thursday 1pm-4pm; Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm for documents that are to be used in the United States. Services provided include: affidavits, acknowledgments, and sworn statements. Fees for the services: 30 USD (or HUF equivalent) for the first seal, and 20 USD for each subsequent seal(s). Please bring your passport or Hungarian identity card for identification purposes. For further information, please consult the Notary Services section of this web page.

Federal Benefits and Veterans' Services:

If you are receiving monthly benefits from a federal agency (Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.), please contact the Federal Benefits Unit if you need to change your address or inquire about procedures for having your benefit checks sent overseas. It is also possible to make arrangements to have your social security check deposited directly into your U.S. bank account.

Federal Benefits services are offered Monday-Thursday 1pm-4pm; Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. To reach the Federal Benefits Unit, please call 475-4453 or fax 475-4113/ 4188. For further information, please consult the Federal Benefits section of this web page.

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• ACS Mailing/Street address: U.S. Embassy, ACS section; Szabadság tér 12, Budapest 1054
  
  
• ACS General E-mail: acs.budapest@state.gov
  [For visa questions see e-mails below.]
  
  
• ACS Warden Registration E-mail: warden.budapest@state.gov
  
  
• Tourist and other Non-Immigrant Visa Questions E-mail: usconsular.budapest@state.gov
  
  
• Immigrant Visa Questions E-mail: iv.budapest@state.gov
  
  
• Consular Web Site: http://www.usembassy.hu/conseng/index.html
  
  
• [Telephone Note: Hungary's country code is 36 and Budapest is area code 1.]
  
  
• ACS Telephone Number: 475-4164
  
  
• ACS Fax Number: 475-4113/4188
  
  
• Toll-free Number for the Overseas Citizen Services: 1-888-407-4747.
  Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may reach the hotline by calling 1-317-472-2328.
  
  
• ACS Public Hours:
  Monday - Friday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  Also on Friday 9:00 AM - noon
  
  
• The Embassy is closed on U. S. and Hungarian holidays. An Embassy Duty Officer will be on call after-hours (5pm-8 am) to handle emergencies. After-hours emergency calls can be made to: 475-4703/4924.

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Embassy of the Republic of Hungary
3910 Shoemaker Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel.: 202-362-6730; Fax: 202-966-8135
Visa Tel.: 202-362-6730/ ext. 225; Fax: 202-686-6412
Internet: www.hungaryemb.org or www.huembwas.org
E-Mail: office@huembwas.org
Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 am - 01:00 pm.

Consulates of the Hungarian Republic:
223 East 52nd Street
New York, N.Y. 10022
Tel.: 212-752-0669; Fax 212-755-5986
E-Mail: titkarsag.nyf@humisny.org

11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 410
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel.: 310-473-9344; Fax: 310-479-0456
E-Mail: hungcons@pacificnet.net

Also: Hungarian National Tourist Office, 150 East 58th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10155-3398, Tel.: (212) 355-0240.

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• Question for July 2004
  "I have heard that it is very difficult for a Hungarian to obtain a U.S. visa. Is this true?"
  Answer
  
  
• Previous questions

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Deadlines for 2004 presidential elections
Please be aware of the following dates for voting issues:

September 29, 2004, is the last day that the Consular Section will accept applications for absentee ballots. After this date, you must mail the request yourself. If you do choose to mail your request, you should consider using an express mail service.

October 12, 2004, is the first day that you may fill out a Federal Write-in Ballot in the Consular Section. Write-in Ballots are reserved for people who sent a request for an absentee ballot but have not received their ballot by October 12.

October 20, 2004, is the last day that the Consular Section will accept absentee ballots (regular or write-in) for mailing to the United States. After this date, you must mail the ballot yourself. We recommend you consider using an express mail service.

American citizens are able to vote by absentee ballot if they are overseas. Listed below are a few basic procedures on how to obtain a ballot or register to vote.

ACS has a Voting Assistance Guide that lists the dates of the presidential and state primary elections and contains detailed registration/voting procedures for each of the 50 states. ACS also has Federal Post Card Applications (FPCAs) - these are simultaneous voter registration and/or absentee ballot request cards. Some states require the FPCAs to be notarized as well.

The FPCAs can be mailed postage-free through the diplomatic pouch. Please keep in mind that the regular absentee ballot request and receipt deadlines apply - so take into account the time mailing via pouch incurs. A few states accept faxed FCPAs - the Voting Assistance Guide indicates which ones do and give the requisite fax number.

If you do not receive the regular absentee ballot that you previously requested, ACS has Federal Write-In Absentee Ballots (FWABs). FWABs are generally restricted to general and federal office elections (states have different acceptance policies) and the FWABs must be received by the regular absentee ballot deadline for your state.

Want to go on-line and obtain more details? The Federal Voting Assistance Program has its own web site and the Voting Assistance Guide is also available there: www.fvap.gov. Voting Information News: www.fvap.gov/pubs/vin.html. E-mail address: vote@fvap.ncr.gov. Toll-free telephone number for Hungary: 06-800-13824.

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ADVISORIES AND WARNINGS ISSUED BY THE EMBASSY

• Launch of New Consular Affairs Website and Internet-Based Registration System
  
• Immigration Change Affecting Some U.S. Citizens in Hungary - May 1, 2004
  
• Tourist Advisory for Hungary
  (Updated: 07/2004)

CONSULAR TRAVEL INFORMATION AND WARNINGS ISSUED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

• Worldwide Caution (09/10/2004)
• International Travel Safety Information for Students - U.S. Department of State Fact Sheet (February 2004)

CONSULAR TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR HUNGARY

• Consular Information Sheet (02/23/2004)
  (Entry Requirements, Crime Information, Medical Facilities, Medical Insurance, Traffic and Road Safety Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, and Children's Issues)

ACS has copies of Department of State-issued Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets for most countries of the world. If you are considering travel to another country, ACS can make a copy of that country's Consular Information Sheet and/or Travel Warning (if any) for you. These two types of documents can also be found on http://travel.state.gov; click on the "Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets" section.

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Hungarian law considers the consumption of narcotic drugs a criminal act. This law also applies to consumers who have already become ill or addicted as a consequence of their drug consumption. In Hungary, both dealers in and consumers of narcotic drugs are punished.

People who would like to seek advice about drug-related problems may wish to contact the "KÉK PONT Drogambulancia és Konzultációs Központ" [BLUE POINT Out-patient Drug Department and Consultation Center] at Balázs Béla utca 21. 1094, Budapest. Their Tel.: 215-7833; 06-20-9586-743. E-mail: bluepoint@matavnet.hu. Internet address: www.kekpont.hu .

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To better serve U.S. citizens in Hungary, ACS regularly updates its Warden system. The Warden system is designed to ensure that U.S. citizens receive timely information about natural disasters, civil emergencies or anything else that could affect their safety while in Hungary.

The Warden system for Hungary has been broken down into smaller units, according to districts, counties and/or by organizations. We would like to register every U.S. citizen in each of these regions and to identify U.S. citizen Wardens who would assist the Embassy to inform other U.S. citizens in their area of fast-breaking news. In general, Warden duties are not time-consuming, but could be vital in times of emergency.

U.S. citizens around the world who travel or reside abroad can access a newly launched Department of State website for registering their foreign trips and residence information either through a link on http://travel.state.gov, or directly, at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. We invite you to register yourself and your family and get acquainted with travel registration. If you are already registered with this Embassy/Consulate, please re-register on line to update your records.

The new internet travel registration service for American citizens allows you to register and update your contact information on the internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current. The site also provides you with up-to-date travel information customized to your unique travel agenda and itinerary. The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in embassies, consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only with your permission under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

Please let us know how you like the new site. If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions about our travel registration website, please send an e-mail to caibrs@state.gov. If you have specific questions about your registration with this Embassy/Consulate please contact us at warden.budapest@state.gov.

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U.S. Passports

All routine U.S. passport requests are processed and printed at the National Passport Center (NPC) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Passport renewals normally can be done in about 5 working days. ACS can only issue emergency, limited validity U.S. passports, amend passports in the event of a name change, and provide additional passport pages as necessary.

To Obtain or Renew a U.S. Passport, Submit:

• Your most recent U.S. passport; or
• If you do not have a U.S. passport, proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g. a certified original U.S. birth certificate or a Certificate of Naturalization, and a valid, current picture ID (e.g. a Hungarian ID card);
• Two (2) recent passport photographs (5cms x 5cms or 2"x2") taken of the full face with both ears clearly visible, with a light background; and
• Fees payable in cash (USD or HUF), travelers checks, money orders or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover);
• Minor children's applications: the child must appear in person at the Embassy along with his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). Please see below for additional legal requirements.
• For emergency, limited-validity passports, ACS will need three (3) recent passport photographs (5cms x 5cms or 2"x2") taken of the full face with both ears clearly visible, with a light background.

The forms can be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State website:

DS-11 if

1. You have never had a U.S. passport.
2. You are under age 16.
3. Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
4. Your passport was lost or stolen. If you are applying because your most recent, valid passport was lost or stolen, you will also need to submit Form DS-64.

DS-82 (Renewals Only)
This form should be used for renewing a previously issued and still valid U.S. passport in person, if

1. You can submit your most recent passport AND
2. You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued AND
3. You were issued your most recent passport in the last 15 years AND
4. You use the same name as on your most recent passport or since your passport was issued, I have had my named changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect my name-change.

If you answered NO to any of the 4 statements above…STOP! You cannot use Form DS-82! You must apply on a DS-11.

Two-Parent Passport Consent Requirement for Minors under Age 14:

This requirement applies to first-time passport applicants and passport renewals for regular, official and diplomatic passports, and adding extra passport pages for children under 14, both parents/legal guardian[s] must execute the minor's passport application and provide evidence that they are the minor's parents/legal guardian[s], except under certain limited exigent or special family circumstances.

If one parent cannot be present, the applying parent can provide a document showing sole custody, bring a statement of consent signed by the absent parent (ACS provides this document), or the applying parent can make a statement under penalty of perjury explaining why exigent or special family circumstances apply. Notarized statements or authenticated copies of civil records will not be necessary in the vast majority of cases. However, the consular officer may require notarized statements, authenticated copies of civil records or other evidence of the non-applying parent's consent. If a consular officer is not satisfied with a statement of consent and is not satisfied with additional documentation and explanations, then the consular officer may refuse to issue the passport.

We recognize that most U.S. citizens do not travel abroad with birth and death certificates, custody or adoption decrees and other similar documents. Moreover, it may not be possible to obtain such documents in the time available before the required travel to return to the United States. In such cases, a statement in writing by the parent[s] or person acting in loco parentis explaining the circumstances will suffice, but the passport may be limited to return to the United States. For further information, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get_minors.html.

Lost, or Stolen Passports:

If you lose your passport, a replacement passport can be issued upon presentation of proof of identity and U.S. citizenship (i.e. birth certificate, driver's license, or previous passport). Should you not have any identification, it is suggested that you bring an American family member or American friend with his/her passport with you to vouch for you. In addition to the ID, depending on the situation, two (2), or three (3) 5cm x 5cm (or 2"x2") photos with a light background will be required-ACS will let you know what will be needed. If the passport has been stolen, first report the theft to the local police and obtain a police report for presentation to the consular officer. ACS will look at your situation to determine whether or not you'll be eligible to receive a full validity passport from NPC.

U.S. Passport Fees:

All fees are payable in U.S. dollars (USD) in cash, travelers checks, money orders or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover), or the equivalent in Hungarian Forints (HUF). We do not accept personal checks.

• A routine renewal of a ten (10) year adult passport is 55 USD;
• A routine renewal of a five (5) year minor passport (for those under age 16) is 70 USD;
• A lost, stolen or mutilated passport replacement is 85 USD for adults and 70 USD for minors;
• First-time adult passport is 85 USD and a first time minor passport is 70 USD.

Unable to Come to the Consulate?

If you are not physically able to come to the Consulate, you can obtain a power of attorney for someone to act on your behalf to bring to the Consulate your completed application with photos and the required passport fees. Please note that this procedure does not apply to lost/stolen/mutilated passport cases, first-time applicants, or to minor children's applications.

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When a child is born overseas to an American citizen parent, or parents, certain documentation is required in order for the child to be registered as an American citizen. Once registered, the child can receive his/her Report of U.S. Birth Abroad (CRBA) and U.S. passport and apply for a Social Security number. If only one parent of a child born after 1986 is a U.S. citizen, U.S. law requires that that parent have lived in the United States at least five (5) years, two (2) of which need to be after the age of fourteen (14). Please call ACS for an appointment to register the overseas birth of your child at Tel.: 475-4164. The child must appear in person at the Embassy along with the U.S. citizen parent(s). It is advised that your child be registered within the first two years of birth and before the first trip to the United States.

For a CRBA, the following will be needed:

• The child's original Hungarian birth certificate along with a certified English translation of the document;
• The U.S. citizen parent's evidence of U.S. citizenship (passport or certificate of naturalization);
• The parents' original marriage certificate, (if not in English, a certified English translation will also be necessary);
• The original divorce decrees, death certificates or other evidence of termination of any marriage(s) prior to birth of the child (if not in English, certified English translation(s) will also be necessary);
• 65 USD or the HUF equivalent for the CRBA; AND
• The completed application forms.

A suggested location for obtaining the necessary certified translations is the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (Országos Fordító és Fordításhitelesítô Iroda Rt.) at Bajza u. 52., 1062 Budapest, telephone: 269-3831; telefax: 428-9622; e-mail: lakossag@offi.hu.

In addition to applying for the CRBA, you may also apply for your child's social security number while at the Embassy.

To obtain a U.S. passport for your child, please complete application form DSP-11 in the child's name. Both parents will need to sign this application in front of the Consul. If one parent is unable to be present, please let us know and we will work with you to help fulfil this legal requirement. In addition to the application form, you will also need to submit:

1. Two (2) identical passport photographs taken full face with a light background, sized 5X5 cm (2"x2") of the child; and
2. 70 USD for the U.S. passport in cash or travelers checks or in equivalent in HUF.

Lastly, the birth of a child of a foreigner legally residing in Hungary must be reported within 30 days to the Office of Immigration and Nationality of the Ministry of Interior, Budafoki ut 60, Budapest XI. Mailing address: 1903 Budapest, Pf. 314. Tel.: 463-9100.

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1. If I obtain Hungarian citizenship, will I lose my American citizenship? In November 1990, the interpretation of U.S. law concerning the acquisition of another nationality was changed. It is now possible for U.S. citizens to become Hungarian nationals without losing their U.S. citizenship. Citizens of the United States who wish to acquire Hungarian nationality may request a copy of the information handout prepared by ACS as a guide to prevent the loss of U.S. nationality. For information on Hungarian naturalization, please contact the Hungarian authorities as we have no information on application procedures. Citizens of both the United States and Hungary are de facto recognized by both countries. Being born in Hungary of foreign parents does not automatically make the child a Hungarian national. U.S. citizens who acquire dual nationality during childhood are not required by U.S. law to choose one nationality or another upon reaching the age of 18. One does not risk losing U.S. citizenship unless one performs certain conclusively expatriating acts. Upon request, ACS can send you information sheets on "Possible Loss of U.S. Citizenship" and "Dual Nationality" by mail. You can also visit the Department of State's web sites at http://travel.state.gov/law/loss.html.
   
   
2. How does American-Hungarian dual nationality affect me? Hungarians who become naturalized American citizens do not lose their Hungarian citizenship under Hungarian law, and American citizens do not jeopardize their U.S. citizenship by obtaining a Hungarian passport. Please be aware, however, that the U.S. Embassy is sometimes prevented from extending certain protections to dual nationals when they are in the countries of their nationalities and are documented as citizens of that country. More information can be found on: http://travel.state.gov/law/dualnationality.html.
   
   
3. I am old and live far from Budapest. May I authorize a third party to submit my passport application after I fill it out? If you are not physically able to come to the Consulate, you can obtain a power of attorney for someone to act on your behalf in bringing your completed application with photos and the required passport fees to the Consulate. Please note that this procedure does not apply to lost/stolen/mutilated passport case nor to first-time applicants.
   
   
4. Do we need to bring our minor child to the Consulate when we submit a passport and/or Consular Report of Birth application on her/his behalf? Yes.
   
   
5. As an American, I would like to travel to other countries from Hungary. How do I find out what their visa requirements are? The answers can be found on http://travel.state.gov/visa/Americans1.html.

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As an American citizen, it is illegal in most cases to exit/enter the United States without a valid U.S. passport. The American Citizens Services (ACS) Section sometimes receives calls from the airport on behalf of American citizens who have arrived in Hungary traveling on an expired U.S. passport or without a U.S. passport. Though this situation rarely happens, keep in mind that it is the responsibility of the airlines to check passengers' passports before boarding them. Normally, a consular officer cannot intervene on the behalf of American citizens traveling on expired U.S. passports. In most cases, the American citizen is forced by Hungarian immigration authorities to return to the United States on the next available flight.

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Notary services are available to all U.S. citizens and to foreign nationals for documents destined to be used in the United States. Notary services are executed by consular officers and may include documents to be signed before them, statements made under oath, powers of attorney, affidavits and acknowledgements. ACS provides these services Monday-Thursday 1pm-4pm; Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm., with the exception of Hungarian and American national holidays.

To have a document notarized, you must come in person with the following documents:

• A valid passport or identification card;
• The document(s) to be notarized (please DO NOT SIGN the documents until you are in front of a consular officer);
• The fee of 30 USD (or HUF equivalent) for the first seal, and 20 USD for each subsequent seal(s), in cash or travelers checks (personal checks are not accepted);
• If your document needs to be witnessed, please bring your witness with you or be prepared to ask other clients in the waiting room to be your witness.

Signature Guarantees: We do NOT provide this service. Because we are unaware of any place in Budapest that provides a signature guarantee service, please ask your financial institution whether or not they will make an exception and accept a notarization from the U.S. Embassy in lieu of a signature guarantee.

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Because Hungary and the United States are parties to the Hague Convention on the Legalization of Foreign Public Documents, there is an alternative procedure for the notarization of Hungarian-origin documents destined for use in the United States. This alternative notarization procedure is called an Apostille, and is provided by the Hungarian Government. This process legalizes Hungarian documents for use in the United States.

For more information about the Apostille process, please telephone the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Department at Tel.: 458-1706. Also, the Hungarian Ministry of Justice/International Legal Department can be reached at Tel.: 441-3117.

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Private travelers to Hungary are under the jurisdiction of Hungarian law, just as under general international law they would be subject to local jurisdiction in other countries. Hence, the Embassy cannot require or command the release of an arrested American. When an American citizen is arrested, the Hungarian Police will notify ACS of that arrest. If the American citizen is detained, a consular officer will endeavor to make a prison visit as soon as possible and assist in communicating with relatives, friends, or attorneys. However the Embassy has no official funds or authority to pay Americans' legal bills, local indebtedness, or fines. Please note that attorneys who assist Americans often require payment in dollars, and the costs can be quite high.

American Citizens Services has a list of lawyers. Although the persons whose names appear in the list have been selected with care, the Embassy assumes no responsibility for their professional ability or integrity. The names listed are arranged alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance.

All attorneys listed are Hungarian citizens and are authorized to practice before Hungarian courts. They are not notaries public, this function being separated from that of an attorney in Hungary, as in most continental European countries. However, they can obtain notary services through qualified notaries public. Correspondence with any of the listed attorneys may be conducted in English, German or Hungarian. Each lawyer on the list speaks English sufficiently well to discuss cases with U.S. citizens who do not speak Hungarian.

Office hours are irregular and generally dependent upon the attorney's appointment schedule. Appointments can generally be made by telephoning the attorney's office in the afternoon, or his/her home telephone number in the early morning hours. It is recommended that airmail be used for transmittal of letters to Hungary. Registered mail from the United States is accepted by the Hungarian postal service and a return receipt may be requested. International reply coupons should be used when you want to prepay for a reply.

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Below are some major banks in Hungary, more can be found in the Hungarian Yellow Pages:

• OTP: Nádor utca 16, V.; Budapest; Tel.:353-1444.
• MKB: Váci utca 38, V.; Budapest; Tel.: 268-7000.
• CitiBank: Báthory utca 12, V.; Budapest; Tel.: 374-5000; www.citibank.hu
• Budapest Bank: Kálmán Imre utca 42, V.; Budapest; Tel.: 06-40-477-777.
• Deutsche Bank: Hold utca 27, V.; Budapest; Tel.: 301-3700.
• American Express: Deák Ferenc utca 10, V.; Budapest; Tel.: 235-4300; www.americanexpress.com.

Banks in Hungary are supervised by the Hungarian Financial Supervisory Authority (PSzAF). Should you have a complaint or would like to request information, their web site is: www.pszaf.hu.

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The Criminal Technique Division of the Budapest Police Headquarters can fulfill occasional requests for fingerprints, provided the applicant has a fingerprint chart. They do not have English speakers. To contact them: Tel.: 350-1901, ext.186; address: Garam utca 19, Budapest XIII. As this office does not routinely provide this service, they cannot officially charge a fee.

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The Embassy's list of Doctors and Dentists can be found at www.usembassy.hu/doctors.htm. The Embassy assumes no responsibility for the qualifications or performance of such physicians. The Telki Private Hospital, which is staffed with many bilingual medical practitioners, is located: 2089 Telki; Kórház Fasor 1; Tel.: (as dialed from the United States): 011-36-26-372-300. In addition to the Embassy's list, a more complete list of doctors in Budapest can be found in the English White/Yellow Pages telephone book. ACS has a copy should you need to consult it.

Since many U.S. insurance policies do not cover expenses incurred overseas, it would be a good idea to purchase special insurance covering medical care overseas before traveling to Hungary. Please note that Medicare benefits are not payable for services rendered outside the United States. In Hungary, doctors and hospitals generally require payment in cash upon completion of services rendered.

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Inquiries about immunization should be referred to the Hungarian Public Health Office, International Vaccination Service (ANTSZ) at Tel.: 329-0490.

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Medical evacuations can be very costly. Costs vary according to final destination in the U.S., whether a plane is sent out from the United States or a commercial carrier is used, how many medical escorts are needed, etc. It is advised to have medical insurance that covers these costs. The companies listed below are all based in the United States.

• AAA--Air Ambulance of America, Tel.: 1-800-222-3564; collect calls: 512-479-8000.
• American Care, Tel.: 800-941-2582; international calls: 619-486-8844.
• Care Flight Air Critical Care, Tel.: 800-282-6878; international calls: 813-530-7972.
• International Medical Travel Assistance, Tel.: 800-282-6878; international calls: 813-530-7972.
• International SOS Assistance, Tel.: 800-523-8930; international calls: 215-244-1500.
• Medex, Tel.: 800-537-2029; international calls: 410-4536300; E-mail:medexasst@aol.com.
• Multi-Care International, Tel.: 800-543-3759; collect calls: 908-591-0555.

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We have provided this information purely as a service and bear no responsibility for the quality of the professional services offered by these companies.
List of relocation companies: www.usembassy.hu/docs/relocation.htm

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Budapest has a number of educational opportunities in the English language. There are three schools that offer instruction in the English language and use an essentially American curriculum:

• The American International School of Budapest (AISB)
• Greater Grace International School (GGIS)
• The International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB)

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This is by no means a complete listing. This information can also be found in the Hungarian Yellow Pages under Fordítás.

• Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (Országos Fordító és Fordításhitelesítô Iroda Rt.), address: Bajza u. 52., 1062 Budapest; telephone: 269-3831; telefax: 428-9622; e-mail: lakossag@offi.hu.
• Business Express: Nagymezô utca 34, V.; Budapest; Tel.: 353-1138; www.businessexpress.hu.
• FORDuna Fordító Kft.: Bartók Béla út 86, XI.; Budapest; Tel.: 209-2482/3; FORDuna@matavnet.hu.
• Tecum Kft.: Zsil utca 7; VII.; Budapest; Tel.: 456-0220/1; www.tecum.hu.

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For males over the age of 18, this registration can be done at ACS or you can register on-line at www.sss.gov.

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The Federal Benefits unit provides assistance with Social Security and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, to include the following:

• Filing Social Security claims for retirement, survivors and disability benefits;
• Filing Department of Veterans Affairs claims for compensation, pension, education, survivor and burial benefits;
• Assists beneficiaries of pensions from the Office of Personnel Management, Washington, D.C. and the Railroad Retirement Board;
• Beneficiary status change transactions, i.e., notice of changes of address, non-receipt of payment, etc.;
• Medicare enrollments and cancellations;
• Earnings record inquiries;
• Appointment of representative payees for incapable beneficiaries;
• Assistance in obtaining birth, marriage, divorce and death records and medical evidence when necessary for claims; and
• Social Security Number Applications: For a first-time applicant, one must submit an original birth certificate as well as proof of U.S. citizenship. A parent may apply for a child under eighteen (18) years of age, in which case, the parent's identification must be verified by a passport or Hungarian ID card. An original marriage and/or change of name certificate must be submitted in change of name cases. All first-time applicants eighteen (18) years or older must appear in person at the Embassy. For replacement SSN cards, a U.S. passport is generally sufficient for re-application.

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U.S. citizens must report their worldwide income on their federal income tax returns. Living or earning income outside the United States does not relieve a U.S. citizen of the responsibility for filing tax returns. However, U.S. citizens living and/or working abroad may be entitled to various deductions, exclusions, and credits. ACS provides a list of unvetted U.S. tax practitioners in Hungary and limited supply of federal tax forms. No state tax forms are provided, however their contact information is listed on our web site at: www.usembassy.hu/docs/statetax.htm. For more information on U.S. tax issues, please consult the IRS web site for Forms and Publications: www.irs.gov/.

The closest IRS office that has jurisdiction over Americans in Hungary is located in Berlin, Germany. Their contact information is:

Address:
American Embassy, IRS Office
Clayallee 170
14195 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: (49) 30 8305-1140; Fax: (49) 30 8305-1145
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Also, the Philadelphia IRS office answers telephone calls about international tax topics relating to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The contact telephone number is: 1-215-516-2000, and is currently a toll call. The hours of operation are 6am - 2am EST. This contact point, however, cannot service requests for U.S. Residency Certification, Form 6166. That contact telephone number is 1-215-516-7135 and their hours of operation are 7am - 3:30pm EST.

The 2003 IRS exchange rate for Hungary is $1.00 = HUF 224.4727

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The Hungarian tax authorities have advised us that U.S. citizens may call the following telephone number for Hungarian tax information in English, Tel.: 428-5375; Fax: 428-5374. For a more comprehensive interpretation of Hungarian tax law, it is advisable to consult a Hungarian tax expert.

An American working for a Hungarian business must contribute to the Hungarian pension system because the United States does not have a Social Security Totalization agreement with Hungary. Therefore, one is not required to participate in Hungarian social insurance solely on the basis of an international agreement. However, if one is working for a Hungarian-owned corporation, one must pay. There is an exemption in the social security law, which states that an individual employed by a foreign company and working in Hungary or an individual employed by a Hungarian corporation with foreign ownership does not have to pay social security. For further information, please consult a tax expert in Hungary.

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Other listings may also be found in the Budapest Sun, a weekly English-language newspaper (also: www.budapestsun.com)

• Edelman Tax Services - Les Edelman, J.D., offers U.S. and Hungarian tax advice and tax return preparation services. Tel.: 06-70-215-9267; E-mail: Les@edelmantax.com; web site: www.edelmantax.com ; address: Pauler utca 4, 1013 Budapest.
• Steven Pimperl is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) living in Budapest. He will prepare your U.S. income tax return. Tel.: 212-7178 (leave a message).

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For general, State Department-provided information on international adoptions, please go to this web page: http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption.html. Information on adoptions in Hungary can be found in the country specific Adoption Flyers section.

For general, State Department-provided information on the Hague Convention for Child Abductions, please go to this web page: http://travel.state.gov/family/abduction.html. This page contains an informational booklet on International Parental Abduction; Application for Assistance under the Hague Convention on Child Abduction; as well as various sources of information.

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Marriage in Hungary

Marriage of American citizens in Hungary must be performed in accordance with Hungarian law. A marriage that is valid under Hungarian law is generally valid in any state of the United States. The information furnished below is only for general information, since the interpretation of Hungarian laws and regulations does not fall within the competence of the U.S. Embassy.

If you wish to get married in Hungary, contact the district office of the town in which you, or your spouse-to-be, is a resident or the nearest Hungarian Consulate in the United States to ascertain the local marriage requirements. An American citizen who wants to get married in Hungary must establish to the satisfaction of the Hungarian authorities that s/he is free to marry under the laws of the state of his/her residence in the United States. Hungarian authorities have generally accepted affidavits of civil status - Tanusítvány (this document can be obtained through ACS for 30 USD or HUF equivalent). Be prepared to present an original birth certificate, any previous divorce decrees, and any other relevant documents needed to get married. Non-Hungarian documents must be presented to Hungarian authorities with certified Hungarian translations. [Note: A suggested location for obtaining certified translations is the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (Országos Fordító és Fordításhitelesítô Iroda Rt.) at Bajza u. 52., 1062 Budapest, telephone: 269-3831; telefax: 428-9622; e-mail: lakossag@offi.hu.

There is a thirty-day waiting period before an American citizen can get married. However, in extenuating circumstances, the appropriate Hungarian authorities can waive this waiting period. To apply for the waiver, the U.S. citizen will need to write an explanation of why the waiver is needed and provide supporting proof to the Hungarian authorities at the local district office where the marriage will take place. This procedure usually takes 10-14 days.

To be legal, all marriages must be performed by a Hungarian civil authority. Religious ceremonies do not have legal validity under Hungarian law. [DUAL NATIONALS : American citizens who are considered to be Hungarian citizens under Hungarian law may contract marriage in Hungary only as Hungarian citizens. Dual citizens who have changed their names in the United States may contract marriage in Hungary only under their original Hungarian names.]

Immigration of Alien Spouse to the United States

The alien spouse of an American citizen does not acquire United States citizenship through marriage. S/he must obtain an immigrant visa to be able to immigrate to the United States.

After the marriage of an American citizen to an alien, the American citizen must file an alien relative petition (Form I-130) with the office of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS, formerly INS) in the United States having jurisdiction over his/her place of residence. The U.S. Embassy in Budapest is authorized to accept petitions from U.S. citizens resident in Hungary. If the petition is executed at the Embassy, the consular officer may approve it.

In order to file a petition, the American citizen needs to present proof of citizenship, the marriage certificate, and evidence of termination of any prior marriages of either spouse. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by an official translation into English. [Note: These foreign language documents may also be translated at the above-mentioned Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation.] The fee for executing an I-130 petition is 130 USD.

To save time and a trip to the U.S. Embassy, when you are at the Consulate to obtain your "free-to-marry"* statement, you may also obtain the initial BCIS (formerly INS) documents that need to be completed in order to file the visa petition. It is best if you make an appointment to file the visa petition on behalf of your spouse by calling 475-4394.

* The "free-to-marry" statement is also available here as a Word document, which you can fill out with Microsoft Word.

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Foreigners in Hungary are not required to reside in Hungary for a specified period before filing for a divorce. The same legal rules apply to both U.S. citizens and Hungarian citizens.

Divorces are generally arranged with the assistance of a lawyer because the process is complex. Depending on the circumstances, various documents (such as the marriage certificate, birth certificates, financial documents, etc.) must be submitted to the local court that is handling the case. Court jurisdiction is usually based upon where one of the parties lives in Hungary. Foreign-language documents must be translated into Hungarian by the Hungarian Office for Translation and Attestation (Országos Fordító és Fordításhitelesítô Iroda Rt.), at Bajza u. 52., 1062 Budapest, telephone: 36-1-269-3831; telefax: 36-1-428-9622; e-mail: lakossag@offi.hu. In cases where the address of one party is unknown, the assistance of the Ministry of Justice at Kossuth tér 4, 1055 Budapest, tel: 36-1-441-3003, may be sought.

The Embassy provides a list of Hungarian attorneys for your reference. It is available on the internet at: www.usembassy.hu/consatt.htm. You may reach the American Citizen Services Section at acs.budapest@state.gov or by telephone at 475-4164.

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Foreigners who plan to stay in Hungary for an extended period of time (more than 90 days) are required to obtain a tartózkodási vízum (long-term stay visa) from a Hungarian Consulate in their home country. For general information on Hungarian visas, visit the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., web site: www.huembwas.org/Consular/GenInfHUnVis.htm; a list of requirements common to all visa applications can be found at: www.huembwas.org/Consular/ReqComVisaApp.htm.

Other tips regarding Hungarian long-term visas:

• Apply as early as possible in your country of residence for the long-term visa required for your planned stay.
• If you are conducting long-term visa business in Budapest, the most efficient office for Americans is the Office of Immigration and Nationality of the Ministry of Interior at Harmat u. 131, 1102 Budapest, tel: 463-9102.
• If you are in Hungary as a tourist and decide to change your status to missionary or student, you may ask the Office of Immigration and Nationality of the Ministry of Interior (see above address) in writing for your case to be processed in a neighboring country.
• If you are merely changing the school where you are studying, you may process the changes with the Office of Immigration and Nationality of the Ministry of Interior. As long as the type of visa will not change you do not need to leave the country.
• The birth of a child to a foreigner legally residing in Hungary must be reported within 30 days to the Office of Immigration and Nationality of the Ministry of Interior, Budafoki út 60, Budapest XI., tel.: 463-9233 or 463-9100.
• Hospitals will report the admission of a foreigner within 24 hours to the Office of Immigration and Nationality of the Ministry of Interior.
• Foreigners, who are fined for a petty offence and fail to pay the fine within 46 days of the offense, may be prohibited entry to/residence in Hungary.
• For study programs of more than 3 months duration, Americans citizens need a student visa. For programs of less than 3 months, no visa is required.

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The U.S. government has an extensive web site that provides information about and links to many federal and state organizations: www.firstgov.gov. Chances are you may find what you're looking for through the site's search engine.

• Department of State: http://travel.state.gov After typing http://travel.state.gov, type in the specific address that you are interested in (or click on the topic you are interested in visiting):
  http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html
  http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_brochures.html
  http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html
  http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
  http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html
  U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide: http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_embassies.html
  Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens Visiting other Countries: http://travel.state.gov/visa/Americans1.html
• U.S. Dept of Commerce: www.doc.gov
• U.S. Customs: www.customs.ustreas.gov
• Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov
• Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) (Formerly INS)
• UnitedStatesVisas.gov
• Social Security Agency:www.ssa.gov
• Department of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov
• Center for Disease Control (CDC): www.cdc.gov
• National Archives: www.nara.gov

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Americans who find themselves destitute in Hungary may obtain money from relatives and friends in the U.S. in a variety of ways. One is through the U.S. Department of State's Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) office. The fee for this service is $30, but it is not necessarily the fastest way to receive money and may only be used in an emergency. A quicker and only slightly more expensive way to obtain money is to have it sent directly to the recipient through a Western Union Worldwide Money Transfer (see "Other Options for Sending Money" section below).

Sending Money to the State Department's Overseas Citizens Services:

The Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) office hours are:
8:00am-10:00pm, EST on weekdays; and 9:00am-3:00pm EST on Saturdays.

OCS' telephone number is: 202-647-5225.

Instructions for Sending Money to a U.S. Citizen in an Emergency Financial Situation Abroad:

When you use this service, a Department of State trust account is established in the recipient's name in order to forward funds overseas. There is a $30 processing fee. Personal checks are not accepted. Your money order or cashier's check must be made payable to the Department of State. Upon receipt, OCS sends a telegram to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad authorizing next workday disbursement. The recipient must contact the Embassy or Consulate to arrange receipt. The forwarding of funds will be delayed if you fail to provide the recipient's name and overseas location. Funds are normally disbursed in the foreign country's currency and not in U.S. dollars.

Western Union:

If you have a major credit card, you may telephone Western Union at 1-800-325-6000 or 4176. Otherwise, tell your local Western Union agent that you wish to purchase a money order for the desired amount plus $30 (OCS fee) and made payable to the Department of State. A message with your name, address, and telephone number, as well as the name and overseas location of the recipient, must accompany the money order. Western Union charges a fee based on the amount sent. The money order and message are sent to: Overseas Citizens Services (OCS), Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520. Funds are normally received electronically in OCS within several hours. OCS has a Western Union checkwriter in the OCS office and an officer is available to receive funds during the hours listed above. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate which is to disburse the funds will be notified and authorized to pay out the funds. However, it is important to understand that the funds are disbursed only during normal office hours, not during weekends or local holidays when the Embassy or Consulate is closed.

Bankwire:

It may take 1 to 3 days to process a bankwire transaction. If you choose this option, tell your bank that you want to wire the desired amount plus $42 to Bank of America, Department of State Branch, 2201 C St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20520 at 202-624-4750 via ABA Number: 114000653; Account Number: 7476363838; Account Name: PUPID State Department; Special Instructions: OCS/Trust for benefit of (recipient's name), Embassy/Consulate (city, country); and include your name and telephone number. The wire instructions must include the recipient's full name and overseas location. Bank of America notifies OCS when funds are received. The $42 fee includes OCS' $30 fee and Bank of America's $12 wire fee.

Overnight Mail:

Obtain cashiers check or money order for the desired amount plus $30 (OCS fee), made payable to the Department of State. Attach a letter with your name, address, and telephone number, as well as the name and location of the overseas recipient. Mail to: Overseas Citizens Services, CA/OCS, Room 4811, Department of State, 2201 C St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20520. Delivery of overnight mail to CA/OCS may take 2 to 3 days.

Regular Mail:

Regular mail can take 3 to 4 weeks to reach CA/OCS due to on-going irradiation procedures. We strongly discourage this method for emergency use.

Other Options for Sending Money:

Western Union: Friends or relatives can send money directly to you. All it takes is a phone call; they do not need to visit a Western Union office. Western union accepts Visa and Mastercard. The U.S. toll-free number is 800-325-6000 or 800-325-4276. Your money will arrive in Budapest within an hour. There are several locations where you can pick up your funds; call 266-6411, a number that is available 24 hours a day.

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When an American dies abroad, a consular officer notifies the deceased's family and informs them of options and costs for disposition of remains. Costs for preparing and returning the body to the United States can be high and must be paid by the family. At times, Hungarian laws and procedures can also make returning a body to the United States a complex process. A Consul prepares a Report of Death based on the Hungarian death certificate; this is then forwarded to the next of kin for use in estate and insurance matters. If you are in the United States at the time of notification of a U.S. national's death, it is suggested that you contact the Citizens Emergency Center at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. for assistance, Tel.: 202-647-5225.

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ACS can assist you in locating a U.S. citizen family member or friend who is missing. Also, ACS can assist you should you become concerned about the welfare of a U.S. citizen. Keep in mind that once an individual is located, you will be notified of this ONLY if he/she has signed an authorization or given verbal permission to a consular officer to waive the Privacy Act provisions.

In contacting ACS about these types of cases, please have at hand the name of the person you are looking for, his/her U.S. passport number, date and place of birth, travel plans and the date when he/she entered Hungary.

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If you, an American citizen, are arrested, you should ask the authorities to notify a U.S. Consul in American Citizens Services (ACS). Under Article 41 of the 1972 Consular Convention between Hungary and the United States, Hungarian government authorities are obliged to notify the appropriate American Consular officials of the arrest and detention of an U.S. national who requests that such notification be made. Consuls cannot get you out of jail (when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its local laws). However, they can work to protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you do not face discrimination. They can provide you with a list of local attorneys, visit you, inform you generally about local laws, and contact your family and friends. Consular officers can transfer money and clothing to the prison authorities from your family and friends. They can try to obtain relief if you are held under inhumane or unhealthful conditions.

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While living overseas, it is generally a good idea to have important documents and/or records at hand in case of an emergency or an evacuation. It is suggested that you keep the following items easily available:

1. Signed and notarized power of attorney executed by each spouse on behalf of the other spouse;
2. Joint checking account;
3. Current copy of will(s);
4. List of family members' Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, insurance policies, passport numbers along with the date of its issuance;
5. Medical records, prescriptions needed by family members, immunization records, eyeglass prescriptions;
6. Up-to-date household inventory;
7. Prior tax year records and other records necessary for filing the current year;
8. List of credit card numbers (separate cards for each spouse is also a good idea);
9. Copies of Birth and Marriage Certificates and Passport biographical page;
10. Employment records, resumes, and letters of recommendation;
11. Children's school records;
12. List of doctors, dentists, lawyers and other professional providers of services;
13. Mortgage records, deeds, bonds, etc.;
14. Updated address books, both business and personal;
15. Travelers' cheques, bank books, cheque books, cash--both local and U.S.; and
16. List of assets and liabilities.

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Ambulance: 104
Police: 107
Fire: 105

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The Hungarian Customs Office can answer questions. Contact information:
tel: 470-4119, 470-4121, 470-4122; Fax: 470-4120; e-mail: vam.info@mail.vpop.hu. Also, inquirers can visit their web site: www.vam.hu. The English version of the web site is at www.vam.hu/english/eng_index.html.

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• American Express: Notify American Express at: Deák Ferenc utca 10, Budapest V; Tel.: 235-4300. Other telephone numbers: 235-4303/4310. Office hours are 9am-5:30pm Monday-Friday. Loss or theft of an AMEX card can be reported in Budapest 24 hours a day to this office. Duplicate cards can be issued (usually on the same day or the next business day) upon approval of the U.S. home office.
• Visa: Loss or theft of a Visa card can be reported in Budapest 24 hours a day by calling 460-5233 (K&H Bank).
• Mastercard: Toll-Free number in Hungary: 06-800-12517.
• Discover Card: Toll call to the United States: 00-1-801-902-3100.
• Diner's Club: Toll-Free number in Hungary: 06-80-488-888.
• U.S. Driver's Licenses: The Embassy is not authorized to replace lost, stolen or expired driver's licenses. Only the issuing office, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the driver's home state can perform that service. If you need an address or a telephone number, you can search the Internet for your state's contact information or you can consult the DMV list at American Citizens Services (no guarantee that we will have every state).

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Direct dial telephone service to most countries from Hungary is available and reliable. In the last few years, Hungary has updated its telephone system and increased the quality of service. An international call from Hungary to the United States is generally less expensive than a call of the same duration placed from the United States. Long-distance calling cards such as AT&T and MCI, or an international callback service can be used here. American telephones, including most cordless phones, answering machines, and fax machines will operate in Hungary although devices with internal clocks may run slower because of the difference in cycles in the electrical current.

If you are interested in obtaining an international telephone callback service:

World Wide TELECOM
Tel: 703-883-3933
E-mail: info@wwtelecom.com
Web: www.wwtelecom.com

Global Phone
Tel: 703-533-2122
E-mail: sales@gphone.com
Web: www.gphone.com

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Hungary has an extensive cellular telephone network and personal cell phones are commonplace. Customers can choose to either prepay for their phone usage or purchase a monthly payment plan. Both payment methods have advantages and disadvantages and should be weighed based on a customer's need. Major providers are T-Mobile, Pannon, and Vodafone.

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Since 1897, births, marriages, divorce, and deaths have been registered by the civil service, and only civil marriages are legal. For more detailed information, you may wish to write to the Vital Statistics Office of the Hungarian Ministry of Interior at Budapest 1450, Pf. 81. Tel.: 455-6776 or you can visit this web site: www.huembwas.org/Consular/OKMBESZ.htm.

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Though ACS cannot obtain civil records, there are some web sites that provide state by state information. They are: www.firstgov.gov and the National Center for Health Statistics web site at www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm.

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Should you need an original U.S. police record from a police department in the U.S., please contact the police station in the city where you lived in the United States. In some cases, a sworn statement indicating that you have no police record is acceptable. If this applies to your case, this sworn statement can be obtained from ACS.
Your personal FBI Record can be obtained at the following link: www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.html. At this webpage you can find info on how to apply FBI Identification Record Request. It could be useful in case the Hungarian authorities do not accept the sworn statement notarized by us.

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The Hungarian Police have advised the Embassy recently that U.S. driver's licenses will be accepted in Hungary for one year after arrival in Hungary, provided that a certified Hungarian translation is attached to the document. U.S. citizens who are in possession of an international driver's license do not need to have their state driver's license translated, but must have both the state and the international licenses on hand when driving.

After one year of residence in Hungary, U.S. citizens must obtain a Hungarian driver's license.

The five Hungarian driver's license categories are:

• 'A' Motorcycles
• 'B' Motor vehicles, other than those in category 'A', having a permissible maximum weight not to exceed 3,500 kg (7,700 lb) and not more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat.
• 'C' Trucks, that exceed 3,500 kg (7,700 lb), which are used for transporting goods without a trailer.
• 'D' Bus or van used for transporting passengers which have more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat.
• 'E' Any vehicle in categories B, C and D plus a truck that draws a trailer.

Application forms and information are available at the district police stations. In certain cases (i.e., where the fitness to drive cannot be established from the foreign driver's license), an appropriate health certificate must be attached. When the Hungarian driver's license is issued, the American one will be held by the police for the duration of the bearer's use of the Hungarian license (which is valid everywhere in Europe). The police may waive this requirement if the bearer has no other means of identification. For more detailed information, inquiries should be addressed to the police station nearest to the U.S. citizen's residence.

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The International Driving Permit is valid in over 150 countries. The permit contains your name, photo and driver information translated into ten languages. This license is not intended to replace a valid U.S. license and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license.

Enclose your completed application form, two ORIGINAL passport-size photos, a $10.00 permit fee and the photocopy of your current driver's license and mail them to:

AAA/IDP, 2040 Market Street, Philadelphia PA 19103

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Public transportation in Budapest is excellent. Budapest and its environs are well serviced by a network of buses, trams, trolleys, and subway lines. Ticketing is on the honor system; however, Metro police make routine ticket checks and will issue on-the-spot cash violations for failure to present a correctly punched, valid ticket or metro pass. Monthly and yearly passes are available at major metro stations and can be used for all forms of public transportation. As of July 2004, a monthly pass can be purchased for 5,400 HUF (about 25 USD) and a yearly pass can be purchased for 62,000 HUF (about 300 USD; cost is double without a photo). More information at www.bkv.hu/angol/home/index.html.
Taxis are readily available 24 hours a day and, despite some documented taxi scams, are reasonably priced. Fares vary depending on the company and the time of day. A highly dependable Minibus service operates to and from Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport; its set fare is considerably less than a taxi.

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• Bestsellers: Október 6 utca, 11;V; Tel.: 312-1295. E-mail: bookshop@bestsellers.hu; Web site: www.bestsellers.hu. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10am-6:30pm, Saturday: 10am-5pm.
• Király Books: Fô utca, 79, II.; Tel.: 214-0972 (also has French books). E-mail: montuori@nextramail.hu
• CEU (Central European University) Bookshop: Nádor utca, 9, V; Tel.: 327-3026; E-mail: bookshop@ceu.hu; Web site: www.ceu.hu. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9am-6pm, Sat.: 10am-5pm.
• House of the World Press: Városház utca 3-5, V ; Tel.: 317-1311 (newspapers and magazines).
• Párizsi Udvar: Petôfi Sándor utca 2, V; Tel.: 235-0379 (travel and language books, Hungarian literature in translation). Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9am-7pm, Sat.: 10am-2pm.
• Bookshop Kft. (Oxford University Press Store): Gerlóczy utca 7, V; Tel.: 318-8633. Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9am-5pm except Wed.: 9am-7pm.

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The majority of Budapest's religious services are held in Hungarian. However, a number of weekly English-language services are offered at: St. Margaret's Anglican/Episcopal Church, International Baptist Church, Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart (Roman Catholic), Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Reformed Presbyterian Church, Danube International Church, Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Christian Science, and the International Church of Budapest (non-denominational). There is also an English language on-line audio church service (Lutheran): www.worshipservice.com. Our list of English language church services can be found at www.usembassy.hu/docs/church.htm. For more information please visit: www.englishlanguagechurches.org.

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ACS does not have the staff to conduct genealogical investigations. It is suggested that you visit the WEBArchive of the Hungarian Geneaology web site, www.genealogia.hu/english/index.htm, to find out more about how to undertake research in Hungary. If you are looking for information on relatives who have immigrated to the United States, you may want to check the genealogical research pages of the U.S. National Archives' web site: www.nara.gov/genealogy/genindex.html.

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Hungary has several local dial-up Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from: GTS Datanet, Matavnet, and Nextra. Depending on the plan, monthly Internet fees start at about 15 USD a month. Euro ISDN service is available, but is more expensive than dial-up service. Analog dial-up service (maximum 56 kbps, monthly fee, connection time is shown in telephone bill), ISDN (maximum 64 kbps/channel, 2 channels, monthly fee, connection time is shown in telephone bill), ADSL (maximum 384/ 720/ 1536 kbps (download), monthly fee, available only in selected areas), and cable TV (maximum 320/ 512 kbps, monthly fee, available only in selected areas - cable TV and Internet via a cable box) services are becoming more commonplace. through companies such as GTS Datanet and Axelero. Budapest has a number of Internet cafes where customers can use Internet and access e-mail.

ISDN Providers:

Axelero - www.axelero.hu/indexeng.html
1364 Budapest Pf. 204
E-mail: info@axelero.hu
Tel.: 1234
Fax: 411-0550
Hotline: 06-80-420-042

GTS Datanet - GTS-Datanet Távközlési Kft.: www.datanet.hu
1134 Budapest Váci út 37/a.
E-mail: info@datanet.hu
Tel.: 814-4444
Fax: 814-4499

Inter.net: Interdotnet Magyarország Kft.: www.inter.net
1134 Budapest, Váci út 37/b.
1553 Budapest 134, Pf: 98
E-mail: info@hu.inter.net
Tel.: 465-7800
Fax: 465-7817

Nextra (Pronet): www.nextra.hu/english/index.html
1052 Budapest, Vármegye u. 3-5.
Ausztria Ház, 8. fl
Tel.: 484-8100
Fax: 484-8101

ADSL Providers:

Axelero - See contact information above

TVNet Kft. - www.tvnet.hu
Tel..: 288-6300
Fax: 288-6301

Cable TV Providers:

Axelero - See contact information above.
TVNet Kft. - See contact information above.
UPC Chello - www.upc.hu

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For more information on expatriate life, check out:

• The Budapest Sun, a weekly paper; their web site is: www.budapestsun.com.
• The Hungarian Spectator, a new bi-weekly paper that debuted in April 2002; their e-mail is: spectator@axelero.hu.
• Where Magazine for Budapest has cultural activities, information, and articles; their web site is www.wherebudapest.com.
• Budapest in Your Pocket has information about cultural events and other useful information; their web site is www.inyourpocket.com/hungary/budapest/en/.

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For those interested in making contact with other Americans in Hungary, some possibilities are:

• The American Club: After 5pm M-F and after 2pm Sat-Sun: Tel.: 375-7593; and
• The American Women's Association: Tel.: 395-6093.
• North American Women's Association (NAWA): Open to women from the United States, Canada and Mexico. The NAWA meets 4th Friday of every month from 10am - 12pm at the American Club. (Tünder utca 1, Budapest. XII). Make sure to check the web site to see if there are any other meetings since there are more than one a month. Check www.awa.org.hu/activities.htm for the activities and trips in the upcoming months. Also contact the chairwoman if you have any questions. Her email is shar.helfgott@axelero.hu. For more information, contact the Newcomer Chairwoman, Debbie Morrison at 200-6769. Web site: www.awa.org.hu
• International Women's Club Foundation (IWCF): The IWCF meets from 10am-12pm at the Marriott Hotel (Apáczai Csere János utca 4, Budapest. V). For more information contact the IWCF offices at 225-3078 (weekdays Sept-June from 10-noon) or E-mail: iwc@nextra.hu.
• Professional Women's Association: Open to women of all nationalities. Meetings are normally held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00pm at the Kempinski Hotel (Erzsébet tér 7-8, Budapest 1051) E-mail: pwa@nextra.hu. Website: www.pwa.hu
• Alcoholics Anonymus: Kertész utca 28, Tel.: 352-1947; László (Hungarian only): 251-0051, Sue: 20-365-4771, Ted: 20-976-0782. Meetings are held on Fridays at 6pm.
• YouthCompass. A positive alternative for international teens. Tel.: 30-328-5265, E-mail: mcannon@youthcompass.org. Website: www.youthcompass.org

Business:

• American Chamber of Commerce: www.amcham.hu; E-mail: info@amcham.hu; Fax: 266-9888; Tel.: 266-9880.
• Budapest Business Journal: E-mail: editor@bbj.hu; publisher@bbj.hu; Tel: 374-3344; Fax: 374-3345; Web site: www.bbj.hu.

Note that some of these organizations may require membership and related fees.

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Due to an excellent cable penetration in Budapest there is access to European programming in English, German, Italian, French and Spanish. If equipped with a satellite dish or cable, most areas in Budapest can pick up many of the following English language channels: Sky News, CNN International, MTV, Euronews, Super Channel, Eurosport, the Cartoon Network/TNT, FoxSport/Cartoon, Sport 1, MSNBC, Animal Planet, and Discovery Channel. Without cable, or a digital satellite receiver and dish, which are available locally, you will receive only Hungarian channels.

Hungarian television uses the PAL (European) standard. A PAL or multi-system TV is necessary to receive local programming. Converting an American television set to the PAL standard is a great expense. However, an American TV and video system are useful for viewing American videotapes if a multi-system is not available. Multi-system televisions and VCRs are sold locally at large electronic stores.

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