Page 228 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Budapest

226  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health in crowded metro stations, buses
and shopping centres. They
Budapest is safe for visitors as long as common-sense also operate at all the main
precautions are taken to guard your personal safety tourist sights, and on nearby
and possessions. Emergency services are reliable, and public transport. When working
hospitals and medical clinics are clean and efficient. as a group, they may surround
unsus pecting tourists and
Nevertheless, as in any large city, social problems can jostle or distract them. For this
have an impact. Petty crime rates are on the rise, with an reason, it is a good idea to
increase of pickpocketing in particular. Sadly, any visitors have a photocopy of your
to Budapest will also be aware of the growing numbers passport and your travel
of homeless people living on the city’s streets. insurance documents.
It is also worth noting that the
rise of extreme nationalist and
right-wing groups has created
Police Every district has its own police pockets of violence, which it
Budapest is a pleasant city, station, some of which offer is wise to avoid. In the past,
with most neighbourhoods 24-hour tourist assistance. In the violent clashes have taken place
still safe to walk around at event of loss or theft, a report on major national holidays such
night. However, as with any should be made immediately as 15 March (Spring Uprising)
large city, it has its share of to the police. For lost passports, and 23 October (Remembrance
crime so sensible precautions see Lost and Stolen Property. Day), and at Gay Pride marches,
should be taken. so it is wise to keep an eye out
The Hungarian police In an Emergency for trouble.
(rendőrség) are frequently Women should not walk
seen patrolling the streets on The number to call in an unaccompanied late at night
motorbikes, on foot or in cars. emergency is the Central in poorly lit areas and should
Emer gency Number – avoid deserted streets. Rákóczi
112. If you are involved tér and Mátyás tér, in district
in a police case as a VIII, have been infamous for
witness or injured party, their brothels since the 19th
you should ask for century and have a long-
consular assistance. standing tradition as hangouts
For other emergency for prostitutes, although
numbers see the legislation has now made
Directory (opposite). prostitution much less visible
on the streets.
When eating in restaurants
What to Be
Police car make sure that your menu
Aware Of includes prices, as some
Documents and money restaurants may try to take
should be carried in a advantage of tourists. Single
secure inside pocket or men should also beware of
in a money belt. Money predatory females inviting
should be exchanged at them to a bar for a drink
a bank, your hotel or an or meal, which then results
exchange bureau, never in a disproportionately huge
on the black market. bill (see p215). Such scams are
Visitors must carry some most often found in the less
form of ID or a passport appealing places in the centre
on them by law. Driving of Pest.
Ambulance licences work just as
well within city limits.
Do not leave Lost and Stolen Property
valuables in your car. The loss or theft of a passport
If taking a taxi, use should be reported to the
regis tered vehicles, local police station and then
which offer more the appropriate embassy
security and are less immediately (see p225).
likely to overcharge Any items left on public
than unmarked ones transport may be traced at the
(see p239). Pickpockets Lost Property Office, at No. 18
operate during rush Akácfa utca, or by calling BKK
Road policeman on a motorbike hours, targeting people Lost Property.

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