IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

A.  Business Customs

Business customs are similar to those in the United States and Western
Europe.  Typically, Hungarian business people like to a number of
meetings during which both knowledge and trust are developed.  Day-
long meetings usually involve a hearty luncheon sponsored by the
Hungarian-side where foreign visitors will sample Hungarian delicacies
and wines.  Hungary's working hours are 8am to 4pm.  During the
summer months, business typically stops by mid-afternoon.


B.  Travel Advisory and Visas

There are no travel advisories issued for Hungary.  American citizens
travelling to Hungary do not require visas.  Those intending to stay for
longer, will require residency permits.  Americans must obtain work
permits if they are employed in Hungary.  To obtain a work permit, a visa
for work purposes must be obtained from the Hungarian Embassy in the
United States prior to arrival in Hungary.


C.  Holidays

Hungary recognizes the following holidays: New Year's (January 2);
Revolution Day (March 15);  Easter Monday (April 17); Labor Day (May 1);
Whit Monday (June 5); National Day (August 20); Republic Day (October
23); Christmas (December 25); and Boxing Day (December 26).


D.  Business Infrastructure

Hungary is serviced by various major international airlines: Delta, KLM,
Lufthansa, British Airways, SAS, Air France, Sabena, Swiss Air.  The
Hungarian Airlines (MALEV) provides direct service between New York-
Budapest as well as servicing all the major European cities.  Travel into
the countryside will require either a rental car or a railroad trip.
Hungary is criss-crossed by railway lines which connect most cities.

In Budapest, there is a well-planned underground metro (3 lines) which
is supplemented by a comprehensive bus, tram and trolley system.  Taxis
are also available; however, drivers frequently take advantage of
foreign guests at major hotels by charging 2 to 3 times the normal rate.

Budapest has three 5-star (Hilton, Marriott, Kempinsky) and 3 4-star
(Forum, Hyatt, Korona) hotels located in the center of town.  Other
comfortable but lower-priced accommodations can be obtained at:
Aquincum, Hotel Helia, Thermal Hotel, and the Ramada.  Hotel facilities
vary in quality outside of Budapest.

Telephone service in Hungary is still poor -- call completion is only 40
percent.  Obtaining a line can sometimes be difficult.  In Budapest, the
service is the most reliable.  The hotels and many businesses are hooked
into digital switches.  From the hotels, foreign guests can use calling
card services such as AT&T's "USA Direct".  Outside Budapest, making
telephone calls can be difficult; many rural towns still have only manual
switches.

English is increasingly used in business contexts.  However, some
companies that have not had experience in international business may
lack competent English speakers.  German is a second language which is
widely used in Hungary.

Hungarians address each other by their family names followed by their
first names (e.g., Smith John).  Business cards are presented in this
manner unless printed in English.