Hungarian Forint_flag

Hungarian Forint

The Hungarian Forint, represented by the currency code HUF, is the official currency of Hungary. The Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB), also known as the Central Bank of Hungary, issues and manages the Hungarian Forint.

The Forint was introduced on 1 August 1946, after the end of the Second World War, replacing the Pengő, which had faced hyperinflation. The currency's name, 'Forint', comes from the city of Florence, where golden coins called fiorino d'oro were minted starting in 1252.

Convertible:Yes

Transferable:Yes

Exchange rate regime:Floating

Did you know?

Hungary's Monetary Policy

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The primary objective of the MNB's monetary policy is to achieve and maintain price stability. The MNB uses an inflation-targeting regime, aiming for an annual increase in the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) of around 3%.

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The key instrument of the MNB's monetary policy is the base rate, which influences other interest rates. The MNB also uses other tools, such as open market operations and reserve requirements.

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The Hungarian Forint is subdivided into 100 fillér, although fillér coins have not been in circulation since 1999. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 forints, and banknotes are issued in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 forints.

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Forint banknotes feature prominent Hungarians and significant Hungarian landmarks. The design also includes advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.

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The performance of the Hungarian Forint is often discussed among economists and financial experts in relation to Hungary's economic indicators and the MNB's policy decisions. Factors such as Hungary's fiscal policies, its trade relationships, particularly with the European Union, and global economic conditions significantly influence the value of the Forint.

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The ongoing discussions about Hungary potentially adopting the Euro are also a point of interest among experts.

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The MNB is responsible for the regulation of the Hungarian Forint. It oversees monetary policy, manages foreign exchange reserves, and ensures the stability of the Hungarian financial system.

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The MNB also implements measures to prevent financial crimes, including robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations that financial institutions must comply with.

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Important information

Payments in HUF to Hungary

Key considerations to bear in mind

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Payment instructions should contain the beneficiary's IBAN, name, and address.

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Payment Processing Time

The time taken for a payment to reach the recipient's bank account can vary. Domestic transfers within Hungary are typically processed quickly, while international transfers may take a few business days. Consider the processing time when planning your payment to ensure timely delivery. The iBanFirst Payment Tracker can help you track those payments, and ensure a smooth and efficient payment experience.

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Fees and Charges

Banks and financial institutions may apply fees and charges when processing international payments. These fees can vary, so it is advisable to check with your bank to understand the charges associated with your transaction. Check out iBanFirst’s Savings Calculator to estimate how much you could save on your next international payment.

Keep in mind

Bank holidays

01

January

New Year's Day

15

March

National Day

01

May

Labour Day

20

August

State Foundation Day

23

October

Republic Day

25

December

Christmas Day

26

December

Second Day of Christmas

Easter Monday

Varies

Pentecost Monday

Varies

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Currency Reference Guide

Get the full currency reference guide, updated by the iBanFirst currency market experts.

iBanFirst S.A. is duly authorised and regulated by the National Bank of Belgium (under CBE number 0849.872.824) as a payment institution. It is a direct member of the SWIFT network and is certified to make payments throughout the SEPA zone. As a payment institution, iBanFirst S.A. only offers hedging solutions (forward, flexible forward and dynamic forward) connected to underlying payment transactions. iBanFirst S.A. does not offer options or any other financial instruments for investment or speculative purposes.