Play Money

While we are just stuck with play money, the fact that the Hungarian currency has tanked is potentially good news for visitors to Hungary. Cheap, cheap price. Click "read more" for more.

This morning one euro was almost worth 310 forints - pretty wild and frightening when you consider that it used to be worth about 250 forints for quite some time now. Hungarian economics weekly HVG is closely monitoring the Hungarian currency's deep slide and writes that it is breaking records. Experts aren't sure what's next.

I am no economist, so take my silly musings with a ton of salt.

Obviously, this is not good news for those of us who live in Hungary. It means our forints just aren't worth as much; the prices of good and services will no doubt go sky high as an adjustment, especially for imported goods.

But, if the media are to be believed, the devaluation of a currency supposedly makes traveling to that country a bargain for visitors, whose euro or pound goes further. It sounds like wishful thinking. It would be great if local businesses chose not to raise their prices that much, in hopes that more tourists take advantage of potential bargains.

If you're not a luxury traveler, travel to Budapest and other parts of Hungary can still be a relative bargain. There are so many wonderful cultural offerings to enjoy here that don't cost a million bucks. So don't be afraid, just buy your ticket because your trip doesn't have to break your personal bank.

And if you have any questions about Hungary or need some suggestions of things to do, feel free to send them to us.

In the meantime we'll be tightening our belts - trying not to worry too much about our "play money" - and enjoying the simple pleasures of living in Hungary.

Stay tuned,

Uncle Drew