Associate Counselors & Vision Trips
Thank you for committing your time with Olive Tree! We hope your time with us can be fulfilling, enlightening, and full of good memories with our team and as you explore the area. Below you’ll find a variety of resources to help you prepare for your time in Budapest. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions to Amber Nicole: ambernicole@olivetreecounseling.org
There are a few things you’ll need to take care of ahead of arrival. To make your travel as smooth as possible, please do the following.
Double check that you are booking for BUDAPEST, HUNGARY and not any other similar sounding cities in this region :) BUD (Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport) is the airport you want to fly into. Also make note of this when booking housing during your stay ahead of time.
Please check to see if you need a visa to enter Hungary. Hungary is part of the EU and is part of the Shengen visa opportunity. Many countries do not require an additional visa for up to 90 days in the country. Please check this site for further info.
https://www.budapest.net/travel-advice
TRAVEL NOTES – PASSPORTS, CREDIT CARDS & PHONE PLANS:
Passports: Bring your passport and bring an extra hard copy color photocopy as well in case of an emergency.
Bank/Credit Card Company: Tell your bank in advance what dates you will be out of the country and where exactly you’ll be so they will not flag your card for potential fraud.
Phone Company: Check with your phone company for international usage fees if any. Sometimes they have temporary special daily plans. You can also use an e-sim (Airalo is an app you can download and pre-pay for ahead of your trip) that we’ll share below…
DOWNLOAD THIS BEFORE TRAVELING:
E-Sim: Airalo is one e-sim app option that is easy to download ahead of time and get set up before you travel. You can have your package pre-purchased and ready to activate when your plane lands in Budapest. This will help your travel and navigation happen seamlessly.
Budapest Go App (for Metro, Tram, Busses) – If you download this app before you arrive, you can purchase a 15-day pass that works for all modes of public transit within Budapest proper. Make sure your pass starts on the day you arrive so it is valid throughout your stay. Once you have purchased the pass on the app, it will say when it is “activated” and you don’t need to validate ticket further to use it. (More on this and purchasing tickets below.)
TRANSIT FROM THE AIRPORT:
The 100E (Airport Shuttle Bus) between Liszt Ferenc Airport and city center (Deak Ferenc ter or Kalvin ter.) This shuttle goes directly to the airport. Be aware that the Budapest transit pass does not include getting to the airport, so you do need to buy an additional ticket for the airport shuttle bus. That can be done at the airport as you are arriving, or on the BudapestGo app ahead of time. They come about every 10 minutes.
Taxis can be acquired from right outside departures. There’s a booth to your left when you exit the airport, where you give them your address, confirm the estimated cost, and then show you where to meet the taxi. Estimated $20-30 one way.
DOCUMENTS:
- Passport (valid 6+ months beyond your departure)
- Flight tickets + travel insurance info (if preferred)
- Credit/debit cards (notify your bank)
- Cash (a small amount in USD and HUF) – you can easily get it from an ATM after arrival as well
- Local SIM card, E-Sim or unlocked phone
- Travel adapter (Hungary uses Type C or F plugs, 230V)
- Copy of documents (digital + hard copy)
- Itinerary and address of where you are staying printed out ahead of travel
HEALTH CARE / HYGIENE:
- You should have an easy time finding hygeine products at a local DM or Rossmann store here as needed.
- Medicines (bring your own for shorter trips, or prescriptions are required) and vitamins
- Personal Toiletries
CLOTHING:
- Business casual outfits for the office
- Casual wear outside is perfectly appropriate
- Good walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit (if you would like to try the popular thermal baths / pools during your time here)
- Backpack / daily travel bag is really handy since you’ll be walking / using public transit
- Packable umbrella (depending on season)
TIPS: Be mindful of the season you’re traveling in! Winters are cold and you’ll be walking around a lot in wet weather, so bring warm winter coat / boots / scarf and hat. In spring, you’ll want rain gear, and summers are quite warm. We recommend bringing layers!
Total Estimated Budget for 2 Weeks
| Category | Costs in USD (current exchange rate is 355 HUF/$1) |
| Accommodation | $850–$1,400 |
| Food (similar to US prices) | $280–$400 |
| Transportation | $50–$60 |
| Activities | $150–$200 |
| Miscellaneous | $60–$100 |
| Total | $1,400–$2,160 |
Accommodation (14 nights)
Counselor’s apartments (if available) will range from $20-35/day or $150-250 per week. OTCC will let you know if any team members will be traveling and if any apts would be available for you to use.
District V (Belváros-Lipótváros):
- Known for its prime location near the Danube, Parliament, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
- Airbnb listings start at $10 per night, but mid-range options typically range from $70–$100 per night .
- Estimated total: $980–$1,400 for 14 nights.
Near Móricz Zsigmond körtér: (central area, near to office)
- Located in District XI, offering a more local experience with easy tram access to the city center.
- Mid-range Airbnb options are generally $60–$90 per night.
- Estimated total: $840–$1,260 for 14 nights
Food (Groceries & Dining Out)
- Groceries: Approximately $50–$70 per week.
- Dining Out: Mid-range restaurants average $12–$20 per meal.
- Estimated total: $280–$400 for 14 days, assuming a mix of self-catering and dining out.
Food prices for groceries and restaurants are comparable to what you’d be paying in major U.S. and European cities. We recommend planning for a similar budget.
| Item (as of April 2025) | Price (HUF) | Price (USD) |
| Milk (1 liter) | 456 Ft | $1.25 |
| Fresh White Bread (1 kg) | 977 Ft | $2.68 |
| Rice (white, 1 kg) | 792 Ft | $2.17 |
| Eggs (12) | 1,076 Ft | $2.95 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | 4,017 Ft | $11.01 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | 2,291 Ft | $6.28 |
| Beef Round (1 kg) | 4,842 Ft | $13.27 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 640 Ft | $1.75 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 673 Ft | $1.85 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 673 Ft | $1.85 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 1,498 Ft | $4.10 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 510 Ft | $1.40 |
| Onions (1 kg) | 423 Ft | $1.16 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 538 Ft | $1.47 |
| Water (1.5L bottle) | 178 Ft | $0.49 |
| Mid-range Bottle of Wine | 1,959 Ft | $5.37 |
Dining & Beverages (in USD)
| Item | Price (HUF) | Price (USD) |
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | 4,000 Ft | $10.96 |
| Three-Course Meal for Two | 20,000 Ft | $54.80 |
| Fast Food Combo (McDonald’s) | 3,000 Ft | $8.22 |
| Cappuccino | 946 Ft | $2.59 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | 1,000 Ft | $2.74 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | 1,000 Ft | $2.74 |
| Soft Drink (0.33L) | 577 Ft | $1.58 |
| Water (0.33L) | 432 Ft | $1.18 |
Transportation
- Public Transport: A 15-day Budapest travelcard costs $23, providing unlimited access to metro, trams, and buses within the city.
- Additional Transport: Occasional taxi or ride-sharing services may add $20–$30.
- Estimated total: $50–$60.
Activities & Entertainment
- Thermal Baths: Entry fees range from $20–$25.
- Sightseeing: Parliament tours, river cruises, and museum entries typically cost $10–$20 each.
- Estimated total: $150–$200, depending on the number of activities.
Miscellaneous
- SIM Card/Data: Approximately $10–$20.
- Souvenirs & Extras: Budget around $50–$80.
- Estimated total: $60–$100.
ASSOCIATE COUNSELOR SAMPLE BUDGET (1 month)
Current Exchange Rate (April 2025) 1 USD ≈ 365 HUF
Estimated Monthly Budget in Budapest
A 1-month budget for an average tourist (1-person) staying in Budapest can vary depending on lifestyle (budget, mid-range, luxury), but here’s a realistic breakdown for a comfortable mid-range traveler as of 2025:
| Category | Cost (USD) | Details |
| Accommodation | $1,200– $1,600 | 1-month Airbnb in central Budapest (e.g., District 6 or 11), 1–2 bedrooms (see possible alternative below) |
| Food & Dining | $300–$500 | Mix of groceries (~$250) + eating out 2–3× per week |
| Transport | $26 | Monthly public transit pass (BKK) |
| Attractions | $100–$200 | Museum entries, Parliament tour, thermal baths, galleries, etc. |
| Cafes/Leisure | $80–$150 | Coffee, pastries, snacks, or co-working spaces |
| SIM/Data | $10–$20 | Prepaid SIM with 10–20 GB of data |
| Miscellaneous | $50–$100 | Laundry, toiletries, small purchases |
Total: $1,766 – $2,596 USD per month (not including extra excursions or tourist activities)
HOUSING
Counselor’s Apartments will range from $20-35/day. OTCC will let you know if any team members will be traveling and if any apts would be available for you to use.
AIRBNB
As of April 2025, the average cost for a 2-bedroom Airbnb in Budapest is approximately $120 per night, totaling around $1,680 for a 2-week stay.
- Peak Season (July, August, December): Approximately $131.37/day
- Shoulder Season (Spring and Autumn months): Approximately $114.37/day
- Low Season (January, February, November): Approximately $97.56/day
FOOD
Food prices for groceries and restaurants are comparable to what you’d be paying in the major U.S. or European cities. We recommend planning for a similar budget.
Nicer Fast Food & Mid-range restaurants run from $10-20 per person
Groceries: Lidl, Aldi, Spar / InterSpar provide a variety of products that you’ll find familiar.
| Item (as of April 2025) | Price (HUF) | Price (USD) |
| Milk (1 liter) | 456 Ft | $1.25 |
| Fresh White Bread (1 kg) | 977 Ft | $2.68 |
| Rice (white, 1 kg) | 792 Ft | $2.17 |
| Eggs (12) | 1,076 Ft | $2.95 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | 4,017 Ft | $11.01 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | 2,291 Ft | $6.28 |
| Beef Round (1 kg) | 4,842 Ft | $13.27 |
| Apples (1 kg) | 640 Ft | $1.75 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | 673 Ft | $1.85 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | 673 Ft | $1.85 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | 1,498 Ft | $4.10 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | 510 Ft | $1.40 |
| Onions (1 kg) | 423 Ft | $1.16 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 538 Ft | $1.47 |
| Water (1.5L bottle) | 178 Ft | $0.49 |
| Mid-range Bottle of Wine | 1,959 Ft | $5.37 |
Dining & Beverages (in USD)
| Item | Price (HUF) | Price (USD) |
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | 4,000 Ft | $10.96 |
| Three-Course Meal for Two | 20,000 Ft | $54.80 |
| Fast Food Combo (McDonald’s) | 3,000 Ft | $8.22 |
| Cappuccino | 946 Ft | $2.59 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | 1,000 Ft | $2.74 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | 1,000 Ft | $2.74 |
| Soft Drink (0.33L) | 577 Ft | $1.58 |
| Water (0.33L) | 432 Ft | $1.18 |
Estimated Monthly Food Budget (per person) Roughly $245/month
TRANSPORTATION
Budapest Monthly Pass
- Price: 9,500 HUF (≈ $26 USD)
- Airport Transfer (taxi) estimated $20-25
- Green Go (renting a car in Budapest): estimated $40/daily
Green Go (renting a car): https://greengo.com/hu/index-en
Costs will vary depending on what you select and how long you have it, but renting a car for the day would cost around $40. You will need to download the app and travel to pick it up if you want to do this. Keep in mind that if you’re traveling throughout the city, paying for Parking is also required.
ENTERTAINMENT (extras)
- Boat Tour estimated $20/person for a 2 hr boat ride to see Budapest from the River
- Tour of Parliament / Guided tour for American / non-resident (about 45 min): $36
- Day/Weekend Trip (by train) to Szentendre, Eger, Lake Balaton $30-100 each for transit
CLIENTS WITH OLIVE TREE:
We will be in touch about scheduling clients during your time here and making sure your clients are a good fit. The office system also uses Penelope, a client management software where your notes will be recorded. Someone on the team will orient you to the system upon arrival.
COMMUNITY LIFE WITH OLIVE TREE:
Daily, the staff gathers together at the offices for lunch from 12-1pm. Wednesdays are case staffing lunches (only with clinicians). We each bring our own lunches (or there is a grocery store in our building, if you need a quick option), and while not mandatory, we typically enjoy the social time, and when needed, conversations about office or client needs.
Generally, Olive Tree has regular staff meetings on Tuesdays from 4-5 pm. Once a month we will have dinner together afterwards. Additionally, we try to do a birthday or some kind of fun gathering together each month. We’ll be in touch about specific events with the team happening while you’re in Budapest. Our staff is happy to help you during your time here, and will likely invite you for dinner or outings during your time here as well. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the staff if you’re wanting to do more with people!
EXPAT COMMUNITY LIFE / CHURCH:
There is a large expat population in Budapest, and you’ll find English is widely spoken around the city, especially in more touristy areas. This should make it very simple to get around and explore! Additionally, there are several English-speaking international churches (list HERE) and our staff attends several different places on Sundays. If you’d like to attend anywhere with anyone on staff, just ask!
Counselor’s Apartments will range from $20-35/day. OTCC will let you know if any team members will be traveling and if any apartments would be available for you to use.
AIRBNB
As of April 2025, the average cost for a 2-bedroom Airbnb in Budapest is approximately $120 per night, totaling around $1,680 for a 2-week stay.
- Peak Season (July, August, December): Approximately $131.37/day
- Shoulder Season (Spring and Autumn months): Approximately $114.37/day
- Low Season (January, February, November): Approximately $97.56/day
Our office is located in the 11th district (on the Buda side). It is easily accessible by the 19, 48 (weekends only), and 49 trams and the 7 bus. If you can get to Moritz Zsigmond station (metro, buses, and trams) you will have easy transfer access, or a 12-15 minute walk to the office from there. This can help as you are looking for nearby accommodations.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATION:
B&B Hotel – Centrally located, breakfast buffet is included, with reasonably priced small rooms.
Ibis Hotel – located right beside the B&B Hotel
Anna Hotel Budapest – Only a 12-15 minute walk to the office, nicely updated and clean
AIRBNB:
There are many good airbnb options throughout the city. We recommend the following when searching for Airbnbs:
District 5 is very centrally located but many areas are still relatively quiet. It is easily accessible to the office.
Avoid District 7 and 8 for housing (some rougher areas)
It’s helpful to look for areas that are close to metro and/or tram stops
Look for super hosts and read the reviews on that place before booking to get an idea of the location and place to make sure it’s adequate for your needs.
District 11 on the Buda side is generally a bit quieter and in the same district as the office.
District 1 is also a good area and reasonably accessible to the office.
RECOMMENDED AIRBNB’s if available:
1. Spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms in Buda – Apartments for Rent in Budapest, Hungary – Airbnb
2. Stylish new apartment with 2 bedrooms in Buda – Apartments for Rent in Budapest, Hungary – Airbnb
Here are a few recommendations for exploring this beautiful, iconic city.
Some sites that can offer great recommendations:
https://www.wandertooth.com/budapest-tips-best-budapest-travel-tips/
TOURIST SITES:
Thermal Baths
Free walking tours of Budapest
St. Steven’s Basilica (with panoramic views of the city)
Castle District: Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion
Central Market Hall
QUIET SPOTS IN & AROUND THE CITY:
City Park – A beautiful lake / park area with restaurants, cafes and places to relax. There’s also some incredible playgrounds for kids of different ages to explore at the park.
Margaret Island – walking/running paths, fountains, mini zoo, places to lounge, run, play, in the summer there’s also swimming options. This is a great weekend hangout spot year round.
Szentendre – Quick day trip on a weekend for a charming, small town Hungarian experience
KIDS ACTIVITIES:
Budapest Zoo – One of the oldest zoos in the world, this is a fun area to explore with kids or without!
City Park – big interactive playground for multiple ages
Gellert Hill Park – lots of slides (for adults and kids)
Budapest Go (for Metro, Tram, Busses) – If you download this app before you arrive, you can purchase a 15-day or 30-day pass that works for all modes of public transit within Budapest proper. Make sure your pass starts on the day you arrive so it is valid throughout your stay. Once you have purchased the pass on the app, it will say when it is “activated” and you don’t need to validate ticket further to use it.
You can also purchase a physical ticket at the airport or at metro sites.
If you purchase a single ride ticket, you will need to validate it for each use.
They will check periodically and you can be fined for not having a ticket if you haven’t purchased it or validated it first. The app also allows you to plan trips and see the easiest modes of transport to get there. Google Maps is also very efficient in planning trips and best transport options. (Note: Not all metro stops are handicap accessible, so make note of that when looking for elevators, moving luggage or strollers around. You can view this on metro signs ahead.)
You might find this link helpful for exploring the city too: Tram lines with stops for tourists
- Bolt Taxi Service – We would recommend using Bolt (downloadable app) instead of general taxi services as some are not as trustworthy. The Bolt app is reliable, easy to use in English and affordable when public transit is not as accessible. (Note: You are not required to have a carseat for children when using Bolt services.)
- Uber Taxi – another safe and trustworthy taxi option
- Car Sharing Services – can rent for a few hours/days and use, pick up locations available throughout the city
- Mo Limo (need an address card to register)l: https://mollimo.hu/en/
- GreenGo:https://greengo.com/hu/index-hu
- Wigo: https://www.wigomobility.com/en/home
Please be careful when using ATMS as some have very large exchange fees. Do not use EuroNet. Look for a specific bank ATM (OTP or Raiffeisen, etc.) when you need to pull money. You mostly should be able to use credit cards for everything throughout the city and might not need to pull any cash. If you need to exchange money, there are places with good rates and no commission.
A few we recommend are: Correct Change Currency Exchange
It can be handy to have some Forint coins (100-200ft coins) to pay for using public bathrooms. Exchanging a small amount of USD or Euro cash will get you enough HUF to cover those needs.
Everyday Cheaper Eats We Love
Hummus Bar (several locations)
Pad Thai Wok Bar (several locations)
Cafes / Coffee
Madal Speciality Coffee (several locations)
Kelet (Buda side)
Vivina’s (Pest)
Close to the office
Il Treno (in the same building as the office)
Pont Coffee
Tesco Grocery (pickup and go lunch options – in the same building)
Favorite Restaurants
Cafe Hadik (traditional good Hungarian food)
Nagyi Langos (casual Hungarian food)
Pichler (Chimney Cakes)
Leila’s Lebanese Restaurant
Hilda Budapest (pricier but delicious!)
Tom Yum (Thai) – a chain across the city
Devbhhoomi (Indian)
Pizza Manufaktúra
Breakfast / Brunch
Nicaragua
Cookie Beacon
Cafe Budapest
The Garden Cafe
Deskra
Emergency Numbers
112: General emergency number (can be dialed for police, fire, or medical emergencies)
104: Ambulance
105: Fire department
107: Police
If you run into an emergency and need to find a nearby hospital, here is an ER search:
https://surgossegi.info/
AMERICAN EMBASSY LISTS FOR MEDICAL NEEDS:
https://hu.usembassy.gov/medical-assistance/
LIST OF ENGLISH SPEAKING CLINICS:
ONLINE DR VISIT:
https://www.mobidoctor.eu/doctors/budapest
RECOMMENDED:
FirstMed (English) – General Care and many special fields, can usually get appointments within a week
Pediatricians: Dr. Laufer and Dr. Wilde at FirstMed
Ob/Gyn: Dr. Agnes Kormos at 2B Medical Center (avoid Dr. Singh at FirstMed)
Waberer Medical Center – Mom mall area – English speaking german medical care
Rozsakert Medical Center – recommended for a pediatric allergist
MALLS: Allee Mall, MOM Mall, Etele Mall are all good resources
Thrift Stores are plentiful and good here if you find yourself ill-prepared for the different climate when you arrive! We recommend CREAM (several around the city) for adults and Hada for children’s clothing:
https://g.co/kgs/aPHqmcX
Budapest, Bartók Béla út 105-113, 1115 (LINK HERE)
You can take the 49 or 19 tram to Karolina ut stop. The entrance to our office is in building 1/A to the left of the Orlen gas station. Enter there and the receptionist can help direct you. We are located on the 4th floor of the office building. There is a nice elevator that is handicap accessible.
Our office is located in the 11th district on the Buda side.
PARKING AT THE OFFICE:
There is paid street parking in front of our building and along Bartok Bela (the main road running in front of our building.
Read more about parking in Budapest here:
https://bkk.hu/en/travel-information/parking/parking-on-the-premises-of-budapest