Quality of customer service in Hungary

As a retired cosmetologist who worked in both high end and smaller barber shops I have to say the customer service in salons in Hungary is a bit shocking.

I believe it could be because as a foreigner the staff may think you will not be coming back for services so they do not care.

Used to get haircuts at Hajos Salon. Went there a good 6 times or more.

My stylist was often not in, on holiday without calling to cancel my appointment first. I would go in and if I wanted a cut I had to take who ever they pawned off on me.

Stopped going there;Tried Toni and Guy salon, they no longer are in business , no surprise there; Stylist was fine but the assisting  staff was rude. Waited for my cut with my husband, we stood in the lobby because all the chairs and a couch were being used by  jr. staff on a break. Rude and unheard of in the US.

Went to several of these so called, Posh salons, all a bit off with customer service.

Went to a shop that was recomened by a lady in a beauty supply house.

Odd stylist but she got the job done, nothing special but alright.

First visit to her was odd. Had an early morning appointment at 8 am.

Got there on time, she turned us away saying to come later!

As we were half way down the block, she runs after us saying it was her mistake and to come back. She had mixed up the times.

Went once or twice more, the last time took the cake!

She stopped mid cut     a good 3 to 4 times to chat on her phone. Then some women came in to sell items of clothing!

She again stopped mid cut to look at the sellers wares!

Never been so mad while getting a cut.On top of that I knew she had lost where she was in my haircut. Terrible cut.

Another time we tried a salon owner operated in the 5th. A male stylist.

He was so, so but what creeped me out was his salon decor.

As you laid back in the shampoo bowl for a wash the ceiling had oil paintings up up from friends of his for sale.

OK, get it but they were all female nudes!

WTH??

Long story but I have trained my husband to trim my hair.

Another thing, I notice they almost never offer a mirror after the cut. I ask and if I see a tag or uneven area I will tell them so; The faces they make is beyond professional, ego instead of good service. I am polite when I point out any mistakes they made; Also a good warning tip is if they pull out a chair for themselves to sit on while cutting, be sure the cut will be uneven.

Us foreigners always get treated differently to locals.   It's also the same in Austria. 

Usually we get charged more.

I never noticed this in Germany or The Netherlands.

It could be as high as 50% more hereabouts so keep stumm and let your local person/SO do the talking.

Tradesmen also lie about solutions and possibilities so do research beforehand.

So true even at a simple farmers market, if we are serious about buying anything I know my role, shut up, walk away at least 10 feet and wait to know the prices.

It is sad, never seen that treatment in the US for anyone.

Get so sick of mumbling to my husband if something catches my eye.

I feel I will never really fit in here.

One thing though, in official settings like the tram, subway etc; Ticket agents leave me alone and just say welcome.

If you came for the service - this is the wrong place to be.

I had 3 instances over almost 20 years here where the service was correlated with the amount you paid. Going to other places now feels so unfamiliar in terms of services provided.

5 star service here is 3 star elsewhere at BEST.

Are staff generally friendly and helpful, or more formal and direct?

How do businesses handle complaints or requests for refunds?

Do expats get treated differently than locals?

- @Cheryl

In a better scenario it is formal, but rarely direct.

Example of the difference (Hungarian vs. English):

Hun: "You obligated to..."

Eng: "You are kindly requested to..."

In worse scenario it is fake friendly and helpful - often with greedy eyes.

Both talks about how differently locals and outlanders treated - it is better to be a stranger, but one who are aware.

Like do not choose "taxi" which marked with the freelancer tag: or probably expect up to 4X fare.

Complains:

Depends on details.

When there are legal reasons behind it taken seriously (like taken a photo from a person who can be recognized on that without his/ her expressed permission - warning: outlanders also can be jailed for that + a few million Huf compensation).

When there are nonsense behind it probably not even a reply there (the do not dry your cat in the microwave category).

Refunds:

Probably even more easy than international standards as long it is about non-perishable products.

Hard for perishable - like food and drink.

As for large shops: most of them are foreign, and do the same as elsewhere:

Cashier made an error (like accidentally made it double), or it is a bad quality which gone wrong at first day: then you need to fill out the declaration: "Did not like product." - Aldi, Spar, Tesco, whatever - same as elsewhere.

@Cheryl

Supermarket staff can be a bit stressed, especially if you are like me a bit slow using the new machines.

I also very rarely take anything back.  That is a sticking point because they can be reluctant to replace faulty items. Ive had a few problem with guarantees.

Sometimes i just order things I need from Amazon Germany or E Bay uk. Or family send it. It avoids stress.

However I'm not a massive shopper and tend to buy replacement second hand furniture or electrical on facebook market place, rather than brand new.

Show quoted text

Overall customer service in Hungary is better then it used to be.

I just got home to Hungary from Las Vegas.

Everyone one in customer service there was very helpful, respectful and wore a smile;

Fake or not, it was nice.

Overall customer service in Hungary is better then it used to be.
I just got home to Hungary from Las Vegas.
Everyone one in customer service there was very helpful, respectful and wore a smile;
Fake or not, it was nice. - @Marilyn Tassy

Mrs F always gets reasonable service as she's got some kind of calming mojo cum hocus-pocus she can apply to the service personnel. It works well.  On the other hand, she's not used to arguing with people.   I think it was partly the system that was forced upon people during commie times.  Authority is always right etc. She will argue if I insist enough. 

One thing I find quite difficult to handle back at the mothership is people not saying "good morning" etc in bakeries and so on.   I like they do that in Austria, Germany and here (mostly).   I prefer it even more now I've got older and I want to take my time.

@fluffy2560

They usually do though.

@fluffy2560 They usually do though. - @Ikinoki

I meant the UK - that's my mothership. 

There, lucky to get a grunt of recognition that one is actually a customer.

I know last week in the US all customer service people were super nice, even if it cost me in my wallet.

My God no joke, super pricey in the US ATM.

My rent a car charged $851. for 6 days, got back$200. for keeping the car nice and filling the tank.

As I was sitting in traffic it was hard to shallow paying so much!

$34.bucks per day just for auto coverage!

Paid $4.29 for gas per gallon with a cash payment, most stations were a buck more per gallon.

Filled up in a desolate area where I thought any moment the station would be robbed!

I know last week in the US all customer service people were super nice, even if it cost me in my wallet.My God no joke, super pricey in the US ATM.My rent a car charged $851. for 6 days, got back$200. for keeping the car nice and filling the tank.As I was sitting in traffic it was hard to shallow paying so much!$34.bucks per day just for auto coverage!Paid $4.29 for gas per gallon with a cash payment, most stations were a buck more per gallon.Filled up in a desolate area where I thought any moment the station would be robbed! - @Marilyn Tassy

That's crazy money for car rental even if it did come with a smile.  It's those extras that do you in.  It's a con job. More grifting than DJT.

That $4.29  for gas/benzin/petrol (US gallon = 3.78 litres) is $1.13 / litre, which is 0.97 EUR /litre or 372 HUF /litre.

That's not expensive.  It's way up here even with the current rebate.  We're up to almost 900 HUF/litre on diesel with no rebate. 

I  used to rent a lot of cars in the UK and elsewhere - perhaps 12 times a year. I don't do that now as I actually bought a car in the UK and keep it in storage near a UK airport.   Around holiday times, I save plenty by owning my own car even though it costs quite a bit to store it.   For extra, the storage people also do things like yearly tests, small maintenance and cleaning. 

When I was renting cars, I got a world wide UK based all year rental car excess insurance for about £120 for both Mrs F and I.   That's 52K HUF for a YEAR.  I actually used it to cover a flat/damaged tyre so it worked out quite well as that was more than the premium. It's only worth it if one hires a lot of cars.

Yes, the US is very pricey.

Walked by a shop today and looked at new washing machines; I could use one;

Could of bought 6 of them instead of a stressful week in Vegas!

Hey, at least the storage place is not under my skin now!

Did some investments, not to my hubby,s liking so I had to hassle cancelling them;

Seems you can not do much without a local address these days.

Like living in limbo, not here and not there;

Yes, the US is very pricey.
Walked by a shop today and looked at new washing machines; I could use one;
Could of bought 6 of them instead of a stressful week in Vegas!
Hey, at least the storage place is not under my skin now!
Did some investments, not to my hubby,s liking so I had to hassle cancelling them;
Seems you can not do much without a local address these days.
Like living in limbo, not here and not there; - @Marilyn Tassy

Makes you wonder how homeless people manage in the USA.

In the UK public health system, there's a postal code/zip code for homeless people.  Apparently, it's ZZ99 3VZ for NFA (No Fixed Abode).   

Doesn't mean much but of course there, in the UK, everyone is entitled to health care, even homeless people.

My hotel was off Strip, wanted it that way, a truck rental was right there which did come in handy.

Not the best areas of Vegas but the hotel staff was friendly and helpful.

In the parking lot of the hotel, in the daylight here and there some strange homeless looking people were walking through;

Many people on the long Hwy. could be seen pushing shopping carts of junk.

IDK,  one bank I went to was at the other end of town, on an Ave; we used to live on near a high end golf course. Summerlin area.

It also looked beat up to my eyes;

Things are pricey but falling apart;

Maybe it was always run down but being away so long made me see with new vision?

My hotel was off Strip, wanted it that way, a truck rental was right there which did come in handy.
Not the best areas of Vegas but the hotel staff was friendly and helpful.
In the parking lot of the hotel, in the daylight here and there some strange homeless looking people were walking through;
Many people on the long Hwy. could be seen pushing shopping carts of junk.
IDK, one bank I went to was at the other end of town, on an Ave; we used to live on near a high end golf course. Summerlin area.
It also looked beat up to my eyes;
Things are pricey but falling apart;
Maybe it was always run down but being away so long made me see with new vision? - @Marilyn Tassy

People tend to overlook the details when they are around a long time in any particular place.  Things need to be fixed around here like pot holes and bad pavements (US: sidewalks) but I suppose the local government is not going to do anything until the election is resolved. 

There's an affordability crisis going on everywhere. We're paying out far too much.  We just received a water bill. It's much more than it was before which was almost a trivial amount.  We're now on Budapest Water Co and as I said before they are here every 5 minutes to read the meter or something or other like looking in our manholes.  I suppose they are checking for leaks or problems/errors. 

Overall, to sum up, customer service is an oxymoron hereabouts.

Feeling it ATM.

My 10 year resident permit is going to expire in a bit.

Trying to fill out details online and ran into hassles.

I am not great with the internet but why did I have to type in a 76 letter,number code to try to reset my password which was sent to spam and did not show anything about how to reset my password?

Guess we will go in person and see how well that lands.

With my luck they will again want to toss me out!

Why so hard? It is not like anyone wants to be me after all!

Feeling it ATM.My 10 year resident permit is going to expire in a bit.Trying to fill out details online and ran into hassles.I am not great with the internet but why did I have to type in a 76 letter,number code to try to reset my password which was sent to spam and did not show anything about how to reset my password?Guess we will go in person and see how well that lands.With my luck they will again want to toss me out!Why so hard? It is not like anyone wants to be me after all! - @Marilyn Tassy

They probably sent you a link to click on.  Obviously clicking on random links is not recommended. Cut and paste with utmost caution.

I was filling in online forms at Immigration's web site but when we got there physically they told us they don't look at the online paperwork.  Like WTF?  What was it for then?

Going in person will be the only way to get a proper answer.   It's just the usual BS in HU government.  No-one can give the right answer and they do stupid things.

I will be at immigration again around November as it's 5 years since Brexit happened and I will need to renew. 

I am still extremely annoyed Brexit occurred. None of this would have been necessary if we'd have stayed in.

We plan on popping over soon, the guard will probably tell us to go online!

My husband thankfully can tell them what we need.

I dislike going there more then words can say!

Like after 10 years I am no longer myself, just send me a bill and let it be, why all the hassle again?

In the end it is just about the $ anyways.

I dislike doing business online, just gets on my last nerve.

This will probably be my last time dealing with a 10 year permit, doubt I will be stickin around longer then that, either moved or left the stage by then!

We plan on popping over soon, the guard will probably tell us to go online!
My husband thankfully can tell them what we need.
I dislike going there more then words can say!
Like after 10 years I am no longer myself, just send me a bill and let it be, why all the hassle again?
In the end it is just about the $ anyways.
I dislike doing business online, just gets on my last nerve.
This will probably be my last time dealing with a 10 year permit, doubt I will be stickin around longer then that, either moved or left the stage by then! - @Marilyn Tassy

It's a bit of a dodgy situation today, what with the election.  Mrs F wants to leave the country if OV is back in.  She's got Spain in her sights and so does our daughter.  Our son has no opinion but I think doesn't want to go elsewhere.

Well, OK, I don't mind leaving but I like my house and I spent a lot of time on it and I don't want to give it up because of Orban.   It's all a bit irritating.

It seems the best thing is to try and learn more Hungarian and become a citizen. I've certainly done the time and have all the tick boxes except the language skills. If I was able to be a citizen, the EU would be open to us to go wherever we wanted.  I feel being forced to learn Hungarian at almost 66 (in a few months) is a bit annoying.  I will also be eligible for the pension etc.

The only country we can both do is Ireland where we both have rights to just go there and slip into it.  But the weather isn't great there.  It's even more comatose there than here.

I'm out of energy for learning new stuff and I really do not care that much about it but needs must. 

@fluffy2560

you just need to be able to pass the citizenship application at 66 you don't need the exam anymore. you just apply and need to write in your önéletrajz- curriculum vitae in hungarian. of course there are more requirements to why you want to become hungarian and if you have funds but generally the most difficult part if you completely oblivious to the language is the önéletrajz.

@fluffy2560
you just need to be able to pass the citizenship application at 66 you don't need the exam anymore. you just apply and need to write in your önéletrajz- curriculum vitae in hungarian. of course there are more requirements to why you want to become hungarian and if you have funds but generally the most difficult part if you completely oblivious to the language is the önéletrajz. - @Ikinoki

  Nice to know, thanks.

I am not sure it is good or not for me to think about being a HU citizen with the double taxation thing.

Nothing to declare yet but never know if I win the lotto or sell our flat.

I said this was the case a while ago, but of course, "Kevin" knew best and dismissed about becoming an HU citizen.

Marilyn:

You have to weigh up the pros and cons. If you become Hungarian, you get to travel freely throughout Europe, hassle-free.

BUT as of May 2026, becoming a Hungarian citizen while maintaining US citizenship involves significant tax complexities due to the termination of the US-Hungary Double Taxation Treaty, which took effect on January 1, 2024. Without this treaty, dual citizens and residents face a higher risk of being taxed on the same income by both countries.

@fluffy2560

Becoming a Hungarian citizen while holding British citizenship is generally advantageous, and the fear of double taxation is largely mitigated by a robust treaty between the two countries. Hungary allows dual citizenship, meaning you do not have to give up your British nationality.

@fluffy2560Becoming a Hungarian citizen while holding British citizenship is generally advantageous, and the fear of double taxation is largely mitigated by a robust treaty between the two countries. Hungary allows dual citizenship, meaning you do not have to give up your British nationality. - @SimCityAT

yes, I know, that was never an issue about dual nationality, UK citizens can hold other citizenships no problem.

It's the rights in-country and freedom to travel and live in another EU country I'm after.

I don't need to take the citizenship exam as I'm too old but I do have to pass the spoken (and ad-hoc) language test unless there are mitigating circumstances - like I only know sign language and I'm deaf and dumb.  The President can also be nice and just give it to me in unusual circumstances. I am not entirely sure what is unusual enough. Being married to Mrs Fluffy is good enough for me but the President will have other ideas.

News today is that EU closeness is getting better for the UK but it doesn't fully change the fundamentals.  Local elections will be an indicator if those Farage fanatics get in.   They aren't doing very well as I far as I know - my daughter works for a Reform controlled county council and they are equally paralysed as the previous lot.   

@fluffy2560
you just need to be able to pass the citizenship application at 66 you don't need the exam anymore. you just apply and need to write in your önéletrajz- curriculum vitae in hungarian. of course there are more requirements to why you want to become hungarian and if you have funds but generally the most difficult part if you completely oblivious to the language is the önéletrajz. - @Ikinoki

I will have to present my application in person and WITHOUT HELP, discuss the application with the person behind the counter who will assess my Hungarian on the spot.    This is a problem - I reckon I need to spend 6 months on it.   If they would let me do it in German, it would be a lot easier.  I used to be OK in German and even Dutch but hardly ever use either of them now except on the Internet.

I said this was the case a while ago, but of course, "Kevin" knew best and dismissed about becoming an HU citizen.
Marilyn:

You have to weigh up the pros and cons. If you become Hungarian, you get to travel freely throughout Europe, hassle-free.

BUT as of May 2026, becoming a Hungarian citizen while maintaining US citizenship involves significant tax complexities due to the termination of the US-Hungary Double Taxation Treaty, which took effect on January 1, 2024. Without this treaty, dual citizens and residents face a higher risk of being taxed on the same income by both countries. - @SimCityAT

Yes, the tax thing could be an issue although I receive SS from the US and so far, fingers crossed, that is not taxed.

All of our income for years has only come from the US.

I have no plans on traveling for long periods anywhere in the EU.

My husband is nearly 79 and does not feel up to trips.

I went alone to the US in March because he was not sure he could stand a long haul trip.

It felt weird without him there. I had to get babysitters for myself! My cousin, SIL, 2 nieces and my old school mate . No, I could of done it alone if needed by hiring a mover but it was nice to see loved ones in person.

I visited several countries in the EU years ago, interesting but I dislike living out of a suitcase, surprised to find out I am a real homebody.

My husband visited Hungary, IDK 10 or more times alone and I was fine with it , loved being home with my dog and son.

I would not mind a short trip to a beach close by but without winning the lotto a short week or two is not enough time to fully enjoy a new setting. Like to stay somewhere for at least 6 months to fully pick up the vibe.

I visited several countries in the EU years ago, interesting but I dislike living out of a suitcase, surprised to find out I am a real homebody.My husband visited Hungary, IDK 10 or more times alone and I was fine with it , loved being home with my dog and son. I would not mind a short trip to a beach close by but without winning the lotto a short week or two is not enough time to fully enjoy a new setting. Like to stay somewhere for at least 6 months to fully pick up the vibe. - @Marilyn Tassy

Not really the subject area but I was reading about the Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship now anchored off Cape Verde.   Mrs F and I and the kids were on a cruise ship a couple of years ago.  Then this morning I received an advert for cruises.  Yeah,  right, when Hantavirus is around on a cruise ship.  Deadly!

Mrs F have  not decided what to do for holidays this year.  I was thinking Croatia seaside for a week. Not a cruise for sure!  Driveable and that's important to get value for money.

Never been on a cruise, we both get sea sick.

Hubby used to go on short day cruises between Sweden and Denmark in the 70,s.

People got blasted on drinks and went to Denmark and back to Sweden the same day.

Weird to have Hantavirus on a modern ship. Nightmare to be stuck in an inside cabin for days on end.

No thanks.

IDK, I do not think I would enjoy a cruise, like being stuck in a casino with no way out.

Getting all dressed up for meals then walking around the boat or seeing a silly show.

One of my Vegas friends from Munich worked as a show dancer on cruise ships for years. She was a tv star in Germany as a child with her brother;.They had some sort or circus act going on.

Her mom has a dance studio, she is well in her mid 80s now but still teaching dance.

My friend met her long time BF on the cruise ship; He was the drummer in the show band.

He has videos on U-tube with his Vegas band, he sang and drummed. Forgot his last name ATM and the bands name. He was rather good.

He passed a couple years ago and Susi is still in shock. They both were so talented.

She now owns and runs the Las Vegas Arts and Crafts Show.

Did good for herself in the US. Her show is reviewed on U tube and she has several news clips on  U -tube being interviewed about her craft shows. Super go getter that she is.

Never been on a cruise, we both get sea sick.
Hubby used to go on short day cruises between Sweden and Denmark in the 70,s.
People got blasted on drinks and went to Denmark and back to Sweden the same day.
Weird to have Hantavirus on a modern ship. Nightmare to be stuck in an inside cabin for days on end.
No thanks.
IDK, I do not think I would enjoy a cruise, like being stuck in a casino with no way out.
Getting all dressed up for meals then walking around the boat or seeing a silly show.
One of my Vegas friends from Munich worked as a show dancer on cruise ships for years. She was a tv star in Germany as a child with her brother;.They had some sort or circus act going on.
Her mom has a dance studio, she is well in her mid 80s now but still teaching dance.
My friend met her long time BF on the cruise ship; He was the drummer in the show band.
He has videos on U-tube with his Vegas band, he sang and drummed. Forgot his last name ATM and the bands name. He was rather good.
He passed a couple years ago and Susi is still in shock. They both were so talented.
She now owns and runs the Las Vegas Arts and Crafts Show.
Did good for herself in the US. Her show is reviewed on U tube and she has several news clips on U -tube being interviewed about her craft shows. Super go getter that she is. - @Marilyn Tassy

Better shift this to Absolutely Anything Else.