Some interesting observations we have made in Hungary…

You only say hi to people that you know
Security guards watch you closely in most shops
At restaurants, servers wait at the table as you pay
If you want to tip a server you hand them the tip, do not leave it on the table
Men wear white shirts, black pants and black ties to funerals
The mail is delivered early in the morning
The trash is picked up early in the morning
Dryers suck the water out of the clothes, and you must empty the water from the dryer
You can buy fresh bread everywhere you go, and it’s cheap
Beer is cheaper than bottled water and soda
It is preferable to always pay in exact change!
You cannot make a right on a red light
Use your blinker (in your car) for everything! (if you pass a bike rider, or a parked car that is sticking out, etc…)
The refrigerator is kept in the pantry
You must ask for the check at restaurants
You must ask for ice, at a restaurant, if you would like it in your drink
A “regular cup of coffee” is an espresso!
You can smoke almost anywhere (the only places we have not seen people smoke are schools, grocery stores and the post office)
American rap/hip hop is playing almost everywhere
The night spots don’t get going until well after 10pm and go until the morning
If there is a long line in the store, don’t complain because no one else will, just wait!!
Speak quietly anywhere you are (for the most part)
Don’t try to use big bills anywhere except large stores
Beauty salons stay open late
Expect to get stared at, Hungarians love to people watch!
Expect to share the road, everyone passes, sometimes at dangerous times! But we are the only ones who seem to notice!
Everything is closed on Sunday and early on Saturday (around noon). There are a few exceptions; a couple of cafes and the big stores stay open.
It is appropriate to wear anything you want at any time! LOL ! If you would like to visit a local shop in your speedo, totally fine…Girls, if you would like to wear shorts that show your cheeks, totally fine…a formal dress at 8am, perfect! A see-through mesh tank top, also fine! LOL!
Take your own bags to the grocery store because they don’t supply them, unless you want to pay (you never see plastic bags floating around the parking lot…bags cost money!)
Shopping carts aren’t scattered throughout the parking lot, if you want to use one, you insert a 100 forint coin to release it from its locked location, simply return it when you’re done to get your money back!
Expect to have to pay for parking anywhere along public streets (again, there are a few exceptions)
Don’t expect to get smiled at…even if you smile first!

…much more to come…