forint

The forint is the official currency of Hungary, much like the dollar in the United States or the euro in many European countries. If you travel to Budapest and want to buy something at a shop or cafe, you will pay in forints.

The name has a long history, and the modern forint was brought back in 1946 after a time of severe inflation. You may see it written with the symbol Ft or the code HUF. So if you read about prices in Hungary or plan a visit there, this is the money people use every day.

The forint is more than just money; it's a piece of Hungary's history and identity. As the official currency of Hungary since 1946, it is used for all transactions within the country—from buying groceries to paying rent. It replaced the pengő, which had suffered the worst hyperinflation ever recorded during World War II.

The word "forint" itself comes from the Latin florentinus, referring to a gold coin similar to the Florentine florin popular in medieval Europe. Hungary originally used gold forints as early as the 14th century, establishing it as a stable currency for centuries.

Today, while one forint is technically divided into 100 fillérs, fillér coins were actually withdrawn from circulation in 1999 because their value had become so low. The exchange rate fluctuates, but understanding the value of the forint is crucial when traveling to or doing business in Hungary. You'll see banknotes in denominations ranging from 500 to 20,000 forints, each featuring prominent figures from Hungarian history and culture, as well as coins for smaller amounts.

So, whether you're a currency collector, an economics student, or simply planning a trip to explore the beautiful city of Budapest, knowing about the forint provides insight into Hungary's past, present, and economic future.