The Forint is the official currency of Hungary, and is issued by the Hungarian National Bank. The modern Forint was introduced in 1946, after the second world war. The Forint was subdivided into 100 fillér, but fillér coins are no longer in circulation. The long-term goal of the Hungarian government is to replace the Forint with the Euro, although this transition has been delayed due to current economic issues.
If you are traveling to Hungary, check for currency import and export restrictions. Permission is required from the National Bank for converting large amounts of Forint to or from foreign currencies.
Economy
Hungary has made a successful shift to a market economy after the first multi-party elections were held in 1990. Before the fall of the Communist regime in 1989, its economy was centrally planned.
Since 1990, foreign ownership and foreign investment have become commonplace, and Hungary receives about a third of the foreign investment flowing into the Central European area.
Production in Hungary has shifted from lower-value textiles and food products to higher-value sectors such as luxury vehicle production, renewable energy, tourism, and information technology. Over 60% of Hungary’s exports are related to machinery and equipment.
In recent years, Hungary has required financial assistance from world bodies such as the IMF and World Bank to service its large public debt. As one consequence, Hungary has delayed adopting the euro until 2020.
History
The name Forint has its origin in coins minted in Florence in 1252, called Fiorino d’oro.
Forint banknotes and fillér coins were introduced and circulated in August 1946, as a crucial step in the stabilization of the country after World War II.
Inflation (especially during the late 1980s) made fillér coins irrelevant, and they were removed from circulation in 1996. Coins continue to be minted in Forint denominations.
The Forint became fully convertible in 2001 after the high inflation of the 1990s when Hungary transitioned to a market economy.
