HUFHungarian ForintHungarian Forint (HUF)
The Hungarian forint is Hungary's national currency and a Central European unit used within an EU economy outside the euro area.
- ISO code
- HUF
- Symbol
- Ft
- Region
- Europe
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Magyar Nemzeti Bank issues forint banknotes and coins and conducts Hungary's national monetary policy.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
HUF at a glance
Currency profile
How HUF works
The Hungarian forint is Hungary's national currency and a Central European unit used within an EU economy outside the euro area.
Magyar Nemzeti Bank issues forint banknotes and coins and conducts Hungary's national monetary policy.
- HUF has no circulating minor-unit coins, so everyday amounts are stated in whole forints.
- The forint was introduced in 1946 to replace the pengo after a period of extreme inflation.
Context
Why this currency matters
HUF is inseparable from Hungary's 1946 monetary stabilization, which followed one of history's most severe inflation episodes. Its continued use inside the EU also makes it important for regional cost comparisons that must keep the forint distinct from the euro and neighboring currencies.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Magyar Nemzeti Bank issues forint banknotes and coins and conducts Hungary's national monetary policy.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for HUF
Magyar Nemzeti Bank established
Hungary established its modern central bank and national note-issue framework.
Magyar Nemzeti Bank - historyForint introduced
The forint replaced the pengo and formed the basis of postwar monetary stabilization.
Magyar Nemzeti Bank - historyExchange restrictions removed
Hungary completed major foreign-exchange liberalization while retaining the forint as its national currency.
Magyar Nemzeti Bank - history
Usage and economy
How HUF is used
- Prices, wages and payments in Hungary.
- Regional comparisons with CZK, PLN, RON and EUR.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
HUF currency units
Magyar Nemzeti Bank documents valid forint banknotes and their security features.
Magyar Nemzeti Bank documents the forint coins used in circulation.
One Hungarian Forint unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Filler as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
HUF questions
Why was the Hungarian forint introduced in 1946?
The forint replaced the pengo as part of monetary stabilization after extreme postwar inflation.
Why does Hungary use HUF instead of EUR?
Hungary is an EU member but has not adopted the euro, so HUF remains the national unit.
Why are HUF prices usually whole numbers?
No filler coins circulate today, so ordinary prices and payments are expressed in whole forints.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.