From both an official and practical perspective, Budapest is considered a safe European capital for students and international residents. Hungary has a stable public safety system, a visible police presence, and well-established emergency services, and violent crime rates remain low compared to many large global cities. Universities operate in regulated environments, and student accommodation areas are generally well monitored. From a common-sense perspective, daily life in Budapest follows the same safety logic as any major European city: students are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas late at night, protect personal belongings in crowded places, and use licensed transport services. Millions of international visitors and thousands of foreign students live and study in Budapest every year without safety issues, making the city a generally safe, stable, and predictable environment for international education and daily life.
Hungary uses EU-standard emergency numbers, which work from any phone (mobile or landline), including foreign SIM cards.
112 – Police, ambulance, and fire services
(Recommended number to call in any emergency)
You may also call services directly:
Police: 107
Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 104
Fire Brigade: 105
Calls to 112 are free of charge.
Operators can usually assist in English.
When calling, clearly state:
what happened,
your location,
whether anyone is injured.
If you are unsure which service to contact, call 112 — the operator will route your call.
Save 112 in your phone immediately after arrival in Hungary. It is the fastest and safest option in any emergency situation.