Convert CZK to HUF Czech koruna ↔ Hungarian forint Free Online Secure
Type an amount in Czech koruna and read it in Hungarian forint at once. The page uses the European Central Bank's reference rate, and tells you which day that rate is from.
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Common amounts — Convert CZK to HUF (Czech koruna ↔ Hungarian forint)
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The last thirty days
Where these codes and rates come from
The three letters in EUR, USD or JPY are not an abbreviation someone invented for a website: they are ISO 4217, a standard in which the first two letters are the country's own code and the third is usually the initial of the currency. The figures on this page come from the European Central Bank, which publishes one set of reference rates each working day, around 16:00 Central European time, agreed between the central banks of the Eurosystem. They are a daily snapshot meant for statistics and accounting, not a live trading feed — which is exactly why they are the same number for everyone, rather than whatever one bank happened to quote at one moment.
Where you meet an exchange rate
You meet an exchange rate four or five times a year without thinking about it: booking a trip, paying an invoice issued abroad, buying from a foreign shop, reading a salary offer in another currency, or checking what a card charge really cost. In all of these the reference rate is the honest middle, and the price you actually pay sits a little to one side of it. Knowing the middle is what lets you see how wide that margin is.
Questions people ask
Is this the rate my bank will give me?
No, and no page can promise one. This is the European Central Bank's reference rate: the midpoint published once a day for statistics. A bank, a card scheme or an exchange office adds its own margin on top — usually between half a percent and three percent, sometimes more at an airport counter. Use this figure to judge the offer you are given, not to predict it.
How often does the figure change, and what happens at weekends?
The European Central Bank publishes once each working day, in the afternoon, Central European time. There is no publication on Saturdays, Sundays or TARGET holidays, so on those days the page shows the last working day's rate and says which day it belongs to. The chart alongside is one year of the same daily series.
Is the answer exact?
Where both units are defined in terms of one another by whole numbers, yes — the page says so above the figure, and the only rounding is in how many digits are shown. Where the ratio has no finite decimal, the page shows twelve significant digits and says the relation is approximate rather than pretending otherwise.
Does anything I type leave my device?
No. The arithmetic runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded and there is no server to upload it to. Load the page once and it keeps working with the network switched off.
The crown cut in two: the Velvet Divorce of 1993, the stamps on the banknotes and a Prague-to-Budapest journey through three currencies
At midnight on 31 December 1992, the state of Czechoslovakia ceased to exist, without a shot fired and without a single street protest of note. In Prague and Bratislava, fireworks lit the sky as the Czech Republic and Slovakia became two independent countries, in what became known as the Velvet Divorce. The politicians had agreed to split the federation's property, army, debts and even the stock of its national library, according to a ratio of two to one reflecting the population. One thing, however, could not be split overnight: the money in people's wallets. For six weeks the two new states shared the Czechoslovak crown, and on 8 February 1993 the currency union was dissolved. The old banknotes, now lawful in only one half of the former country, had to be marked: shops and banks stuck small adhesive stamps on each note, a paper sticker in the colours of the country, and for a few months Czech people carried notes decorated like parcels. Thirty years later, a traveller from Prague to Budapest still crosses the border of the old federation, and three currencies, the Czech crown, the euro in Slovakia and the Hungarian forint, appear on a single journey. This page helps with the arithmetic. Use it to Convert CZK to HUF with the daily reference rates published by the European Central Bank, in which both currencies are quoted against the euro; the page combines them into a crown-forint figure and prints the date under the result. The amount you type never leaves your browser.
Using the converter
Crowns in, forints out
Before leaving, Convert CZK to HUF for your full budget and keep the figure beside your plan.
You enter a sum in Czech crowns; the page returns the same sum in Hungarian forints and prints the date of the fixing it used. A crown is worth well over ten forints, so the figure that comes back is bigger than the one you typed, usually shown without decimals worth noting. Fixings are published once on every working day; on weekends and public holidays the page repeats the last one and says so. Below the field are a few round sums and a graph of the past month. For the reverse conversion, forints into crowns, see Convert HUF to CZK.
How to judge an offer
What is shown is the market's midpoint on a working day, before any bank has added its fee. Banks, booths and apps quote a little less, and the gap in per cent is the price of the service: under one per cent is very good, two or three per cent is usual, above four is a signal to ask elsewhere. Make every Convert CZK to HUF your yardstick. The sums further down rest on an invented, round rate of fifteen forints per crown, chosen for tidy arithmetic; it is neither a forecast nor today's price, so put in the real figure.
The Velvet Divorce
How it happened
After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, which toppled the communist regime, Czechs and Slovaks disagreed on the future of their shared state. The Slovak leaders demanded more autonomy, the Czech leaders wanted a stronger federation or, failing that, a clean break. In the elections of June 1992, parties with opposing visions won in each half. After talks in the summer, the leaders agreed to dissolve the state, and the Federal Assembly voted for it in November. Polls showed that most citizens opposed the split, but no referendum was held. The process was orderly, and relations between the two countries have since been among the friendliest in Europe.
Splitting the money
The history of splitting a currency makes the present clear; Convert CZK to HUF today and compare it with a similar sum a month ago.
The new states first tried to keep the common currency. The attempt failed within weeks, because capital was flowing to the Czech half, where people feared a Slovak devaluation, and the central bank had to intervene. The union was therefore dissolved on 8 February 1993. Banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 crowns were stamped with adhesive stickers in one country or the other, and citizens had a few days to exchange their savings. The new Czech crown started with the same value as the old one, and Slovakia's crown soon traded at a discount. Later, in August 1993, new designs replaced the stamped notes.
The stamps as souvenirs
Stamped banknotes are now collectors' items. A stamped 100-crown note sells for 200 to 500 crowns on the collectors' market, and a full set for several thousand. The National Museum in Prague, and the Czech National Bank museum, display examples. For those who want to see how history looks on a banknote, the exhibition is worth an hour.
Three currencies in one journey
Prague to Brno and Bratislava
Stops along the route have different currencies, so Convert CZK to HUF for the Hungarian part and the euro page for Slovakia.
The direct train from Prague to Budapest takes about seven hours, leaving Prague, crossing Moravia through Brno and Břeclav, and entering Slovakia at the old federation border near Kúty. Brno, the second city of the Czech Republic, is a good break with Villa Tugendhat and the Špilberk castle. At Bratislava, the Slovak capital, a coffee costs 2.5 to 3.5 euros. The border is invisible, but the currency changes: the Czech Republic keeps the crown, Slovakia uses the euro. Convert CZK to HUF for the part of the trip that ends in Hungary, and use the euro page for Bratislava: Convert CZK to EUR.
Bratislava to Budapest
From Bratislava the train follows the Danube to Štúrovo and enters Hungary at Szob. The ride passes vineyards and the Danube bend with the basilica of Esztergom in sight. Budapest-Nyugati or Keleti station welcomes passengers with iron arches. Fares from Prague bought early start at 20 to 30 euros. Hungary uses the forint, and at the invented rate a coffee at 1,500 forints is 100 crowns. Distances are in kilometres, and Convert km to mi converts them to miles.
By car or coach
The drive is about 530 kilometres, with vignettes needed in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Coaches take eight to ten hours. Fuel is sold by the litre, and Convert L to gal relates it to the gallon. All three countries are in the Schengen area, and the time zone is the same, so there are no checks and no clocks to change. For comparisons with Romania, Convert CET to EET shows the one-hour gap.
Budapest for a Czech visitor
Prices in forints
Menu prices are quoted in forints, so Convert CZK to HUF for each and add up the day's cost.
A coffee costs 1,000 to 1,800 forints, a lunch of the day 3,500 to 5,500, a dinner in a good restaurant 8,000 to 15,000, a thermal-bath ticket 11,000 to 15,000, a day pass for transport about 3,000. At the invented rate, a lunch of 4,500 forints is 300 crowns, roughly the price of a Prague set lunch. Convert CZK to HUF for each of your items and compare with the cost in Prague.
What to see
A thermal bath, a museum and a coffee make up a full day; Convert CZK to HUF for each item and compare with a day in Prague.
Spend a day on the Buda side with the castle, Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion, another in Pest with the Parliament, the opera and St Stephen's Basilica, and a third relaxing in a thermal bath. Czech visitors often notice the grandeur of the boulevards and the smell of roasted chestnuts in winter. The Great Market Hall sells paprika, salami and pastries at modest prices.
Czech traces in Budapest
The two peoples shared the Habsburg monarchy for almost four hundred years, and echoes of that time linger in the Hungarian capital. The Czech Centre in Budapest stages exhibitions, film screenings and literary evenings, and the Czech Embassy runs a cultural programme with concerts and talks. Czech bakeries and pubs serve dumplings and lager, and a half-litre of Czech beer on tap in a Budapest bar is a pleasant surprise. Tickets for events are usually free or cost 1,000 to 3,000 forints.
One crown, two crowns: the common ancestor of the Czech koruna and the Hungarian forint's neighbours
The Austro-Hungarian krone, 1892
Before the two countries had their own money, they shared one. In 1892, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy introduced a new currency, the krone in German and Austrian lands, the korona in Hungarian, the koruna in Czech, replacing the older gulden, or forint. One crown was divided into 100 heller, or fillér in Hungarian, and it was backed by gold. Notes and coins were printed with the denominations in several languages, and a Prague merchant could pay in Vienna or Budapest with the same note. The common currency was convenient for trade within an empire of fifty million people. A banknote from that era, preserved in the National Museum in Prague, bears text in German, Hungarian, Czech, Polish, Croatian and more.
After 1918: three crowns
A century ago, travellers had to learn three currencies; today, one tool is enough, so Convert CZK to HUF and carry on.
When the monarchy collapsed in 1918, the successor states faced the problem of separating the money. Czechoslovakia stamped the old notes in early 1919 and introduced its own koruna, which proved one of the most stable currencies of interwar Europe. Austria and Hungary suffered hyperinflation, and Hungary replaced its crown by the pengő in 1927, only to endure a worse inflation after the Second World War. The forint came in 1946. The Czech koruna thus has an older and steadier history than that of its neighbours. For a traveller, the lesson is that the words are the same, the history differs, and the value today is what the calculator shows after you Convert CZK to HUF.
The word "forint"
"Forint" comes from Florence, from the gold florin minted there in the thirteenth century, which became a model for money across Europe. Hungary adopted a gold forint in 1325. The word spread through the continent as gulden in German and zlotý in Polish, and its journey is one of the most interesting stories in numismatics. The Hungarian forint of today is the child of a very old name.
What happened to the Slovak crown
1993 to 2009
After the split of 1993, Slovakia used its own crown, the koruna, for sixteen years. It started at a discount to the Czech one and was devalued in the first year, then recovered as the economy grew. In 2009, Slovakia adopted the euro at a rate of 30.126 crowns per euro, becoming the second former communist country, after Slovenia, to join the euro area. The old Slovak notes feature portraits of Slavic figures and castles. Old coins can be exchanged at the National Bank of Slovakia without a time limit.
What it means for travellers
Today, a traveller from the Czech Republic to Slovakia needs euros. Czech crowns are accepted in a few border shops at poor rates. Cash machines in Slovakia dispense euros, and cards work everywhere. For a quick calculation of the crown value of a Slovak price, use Convert CZK to EUR. A coffee in Bratislava at 3 euros costs about 75 crowns at the invented rate of 25 crowns per euro.
Slovakia as a neighbour
Czechs and Slovaks still understand each other's languages, watch each other's television and share a love of ice hockey, beer and mountains. The High Tatras, in Slovakia, are the nearest real high mountains for Czechs. A cable car in the Tatras costs 15 to 40 euros return. Slovak food such as bryndzové halušky, potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon, is a favourite across the old border.
Collecting money
A hobby for all budgets
Numismatics, the collecting of coins and notes, is a popular hobby in all three countries. Beginners can start with a set of circulating coins from each country, costing a few euros, or with commemorative coins. The Czech National Bank issues collector coins in silver and gold with prices from 500 to 15,000 crowns. The Hungarian National Bank issues similar coins at 5,000 to 50,000 forints. Old banknotes from the 1920s and 1930s fetch several thousand crowns, depending on condition. Convert CZK to HUF to compare the price of a similar coin in each country.
Where to buy and sell
Coins from another country have a price in two currencies; Convert CZK to HUF to see what a collector's piece costs at home.
Coin fairs, specialist shops and auctions are the best sources. In Prague, numismatic shops cluster around Na Příkopě. In Budapest, markets near the Ecseri flea market offer a mix of coins and antiques. Check the seller's reputation, ask for guarantees of authenticity and keep receipts. Fake notes and coins exist, so learn the basics or use an expert for pricey items.
Museums
The Czech National Bank has a small museum in Prague, with free entry on appointment. The Hungarian National Bank's exhibition in Budapest, called the Money Museum, shows the history of Hungarian money. Both are modest but interesting for a rainy afternoon. A visit takes an hour.
A weekend plan: Prague, Bratislava, Budapest
Friday to Sunday on three rivers
With one weekend and a train pass, a traveller can see three capitals on three rivers. Leave Prague early on Friday, spend the afternoon in Bratislava, climbing to the castle and strolling the old town, then take the evening train to Budapest. Saturday belongs to Budapest, with the Parliament, the baths and a night cruise on the Danube. On Sunday, return to Prague by an early train, or fly home from Budapest. A budget of 12,000 to 20,000 crowns for two includes transport, a hostel or a modest hotel, meals and entries. Add a ten per cent reserve, and Convert CZK to HUF with the real rate for the Hungarian items.
How to pack for three cities
Bring comfortable shoes for cobblestones, a light rain jacket, a swimming costume and flip-flops for the baths, a power bank, a small daypack and copies of your documents. Check the weather in each city. A foldable bag is handy for the souvenirs you will buy along the way. Pack lightly, because train stations have stairs and few lifts.
Staying connected
Roaming charges within the European Union are abolished, so your Czech SIM works in Slovakia and Hungary at home rates. Wi-fi is common in cafés and hotels. Download offline maps for each city, and keep a note of emergency numbers: 112 works in all three countries.
Other crown conversions
If your trip continues
Travellers who go on to Romania can use Convert CZK to RON, those heading to Poland Convert CZK to PLN, and those visiting Britain Convert CZK to GBP.
A habit worth keeping
Write down the rate and date of each exchange, and compare them later with the statement. It takes seconds.
Mistakes to avoid
Forgetting the Slovak vignette
Driving on Slovak motorways without an electronic vignette brings fines. Buy it online before you start.
Exchanging on the street
A street changer shows a good headline rate and a hidden fee, so Convert CZK to HUF first and compare.
Street changers and unlicensed offices are a classic trap. Use banks, licensed offices or cash machines.
Using an old rate
A rate from last month can be wrong by several per cent. The date shown beside the result protects you each time you Convert CZK to HUF.
In short
The only thing fetched from the network is the table of daily rates, while your amount stays in the browser and no account is needed. From a stamped banknote to a ticket for a bath, the routine is the same: Convert CZK to HUF, read the date and compare every offer with the number on this page.