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Budapest will host the UEFA Champions League final on May 30, with more than 60,000 fans expected at Puskás Aréna. The final weekend is already putting pressure on the capital’s accommodation and services market, with local press reports pointing to steep price increases at some Budapest accommodations and the most expensive apartments being offered for several million forints.
Wise said strong interest in the match is expected to bring not only foreign supporters but also large numbers of domestic visitors to the city. In such a situation, a few quick decisions made under pressure can easily result in major additional costs, the company warned.
Wise highlighted five common mistakes fans may make during the Champions League final weekend and offered advice on how to avoid them.
The first is planning only for the ticket or accommodation price, without considering the full cost of matchday. Transport, parking, food and drinks, fan programs, souvenirs, luggage storage or a last-minute taxi can quickly add up, especially for those traveling with family or friends.
Wise said fans should set a separate matchday budget and load their Wise Account with the planned amount before setting off. Card payment tracking, instant notifications and separate balances can help supporters keep an eye not only on major expenses but also on smaller purchases that can add up quickly.
The second risk is booking overpriced accommodation in a panic. According to domestic reports cited by Wise, one one-bedroom apartment in Budapest’s District VII was advertised for more than HUF 18 million for the night of the final in early May, while the next most expensive offers were above HUF 4 million. Other reports suggested that the cheapest available offer started at around HUF 221,000 for two people for one night.
Wise said staying directly around the stadium is not necessarily the best option. Puskás Aréna is accessible by metro and tram, making it practical to search based on transport connections. Fans should check whether the accommodation can be reached within 30-40 minutes by public transport, whether the final price includes taxes and cleaning fees, and what the cancellation conditions are.
The third mistake is buying tickets from unofficial sources. Official ticket prices vary significantly by category, with Fans First tickets for supporters of the finalists starting at EUR 70 and higher-category tickets rising to EUR 950. Given high demand, fake or overpriced secondary-market tickets are especially risky, Wise said, as they can cost millions and may not guarantee entry to the stadium.
The company advised fans to buy tickets only through official UEFA channels or platforms designated by the finalist clubs. Suspiciously cheap offers, “last-minute” sales on social media, tickets sent as screenshots or unknown sellers asking for payment in advance should all be treated as warning signs.
The fourth mistake is arriving without a working payment card or mobile wallet. Card and digital payments are now part of everyday life in Hungary, and businesses using online cash registers have been required to provide some form of electronic payment option since Jan. 1, 2021. According to UEFA’s Budapest event guide cited by Wise, Puskás Aréna is a cashless stadium, meaning fans should be prepared to use a bank card, credit card or mobile wallet when buying food, drinks and merchandise.
Wise recommended checking before departure that cards are active, mobile wallets are set up and phones have enough charge for contactless payment. Loading the Wise Account in advance with the planned matchday budget can also make it easier to track spending on transport, food, drinks, fan activities and souvenirs.
The fifth risk is paying carelessly in restaurants and bars. During major sporting events, busy hospitality venues may involve unexpected costs, such as higher prices, service charges, event surcharges or misunderstood totals. Wise noted that foreign travel advice has previously warned that tourists in some Budapest bars, clubs or restaurants may encounter overpriced bills.
The company said fans should check the price list before ordering, confirm whether a service charge applies and review the bill before paying. It may also be useful to check venue reviews and typical prices in the area in advance. When paying by card, fans should choose to pay in forints if the terminal offers a currency choice.
“Before a major sporting event, fans often make quick decisions under pressure: they book the first available accommodation, accept an unfavorable exchange rate, or buy tickets from a risky source. These seemingly small decisions can add up to significant extra costs. Wise’s goal is to help travelers spending abroad manage their money more transparently, so they have more left for what they actually set out for: the experience,” said Gergő Horányi, product development lead at Wise.
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