The "Freelance" Taxis (Tourist Traps): Yellow cars that display a "Taxi" sign but lack the logo of a major company (like Bolt, Főtaxi, or City Taxi) are independent operators. They often wait near railway stations (Keleti, Nyugati), the party district, and major tourist sights. Consequence: While they are legally required to use the official meter, they are the most frequent offenders for manipulating meters or taking unnecessarily long routes. Using them carries a significant financial risk.
Card Payments: Every official taxi is legally required to have a working POS terminal for bank card payments. If a driver claims at the end of the ride that the terminal is "broken" and demands cash, the passenger has the right to report them to the company or the transport authority (BKK).
Traffic Jams and Minute Fares: Because taxis in Budapest are allowed to use bus lanes, they are often faster than normal car traffic. However, during morning and afternoon rush hours, the time-based fee (per minute) on the taximeter can significantly increase the final price compared to the initial estimate.
