Hungary is a heart-stealer; it will lure you back again and again to sample its rich wines, lounge in its thermal spas, gaze at its birdlife and make one more attempt to master its hermetic language. It has all the luxury of Western Europe with a Magyar twist and at half the cost. Its graceful capital Budapest has a lively arts, cafe and music scene, and is host to a range of cultural and sporting festivals. In the countryside you'll find majestic plains, resort-lined lakes, Baroque towns, horse markets and rustic villages.

If you aren’t lucky enough to go in person to Hungary to give a present to your family, friend or darling, you can always send a gift to Budapest or any other city or village. Here are some things to beware of when sending a gift to Hungary:

BUSINESS GIFT GIVING IN HUNGARY

Be conscious that generosity and giving presents in business associates are not standard practice in Hungarian business culture. If you really want to send a gift because you know it will be appreciated, a tin box of high quality chocolates, biscuits or truffles will certainly be appreciated.
Although Hungarians are transactional and do not require long-standing personal relationships in order to conduct business, being introduced by someone they know and trust can often help.
Do not try to send a gift from mid July to mid August and from mid December to mid January.
Initial meetings are scheduled to get to know each other and for your Hungarian colleagues to determine if you are trustworthy.
Expect some small talk and getting-to-know-you conversation before business is discussed. Do not move the conversation to business yourself.
Do not remove your suit jacket without asking permission
Business is conducted slowly.
Deals in Hungary cannot be finalized without a lot of eating, drinking and entertaining.
Hungarians are skilled negotiators.
Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure sales tactics.
Have one side of your card translated into Hungarian.
The Hungarian side should list your surname before your first name, Hungarian style.
Include any advanced university degrees and the founding date of your company on the business card.

PERSONAL GIFT GIVING IN HUNGARY

When sending a gift to a Hungarian’s home, a box of good chocolates or a family gourmet basket are certainly appreciated
Generations of extended family often live together. That’s why grandparents often play an important role in helping raise the grandchildren. So don’t forget the grandparents when sending a gift to a Hungarian family. A jewel or a crystal vase for the grandmother and fine chocolate or tea for the grandfather could be an excellent idea!
Do not bring wine as the Hungarians are proud of the wines they produce. But they do appreciate champagne.
Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is considered an unlucky number.
Gifts are usually opened when received.

Links to helpful sites About Hungary:

Holiday dates in Hungary
http://www.fsz.bme.hu/hungary/homepage.html
http://www.hungarytourism.hu/
http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-world/hungary.html

Taxes and Customs to Send a Gift to Hungary
http://www.fedex.com/us/international/irc/profiles/irc_hu_profile.html?gtmcc=us
http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/europe/european-union/hungary/currency-converter.htm

Hungarian Personal White Pages for Addresses & Postal Codes
http://www.magyartelekom.hu/fooldal.vm/
http://www.yellowpages.hu/Yellow/default_a.asp
http://www.addressdoctor.com/