If you’re out drinking, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel in Hungary. According to the new rules, any amount of alcohol is too much, and your license can be immediately seized if there’s any evidence that you’ve had even a drop. While there’s no reason to drive in Budapest anyway since the public transportation system here is so excellent, this can put a damper on going to wine tastings in the countryside. So, plan carefully! If you really do need to drive somewhere, luckily, there are lots of drink-and-drive taxi services (sofőrsegély) in Hungary. Here’s the drill: they will send a driver to pick you up (usually it takes at least 30 minutes to arrive, at least in Budapest) and then drive you home in your own car.

Some companies in Budapest include the following–if you’re in the countryside, ask around and you’ll probably find one (and let me know if you find any good ones):

• After (Tel.: 06-30/600-6003)
• Alkony (Tel.: 06-20/940-4040)
• Argo (Tel.: 06-20/961-4675)
• AWD (Tel.: 06-30/331-3310)
• Ittasofőr (Tel.: 06-30/250-2000)
• Korona (Tel.: 06-20/999-3978)
• Sofőrsegély (Tel.: 06-20/950-5505)
• Vénusz női sofőrszolgálat (Tel.: 06-20/253-9899)

–Carolyn