Jun 13 2023
How do Hungarian postcodes work?
Hungarian postcodes play an important role in the efficient delivery of mail, as they help to identify specific locations and determine optimal routes for postal deliveries. Whether you live in Hungary or plan to send mail there, it's essential to understand how these postcodes work. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of Hungarian postcodes, their structure, and the different categories they encompass.
Each Hungarian postcode comprises four digits. The first digit represents one of the postal regions in Hungary, while the following three digits designate the specific postal district within that region.
The system for assigning postcodes in Hungary is relatively straightforward. Sequential numbering is used, starting from the largest city in the region and then followed by smaller towns and municipalities.
1st digit: Postal region
2nd digit: Main rail transport line or a central location within the postal region
3rd and 4th digits: Specific postal district or area within the first two specified locations
The entire country of Hungary is divided into eight postal regions, each represented by a unique digit that makes up the first digit of the postcode. These regions are:
Central Hungary (1): This includes Budapest and Pest County. The first two digits of postcodes in Budapest range from 10 to 19, and for Pest County, they range from 20 to 29.
Western Transdanubia (2): This region covers the counties of Győr-Moson-Sopron, Vas, and Zala. The first digit of postcodes in this area is 2.
Central Transdanubia (8): This includes the counties of Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom, and Veszprém. Postcodes in this region start with the digit 8.
Southern Transdanubia (7): This region covers the counties of Baranya, Somogy, and Tolna. The first digit of postcodes here is 7.
Northern Hungary (3): Consisting of the counties of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves, and Nógrád, postcodes in this area begin with the number 3.
Northern Great Plain (4): This includes the counties of Hajdú-Bihar, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg. The first digit of postcodes in this region is 4.
Southern Great Plain (6): This region is home to the counties of Bács-Kiskun, Csongrád-Csanád, and Békés. The first digit of their postcodes is 6.
Lake Balaton (5): Although not an official postal region, postcodes around the popular vacation spot Lake Balaton mainly begin with the number 5, aside from certain parts that belong to Veszprém County.
Here are a few examples illustrating how Hungarian postcodes are used:
1111: This postcode belongs to the district of Kispest in Budapest.
7621: This is the postcode for Pécs, a city in Baranya County, Southern Transdanubia.
3300: This postcode is for the city of Eger in Heves County, Northern Hungary.
6720: This is the postcode for Szeged, a city in Csongrád-Csanád County, Southern Great Plain.
If you need to find a specific postcode for an address in Hungary, the official website of the Hungarian postal service offers a postcode finder tool. Visit their website and use the search tool to locate the exact postcode you need, ensuring accurate mail delivery.
In conclusion, understanding the Hungarian postcode system is not just essential for residents, but also for businesses and individuals looking to send mail to addresses within the country. The system's structure, based on postal regions, central locations, and specific postal districts, ensures organized and efficient mail delivery across Hungary.
When sending mail to addresses in Hungary, consider the following tips to ensure smooth and prompt delivery:
Double-check the postcode: Always verify the postcode before sending mail. Using the Hungarian postal service's postcode finder tool can be helpful in confirming the correct postcode.
Write the postcode prominently: Make sure to include the postcode in a visible and prominent location on the envelope or package.
Use the correct format: Remember that Hungarian postcodes contain four digits. In international mailings, write the postcode immediately before the name of the destination city, followed by the two-letter country code (HU) for Hungary.
Follow regulations for international mail: If you're sending mail to Hungary from another country, ensure that you follow the international mailing regulations and guidelines set by your local postal service.
In addition to understanding the postcode system, being familiar with the format of Hungarian postal addresses can make addressing mail simpler. Typically, a Hungarian postal address includes the following components:
Recipient's name
Street name and number, or PO Box (if applicable)
Postcode and city or town name
Country name (for international mail)
For example:
John Smith
Bajnai út 45
6720 Szeged
Hungary
Hungarian postcodes were first introduced in 1973. Since then, the system has remained relatively unchanged, with only minor adjustments to accommodate the growth of cities and towns. The introduction of postcodes vastly improved the efficiency of mail delivery across the country and enabled better organization of the postal network.
Understanding and using Hungarian postcodes need not be a challenge. By familiarizing yourself with their structure, postal regions, and tips for proper usage, you'll facilitate smoother and more efficient mail deliveries. Whether you're a Hungarian resident, a business owner shipping products, or someone sending personal mail, taking the time to learn about the Hungarian postcode system can prove invaluable.
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