Hungarians Flocking to Romania for Shopping Despite Government Price Reduction Efforts
The Orbán government recently implemented mandatory caps on profit margins in Hungary, leading to a reduction in prices for 30 essential food items starting from March 17. Despite this, shopping tourism in neighboring Romania continues to thrive, with many Hungarians residing in Eastern Hungarian towns near the border taking advantage of lower prices across the border. By crossing into Romania, they are able to save up to 15-20% on their grocery purchases.
A recent report by 24.hu detailed a shopping tour between Debrecen and Nagyvárad (Oradea), a city in Western Romania just 72 kilometers away from Debrecen. The service provider running the van filled with Hungarian shoppers noted a consistent demand for these tours. With Romania’s entry into the Schengen Zone on January 1, transporting goods and people across the border has become easier, facilitating the growth of this shopping tourism industry.
Participants in the shopping tour noted that several products were cheaper in Romanian stores compared to Hungary. While some items were priced similarly, others were significantly more affordable. For instance, chicken breast fillet was 30%, butter was 24%, UHT milk was 11%, and eggs were 27% more expensive in Nagyvárad than in Debrecen. On the other hand, sour cream was 12% cheaper, and sunflower oil was 24% less expensive in Romania. Sugar prices remained the same on both sides of the border.
Shoppers from Hungary shared that they could save between 15-20% on their purchases by opting for the cheaper products available in Romanian stores. While prices may vary, those living near the border can strategically plan their shopping trips to maximize their savings.
Popular items cited by Hungarian shoppers for their affordability in Romania included chips, tomatoes, fruit drinks, dog food, and mineral water. One shopper mentioned that he spent HUF 56,000 (EUR 140) on groceries in Romania, whereas the same items would have cost around HUF 70,000 (EUR 174) in Hungary.
Despite the government’s efforts to reduce food prices domestically, shopping tourism to Romania remains a cost-effective option for many Hungarians seeking to stretch their budgets.
