Valutát

Valutát is the accusative form of the Hungarian noun valuta, a term used in several European languages to denote foreign currency, especially in cash form. In general usage valuta refers to banknotes and coins of foreign states that are accepted for payment or exchange, as distinct from non‑cash foreign exchange instruments.

In Hungarian economic and legal terminology a distinction is commonly made between valuta and deviza: valuta signifies physical foreign currency (notes and coins), while deviza denotes non‑cash claims and balances denominated in foreign currency, such as bank transfers, letters of credit or deposits. This distinction affects exchange procedures, reporting and certain regulatory treatments.

Valuta is traded at bureaux de change, banks and on the foreign exchange market; its value relative to the domestic currency is expressed by the valutaárfolyam (cash exchange rate), which can differ from the interbank or non‑cash rate because of handling costs and liquidity. Historically, access to valuta was restricted in some countries during periods of capital controls; modern economies generally allow freer exchange for travel, trade and investment, subject to anti‑money‑laundering and tax rules.

Etymologically, valuta derives from Romance roots related to value and valuation; its specific grammatical form valutát is used in Hungarian when the word functions as a direct object in a sentence. Related concepts include foreign exchange, convertible currency and cash settlement.