Practical information
Safety
The situation in Slovakia is similar to that in neighboring European countries. Especially in places with many tourists (e.g., Old Town in Bratislava, bus and train stations, public transport), it is necessary to be careful with personal belongings and valuables. Drivers should follow the usual precautions – cars should be parked in guarded parking lots, and valuables should not be left unnecessarily in parked cars. It is better to store valuables in the hotel safe and not carry too much cash on oneself.
Tax and Customs Regulations
Within the EU, the import and export of goods is not restricted, even for goods intended for private use. Therefore, one can bring any amount of goods for personal consumption from other member states into Slovakia without the obligation to pay additional taxes in Slovakia – for private purchases, VAT and excise duty for goods subject to these taxes are already included in the price and are paid when purchased in the EU member state where the goods were acquired. However, for certain goods subject to excise duty (alcohol and alcoholic beverages, tobacco products), it is required that the person who acquired them in another member state must personally transport them – they must not be sent or transported by another person and must not be subject to resale.
From non-EU countries, the following quantities can be imported duty-free:
Air transport (other than air transport – road and rail customs border crossings of Slovakia with Ukraine):
- 200 (40) cigarettes or 100 (20) cigarillos, or 50 (10) cigars, or 250 (50) grams of tobacco
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% vol., 2 liters of sparkling wine
- 4 liters of still wine
- Other goods max. €430 (€300)
Restrictions are reduced to €150 for travelers under 15 years of age. Detailed information is available at financnasprava.sk
Language Communication
English and German are the most widespread foreign languages. Knowledge of French, Spanish, Italian, or Russian is less common. Hungarian is often used in southern Slovakia. Do you have friends abroad and don't want to talk to them in English? Learn Slovak!
What to Do and Where to Go
For inspiration or to develop a comprehensive program for your stay in Slovakia, it is worth contacting a travel agency or agent. They are located in every major city and the most visited tourist areas. They provide intermediary services in accommodation, dining, transportation, cultural or sports events, and can advise and arrange interesting ways to spend your leisure time.
Tourist information offices also provide useful information and arrange individual services such as accommodation, organized tours, or transport.
If you want to learn as much as possible about the country and see what you would hardly find on your own, contact a professional guide. Safety during climbs to high mountain peaks and during hiking trips is ensured by mountain guides.
Electrical Power
230 V/50 Hz, standard European sockets with a safety pin.
Smoking
In dining establishments, on trains, and in workplaces, smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces (covered bus stops, enclosed sports grounds), in publicly accessible areas (stations, cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, exhibition halls, etc.), and in schools.
Where to Get More Information
Tourist information is provided at any tourist information office or at the foreign representation of the Slovak Tourist Board. Travel planning is gladly done by any travel agency.
Tourist information is also available at telephone number 16 186 (paid). For information about another city and its surroundings than where you are currently located, enter the local area code before the number (e.g., you are in Bratislava and need info about Trenčín – 032/16 186).
In all larger cities, internet access is available in internet cafes mostly located in shopping centers, larger bus or train stations, but also in smaller alleys near the city center. This service is also provided by some information offices and libraries. A free Wi-Fi zone is in Bratislava at Primaciálne and Hviezdoslavovo squares, as well as in the centers of larger cities.
You can read about Slovakia in various book publications or tourist atlases.
When to Travel
The main tourist season in Slovakia lasts from May to September. Visits to cities are recommended in the spring or autumn months (May, June, September, or October). During this period, it is not too hot, and there are fewer local tourists in tourist areas outside the main summer holidays.
Spas are traditionally busiest at the beginning of the year (January, February, March). The ski season begins in December and lasts approximately until March – April.
Vaccinations and Health Measures
No special health measures are required before coming to Slovakia. Vaccination against ticks is recommended, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in the forest. It is also advisable to have insect repellent on hand, as the presence of mosquitoes may increase in areas close to water in the summer.
Drinking Water
Tap water is potable except in exceptional cases when a notice warns of possible contamination.
Insurance
In addition to regular travel insurance, it is necessary to be insured for mountain rescue operations when practicing mountain tourism. In some areas, this insurance is part of the tourist fee. More information about insurance and its purchase is provided by tourist information offices.
Post
Post offices are available in all municipalities and also provide banking services (Post Bank). Postage stamps for postcards and letters can be purchased directly at post offices or in some newsstands. A 50g letter sent within Slovakia by 2nd class costs €0.45; sent by 1st class and registered costs €1.30. A 50g 2nd class letter sent from Slovakia to the Czech Republic costs €0.80, to other European countries this service costs €0.90. To all other countries of the world, sending a 50g letter costs €1.00. More information can be found at posta.sk
What is Slovak Cuisine
The national dish of Slovakia is bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese). You can get this specialty even in regular restaurants. However, it tastes best in traditional wooden huts or shepherd's huts, where other traditional Slovak dishes are also offered. The overall atmosphere complemented by folk or gypsy music is an unforgettable experience.
Other dining establishments also satisfy a hungry stomach. In restaurants and bars, it is customary to tip waiters by rounding up the total amount, usually around 5-10% of the bill. However, it is not mandatory, and the amount should reflect the guest's satisfaction with the service.
How to Make Phone Calls
International calling code for Slovakia: 00421 (+421) Mobile operators in Slovakia: Orange, Slovak Telekom, Telefónica O2
Slovakia is very well covered by mobile phone networks, allowing calls even from some Tatra peaks. Only very remote areas are without signal.
In cities, public phone booths can be used, which accept coins or phone cards. Cards can be purchased at post offices or in some newsstands.
Non-stop information about phone numbers (paid):
Within Slovakia: 1181
International: 12149
Area codes for individual cities:
Banská Bystrica: 048
Bardejov: 054
Bratislava: 02
Dunajská Streda: 031
Humenné: 057
Košice: 055
Levice: 036
Liptovský Mikuláš: 044
Lučenec: 047
Martin: 043
Michalovce: 056
Nitra: 037
Nové Zámky: 035
Poprad: 052
Považská Bystrica: 042
Prešov: 051
Prievidza: 046
Rožňava: 058
Senica: 034
Spišská Nová Ves: 053
Topoľčany: 038
Trenčín: 032
Trnava: 033
Zvolen: 045
Žilina: 041
Visa and Required Documents
For EU citizens, a valid ID card is sufficient. The list of countries whose citizens need a valid visa to enter Slovakia can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, or you can inquire directly at the respective embassy.
Health Services
Hospitals are available in all larger cities. In smaller towns and tourist areas, there are outpatient clinics and pharmacies. Pharmacies are generally open on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00 h, and on weekends and holidays, one pharmacy in the city is always on duty non-stop.
It is recommended to have health insurance before coming to Slovakia, which is usually part of the travel insurance package.
In case of the need for medical assistance, call 112 or a specialized rescue service.
Customs
When entering a Slovak household, the hosts change their shoes in the hallway and also offer slippers to guests. In many households, it is considered impolite to walk around the living areas in outdoor shoes.
Offering a guest a shot of slivovica (plum brandy) or a similar distillate is considered a sign of hospitality and respect, and unless there is a serious reason, it is impolite to refuse such an offer. This is especially true in the countryside when the hosts offer homemade distillates.
When greeting, acquaintances shake hands, and if they are closer friends or family members, it is customary to kiss on one or both cheeks and give a light hug. When introducing strangers, it is polite to shake hands, and in a more informal atmosphere, a light kiss on the cheek is also acceptable.
In Slovakia, it is customary to eat 3 times a day, with the main meal typically being lunch, which is usually consumed between 11:30 and 13:30. Lunch consists of soup and a main course, sometimes with a dessert. Dinner often includes a hot meal as well, and it is usually served between 18:00 and 21:00.
In official relationships in Slovakia, it is customary to use formal address (vykanie). Informal address (tykanie) is common within families, among friends, or close colleagues.