Below, you'll discover valuable insights into daily routines and common challenges you may encounter when relocating to Slovakia.
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The official language of Slovakia is Slovak, a West Slavic language closely related to Czech and Polish, with particularly strong mutual intelligibility with Czech. Slovak is distinctive for its use of diacritical marks in writing, which modify the pronunciation of letters. The Slovak alphabet consists of 27 base letters, extended by additional characters with diacritical marks, creating a total of 46 graphemes.
- Language Courses for International Students
There are two possibilities to learn the Slovak language. Either in person in Slovakia or online via various courses and tools.
- Learning Slovak online
There are several websites offering Slovak language courses on various levels. Some of them offer only courses for autodidacts, another offer also tutoring or guidance. Here are several options:
- Slovake.eu – free online course for mastering language levels A1 – B2;
- E-Slovak – free online course for mastering language levels A1 – A2 with the guidance of tutors (check the website for enrollment terms).
More possibilities on how to learn Slovak (YouTube videos, podcasts, language courses, etc.) can be found at the website of the IOM Migration Information Centre. There is a possibility to sign in for intensive language courses of Slovak language, which are free of charge. These courses are available for:
- citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who have temporary, permanent or tolerated stay in Slovakia, including applicants for temporary refuge and persons granted temporary refugee in Slovakia
- EU citizens with a university degree
- foreign university students studying at university in Slovakia
The Intensive Courses of Slovak Language organized by MIC are not certified language courses. Courses take place online. A list of free online resources and materials for studying Slovak can be found here.
The levels of language proficiency used here are identified in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (more information and self‑assessment is available on this website).
- Learning Slovak at universities
Foreigners can attend Slovak language courses at universities or various state and private language schools. We recommend carefully checking the websites of universities to see if they offer Slovak language courses. Below are several Slovak universities that offer language courses or language preparation courses:
- Catholic university in Ružomberok - Slovak Language Course for International Students
- University of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava - Course for Foreign Students
- Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Košice - Language Course for Doctoral Students
- University of Economics in Bratislava - Language Preparatory Courses for Foreigners
- Slovak Technical University - Language and Other courses
- University of Zilina - Slovak for Foreigners
- Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra - Language Preparation
- University of Trnava - Language Course
- Technical university in Košice - Language Course
- The Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava - Language Course
Other universities may also organise Slovak language courses for their international students/researchers – for more information, please, contact the International Relations Office of the respective higher education institution.
Nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland can attend a free of charge 'Open Course of Slovak Language'organised by the IOM Migration Information Centre
Foreigners can also attend courses of the Slovak language at several private language schools that provide education at all levels of language proficiency: beginner, intermediate, advanced. They offer group tuition or individual courses tailored to the clients’ individual needs. The courses are aimed at mastering all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The courses are usually held twice a week, 2 standard lessons (90 min. in total) per session. Private language schools offering courses of Slovak are, for example, Academy of Education, Eurolingua, Berlitz or other smaller private language schools.
- Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture - Studia Academica Slovaca (SAS)
The summer school SAS is aimed at all those studying Slovak language and culture and towards all Slavists in general. The intensive programme is suitable especially for university or college professors, experienced teachers, postgraduates and advanced undergraduates of Slovak and Slavonic studies, to writers, translators and all others interested in Slovak language and culture. The summer course lasts 3 weeks and takes place in August.
Bilateral intergovernmental agreements often offer scholarships for participation in this oldest Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture in Slovakia, organised by Studia Academica Slovaca (SAS) – The Centre for Slovak as a Foreign Language.
Prices provided below give an idea of how much it costs to live in Slovakia. These costs are only approximate and they are subject to change.
Rent
Guest room at a students' dormitory: from 12 € per night
1 bedroom flat: from 400 € per month including utilities (in larger towns the prices are higher, especially in town centres)
2 bedroom flat: from 500 € per month including utilities (depends on the location)
Food
Lunch at a canteen: from 5.00 €
Restaurant meal: from 7 €
Pizza in a pizzeria (300 g): from 7 €
1 litre of milk: 1 €
1 litre of mineral water: 0.60 €
Bread (500 g): from 1.2 €
Spaghetti (500 g): from 0.80 €
Beer (0,5 l): from 2.00 €
Transportation
Local transport (bus, tram) basic ticket (single journey): from 0.40 to 1.80 €
Local transport, monthly ticket/travel pass: from 20 €
Taxi within Bratislava: app. 0.60 € per km (minimum fare from 3.20 €)
Petrol: from 1.9 € per litre
Diesel: from 1.8 € per litre
Having fun
Cinema ticket: 4 – 9 €
Museum ticket: from 5 €
Theatre ticket: 2.50 – 20 € for drama, 4 – 35 € for opera and ballet
Fitness centre ticket: from 5 €
Swimming pool ticket: from 3 €
Rent a bike: from 8.80 € per day
The following days are official public holidays in Slovakia:
1 January (Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic)
6 January (Epiphany)
March/ April (Good Friday and Easter Monday, set according to the Catholic Calendar, check the exact dates of the respective days after arrival)
1 May (Labour Day)
8 May (Day of Victory over fascism – End of World War II in Europe)
5 July (St. Cyril and St. Methodius Day)
29 August (Slovak National Uprising Anniversary)
15 September (Day of the Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows, patron saint of Slovakia- the Blessed Virgin Mary)
1 November (All Saints' Day)
17 November (Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day)
24 December (Christmas Eve)
25 December (Christmas Day)
26 December (St. Stephen's Day)
People usually do not work on these days; banks, post offices, shops, healthcare professionals consulting rooms are closed; some public transport offers a reduced service (esp. buses and trains). Only some restaurants or cafés might be opened.
- Food
Slovak food is made using a variety of traditional and European products and ingredients. In shops, supermarkets or hypermarkets you can buy all kinds of vegetables and fruit in season, meat, milk products, pastry, bread, mineral and spring water, and sweets. You can also buy fresh homegrown fruit and vegetables and some other products at open-air markets.
- Cuisine
There are many restaurants in Slovakia ranging from cheap to expensive. For a drink, it is more usual to go to a pub where you can also have a meal. Larger cities usually have restaurants offering a national and an international cuisine, the most common being Italian, Chinese, Balkan, Czech and Hungarian. Beer and wine (domestic and foreign) are of good quality and usually consumed with the dinner.
Lunch is the main meal and Slovaks are more used to eating out for lunch than for dinner. Most restaurants in town centres have special lunch offers (“denné menu”, usually consisting of a bowl of soup and a main course), which are cheaper than other meals served there. Restaurants are open from Monday to Sunday from morning till night. Stores and restaurants which open 24 hours a day have a sign reading “nonstop”.
Unless the menu states that service is included, tipping is expected. 5–10 % is a standard tip in a restaurant with waiter service. Waiters usually give the customer the total of the bill and the customer, as he/she hands over the money, says how much he/she is paying including the tip. In restaurants and bars, it is usual to round up the price, the tip being roughly 10 %.
More information and lists of catering places can be found at www.zomato.com/sk (in Slovak only), www.restauracie.sme.sk (in Slovak only).
- Traditional cuisine
The main ingredients that have shaped traditional Slovak cuisine are potatoes, sauerkraut, pork, poultry, "bryndza" (cheese made from sheep’s milk) and pulses. The number one national soup is sauerkraut soup (hearty cabbage soup with smoked pork sausage that often contains mushrooms, and sometimes plums, especially at Christmas). Another typical Slovak soup is made of beans and root vegetables such as carrot and parsley. Sometimes, smoked pork is added. The most traditional national dish served as the main course is "bryndzové halušky", i.e. gnocchi/dumplings topped with "bryndza" and fried bacon. Another traditional dish is "strapačky s kapustou", dumplings with cabbage and sometimes with fried bacon. As the most common dessert one can always have sweet pancakes. Traditionally, we serve them with either jam or cottage cheese and raisins topped with whipped cream and chocolate. From the Slovak region of Záhorie comes an interesting pastry called "Skalický trdelník" in shape of a roll with a hole inside.
Cheese and cheese products are other typical Slovak specialties. Besides already mentioned "bryndza", the most popular are the "korbáčik" – sheep’s cheese strings interwoven into fine braids, "parenica" – steamed sheep’s cheese strips woven into snail‑like curls, "oštiepok" – smoked sheep’s cheese shaped in wooden moulds.
The most popular wines are those from the Tokaj, Small Carpathians, Nitra, Topoľčany and Záhorie regions. In winter, try the mulled wine. Young wine ("burčiak") is available in the first half of September and is usually the subject of harvest festivals. Hubert, the Slovak sparkling wine and "Karpatské brandy Špeciál" (the Carpathian brandy Special) are also highly rated. Typical Slovak liqueurs are Demänovka, Horec and Tatranský čaj from the region of the High Tatras. "Slivovica" (plum brandy) and "borovička" (the juniper berry brandy, gin) are popular Slovak aperitifs. To the uninitiated, these drinks will appear quite strong. Let us not forget that Slovakia also produces excellent beer. The popular brands are Zlatý Bažant, Corgoň, Smädný mních, Šariš, Martiner, Topvar, Urpiner.
More information:
Religion in Slovakia is predominantly Christianity, adhered to by about 68.8% of the population in 2021; the first Christian bishopric was established in the 9th century in Nitra.
Catholicism is the major Christian tradition in the country, followed in 2021 by 59.8% of the population, a majority of whom were of the Roman Catholic Church and a minority of whom (4%) were of the Slovak Greek Catholic Church. About 9% of the population were mostly followers of Protestantism, and a minority of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and other Christian denominations; the major groupings are the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovakia (5.3%), the Reformed Christian Church in Slovakia (1.6%), the Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church (0.9%), the Jehovah's Witnesses (0.3%), and other smaller Christian denominations (0.9%). In 2021, about 23.8% of the population declared themselves not religious, an increase from 13.4% in 2011. An additional 1.2% of the population were followers of other religions or beliefs; small religious minorities in Slovakia include Buddhism, modern Paganism, Islam, Judaism, Jediism, Hinduism, Pastafarianism and others.
At present, several legal norms regulate the freedom of conscience and religion, and provide a guarantee for general respect of these fundamental human rights and freedoms. According to the Slovak Constitution, "Freedom of thought, conscience, creed and religion will be guaranteed. This right will include the right to change religion or creed".
- Religious services
There are services available in foreign languages (mainly in English, German and Hungarian) all over the country (for more information, please, consult your church; for Bratislava, some information on church service in English is available here).
In Slovakia, 230 V/50 Hz electrical system is used and appliances are designed for a round pin plug and receptacle (socket) with a male grounding pin. For safety and to avoid damage to electrical appliances, it is important to bring equipment designed for the above-mentioned frequency and voltage and use dual-voltage equipment or voltage converters/transformers. Moreover, plug adapter will also be needed, if your device is constructed for other standards.
For those bringing US standard equipment, an earthed (grounded) step-down transformer is necessary for US computers, monitors and printers. Even with the most expensive transformers, one should always monitor the electrical supply. Most printers will need an adapter, but not all adapters are recommended for printers.
Exchange of driving licence
If you are a third country national with temporary or permanent residence granted in Slovakia, your existing driving licence from your home country will remain valid for a limited time. If you want to legally drive a motor vehicle in Slovakia, you have to apply for the exchange of your original driving licence within 60 days after the 185-day period of being granted residence permit. You have to apply for the exchange of your driving licence at the Police Authority respective to your place of residence in Slovakia.
When applying for the exchange of the driving licence, condition of residence in the territory of the Slovak Republic for at least 185 days in calendar year must be fulfilled by applicant.
A complete application consists of the following documents:
- residence document (plastic card)
- original driving licence
- translation of the original driving licence (translated to Slovak by an official translator)
- letter of entitlement or driver statement
The letter of entitlement or driver statement refers to a copy of a driver record with details of name, address, date of birth, driver number, date of expiry of licence and class of licence to include details of what that class refers to. It must be an original. A faxed, scanned or email copy is not acceptable.
- translation of the letter of entitlement or driver statement (translated to Slovak by an official translator)
The original driving licence and the letter of entitlement must be both issued in the same state of Convention and by the same relevant Licence Authority.
Fee: administrative fee 6,50€ for Slovak driving licence issued within 30 calendar days or 26€ for issuance of driving licence within 2 working days.
Please note that the original driving licence will be sent to your home country
Obtaining a driving licence
If you are not a driving licence holder and you wish to obtain it in Slovakia, you must:
- have permanent or temporary residence in Slovakia for a period at least 185 days in the calendar year in which you are applying for a driving licence
- meet the minimum age requirements for driving motor vehicles of particular group or sub- group
- meet the medical requirements
- sign up with an approved driving school for theoretical instruction and practical training. The exact amount of theoretical instruction and practical training will depend on the category of driving licence. The duration of the driving course shall not exceed 12 months from the beginning of the course.
- pass a theory exam and a practical test held by Ministry of Interior of the Slovak republic
The complete list of driving schools can be found here. Some driving schools provide theory classes and practical driving lessons for foreigners also in English language (e.g. Zeman, AUTINO in Bratislava; EUROMIKO in Trenčín; RYDER, DRAJV in Košice; Dilio in Martin).
Age requirement for driving licence in Slovakia
The minimum age at which you can obtain a driving licence in Slovakia is:
Category A1 (up to 125cc) 16 years Category A2 (up to 35 kW) 18 years Category A (over 35 kW) 24 years Category B (passenger cars) 17 years (with supervision)*
18 years (unrestricted)
* The minimum age for obtaining a driving licence of B group (passenger car) has been reduced to the age of 17 since 2011. This means that a minimum age of 17 years is required on the day of final examinations at driving school. B driving licence holders who are younger than 18 years old may only drive a car until they reach the age of 18 years only in the presence of a passenger who has been granted category B driving licence for at least 10 years. In this case Application for registration of passengers to the driving licence of a person under 18 years old must be submitted together with the Driving licence application form.
If you plan to buy a car your rights when buying it vary depending on whether:
- the car is new or second-hand
- you are buying it from a professional car dealer or a private individual
- the seller is based in an EU country or not
A car is considered new if no more than 6 months have passed since the date on which it was first registered or if its mileage does not exceed 600 km. Within an intra- EU transaction new cars should be sold without Value Added Tax (VAT).
Second hand cars (more than 6 months since the date of first registration and mileage of more than 6000 km) are generally sold inclusive of VAT (20%) if the supplier is a commercial seller. As a private individual shopping in the EU, you should only pay VAT once, in the country where you make your purchase. If the supplier is a private person, the supply is not liable to VAT.
Check what VAT is due when buying a car in the EU/ outside the EU for import to the EU
You generally have the greatest level of legal protection when you buy a new car from a professional seller. Under EU consumer rights rules, if the car you purchased turns out to be faulty or not as advertised you have a minimum of 2 year's guarantee. You should be cautious when buying a car from a private individual because EU consumer rights do not apply to private sellers. The seller is not obliged to provide a vehicle inspection. The first periodic inspection has to take place 4 years after the vehicle is first registered, then every 2 years. (average cost: EUR 50) If you wish you can find an expert who can carry out a check on the car at the seller´s premises. No list of experts is available and the minimum price is EUR 20.
When buying a car read the contract carefully, make sure that the name of the seller is the same as the name given in the registration document, or that the seller has power of attorney to sell the car in the registered owner´s name. If you buy a car from a trader, the name of the company should be mentioned in the contract and there is an indication regarding VAT.
The seller should provide you following documents:
- The contract of sale or an invoice
- The two parts of registration certificate (Osvedčenie o evidencii časť and Osvedčenie o evidencii časť 2)
- The European Certificate of Conformity (COC). If no COC is available from the seller, you can contact the manufacturer in your home country. If the manufacturer cannot provide a COC, ask a technical service organisation in Slovakia or in your country of residence.
Make sure the seller gives you all the documents you need to register the car in use and check if you have the original documets for the car.
If you are a third-country national and you have a motor vehicle registered in the country of origin, you have to register it in the place of your residence after being granted residence in Slovakia. The Vehicle Registration department of the Police in the place of your residence will issue documents needed for the technical inspection and motor vehicle registration.
Required documents, when registering an imported motor vehicle from abroad:
- the Registration Certificate – Part II
- the approval or recognition of the technical qualification of your vehicle
- the confirmation of a mandatory liability insurance against the liability for damage caused by the operation of a motor vehicle
- CoC - Certificate of Conformity
- administrative fee
As an EU national moving to the Slovak Republic, you are not required to register your car there. You can use your vehicle with a valid licence plate, registration certificate and proof of insurance (Green card). If the vehicle needs to have a mandatory technical and emission controls, it is also necessary to have a valid record of such controls. It is not decisive who the owner of the vehicle is.
If the vehicle meets the abovementioned conditions, the period of use of the vehicle registered abroad is not limited.
There is no re-registration time limit. If the vehicle has been logged off from another state, it is necessary to ask the District Office Traffic Department for approval of technical qualification and then pass a roadworthiness.
For more visit the Transport Ministry and the Interior Ministry websites.
Within the launch of decentralisation as of January 1, 2002 a regional level of self‑administration was established.
The Slovak Republic territory is divided into 8 higher territorial units/self‑governing regions, 79 districts and 2,927 municipalities. There is no hierarchy between both levels of local selfgovernment (selfgoverning regions and municipalities). Both levels have their own elected officials, distributed duties and liabilities. Some duties are divided between the state and the self govenment.
Regional administration:
Banská Bystrica higher territorial unit
Bratislava higher territorial unit
Košice higher territorial unit
Nitra higher territorial unit
Prešov higher territorial unit
Trenčín higher territorial unit
Trnava higher territorial unit
Žilina higher territorial unit
Local administration
Local administration in the Slovak Republic is directed by municipalities. Every town and village has its own town hall or community office and administration headed by a mayor. Many towns and villages have their own websites where you can find useful information e.g. about local sightseeing, seats of public bodies, accommodation or current weather. Here is a sample list of the biggest towns and their websites:
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The official currency in Slovakia is the euro (since 1 January 2009). Denominations: 1 euro (1 €) = 100 cents (100 c), banknotes issued in 500 €, 200 €, 100 €, 50 €, 20 €, 10 € and 5 € denominations; coins in 2 € and 1 € and 50 c, 20 c, 10 c, 5 c, 2 c and 1 c denominations;
The website of the National Bank of Slovakia "Národná banka Slovenska"offers updated information on exchange and interest rates, and other financial data. Note that the exchange rate of a commercial bank may vary slightly.
Opening a bank account
The documentation required for a non-resident account will vary from bank to bank, so it's best to call in advance to ensure you bring all the documentation they require to your appointment. Documents banks will most often ask you to supply are:
Documentation requirements for a non-resident account may differ among banks. Therefore, it's advisable to contact your chosen bank beforehand to ascertain the specific documentation needed for your appointment. However, commonly requested documents include:
- Passport or national ID card
- Proof of residence/your foreign resident card
- Proof of address
Banking fees
Many banks in Slovakia offer no-fee account opening, though a few do charge nominal fees dependent upon the type of account opened and whether or not you also order a card. Some banks also may have special promotions,where they waive the maintenance fee for a time period or under certain conditions.
In Slovakia, numerous banks provide no-fee account opening services, although a handful may impose nominal charges depending on the type of account selected and whether a card is requested. Additionally, certain banks may run special promotions during which they waive maintenance fees for a specified duration or under specific conditions.
Typical fees include:
ATM fees
Most ATM’s in Slovakia offer free ATM use when taking out money at a bank or partner ATM. Withdrawing cash from an ATM at a different bank, however, can be pricey, with flat withdrawal fees ranging from 1 to 5 euros per transaction.
If you’re using a debit card from a foreign bank at a Slovakian ATM, it’s very likely you'll be subject to aforeign ATM fee, as well as a percentage of the amount withdrawn. This is the flat fee, plus a percentage of the transaction which goes back to your bank at home. You may also be given a higher exchange rate at ATM's than you would at a local bank.
Standard bank fees
While many regular bank fees have been eliminated at many banks to be competitive in the market, most banks still have fees for specialty services. A few of these maintenance and convenience charges are:
- Account statement by mail
- Cash transactions at a branch are around 3 EUR³
- Monthly account maintenance fee of 6-7 EUR, though you may find an account free of charge as well⁴ ⁵ ⁶
- Card changes like PIN update of 2-5 EUR⁷ ⁸
- An account balance maintenance fee, which is applied if your account balance falls below the bank’s set minimum⁹
- Bank transfer and deposit fees
Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00/18:00. Some branches remain open even longer, and some are open on Saturdays and in some cases on Sundays (only in shopping centres). For more details, you should consult the website of the particular bank.
List of banks is available at the website of the Slovak Banking Association.
Credit & Debit Card
If you have a current account in euro, a debit card is mostly issued within a service package. A credit card is issued independently of an account. Major credit cards (American Express, Diners' Club, Visa, Eurocard/MasterCard) and debit cards (Maestro, Cirrus, Eurocheque cards and Visa Electron, Eurocard/MasterCard) may be used for cash withdrawal from cash dispensers (ATM) as well as for payments in hotels, restaurants, shops and petrol stations. Credit cards can also be used to obtain currency. For further information on commercial acceptability and other services consult your card issuer.
There are about 5240 libraries in Slovakia (scientific, academic, public, special and school libraries). Among them the most important is The Slovak National Library (1863) located in Mratin - a modern scientific, cultural, information and educational institution that serves all citizens of Slovakia and users from abroad. The largest research library is the University Library in Bratislava, founded in 1919, contains more then 2 million volumes.
Portal to catalogues and collections of Slovak libraries
The database of Slovak libraries
Some of the libraries (national and scientific ones) can be consulted through their websites:
The Central Library of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava
The Slovak Pedagogic Library, Bratislava (in Slovak only)
The Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information, Bratislava
The Slovak Library of Forestry and Wood Sciences at the Technical University in Zvolen
The Slovak Agricultural Library at the Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra.
In general, users of the library's research areas, including Computer Catalog Centers and Copyright Office public service areas, are required to have a Reader Identification Card issued by the library. You need to have a reader's card also to borrow books. It can be obtained by presenting a valid state-issued identification card, or passport.
Usually, there are annual charges for using library services (around 6 €). New researchers should register in person at Central Registration Station Desks. Libraries do not accept registrations via mail, e-mail, or telephone.
Almost all media available at the libraries can be found in the online catalogues (LIBRIS, BIBLIS or Web-OPAC system) that allow you to search according to various factors. You can see where the publication is located and whether it can be borrowed, viewed in the reading room, or is already signed out. It is also possible to access electronic journals through university servers.
The borrowing period is normally four weeks. Renewal may be usually made up max. to three times, provided no one has placed a hold on the item(s). After the third renewal, the item must be returned to the library.
Libraries in Slovakia usually have public Internet points. The terms of their usage may vary from library to library, but generally using a computer is free of charge. In some cases, a fee may be asked. Sometimes the usage terms limit the amount of time that a computer may be used per day or week by one person.
Mobile phone operators
In Slovakia, there are three mobile GSM networks run by their mobile operators Orange, Slovak Telekom and TelefónicaO2. There are also prepaid services provided by several branded operators, e.g. Tesco mobile and Funfón whose services are sold under their own brands.
Mobile 2G networks operate at frequencies of 900 and 1,800 MHz. The Networks 3G use 1,900/2,100 MHz. GSM networks of all the three operators are available almost in all cities and villages in Slovakia. Unless you intend to travel to extremely remote areas, you shouldn't have any problems with the mobile signal.
Orange Slovakia has been active on the Slovak mobile phone market since March 2002. It provides services at frequencies of 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz. Currently, they also provide an optical connection to the Internet, digital television and fixed telephone line.
Slovak Telekom is a holding company for Deutsche Telekom AG's various mobile communications subsidiaries outside Germany. It provides its services in Slovakia since July 2007. It operates in four networks – the GSM network (in the 900 and 1,800 MHz bands), a public data network VDS, analogue NMT network and 3G UMTS network.
Telefónica O2 Slovakia provides mobile telephone and mobile data transmission based on GSM and UMTS. They launched their commercial operations with GSM in February 2007; the UMTS network started running from 7th of September 2007.
International country code of Slovakia: +421
International form of a Slovak mobile phone number: +421 9YY XXX XXX
Prepaid mobile cards
Easy Karta, O2 Voľnosť, Funfón Štart, Tesco mobile, Prima Go, 4ka, Juro)
The easiest way to start using mobile telephone services in Slovakia is to buy a prepaid SIM card. For its purchase, Slovak legislation requires verification of personal data. Therefore cards are not sold as freely as in some other countries.
Sellers will ask for your passport or identity card if you are an EU citizen, or a temporary residence card in Slovakia, on the basis of which they will verify your identity. The minimum age limit for buying a SIM card is 15.
Credit charging
It is possible to buy scratch prepaid mobile coupons in newspaper stands, in post offices, petrol stations and many other places. The credit is charged according to given instructions. The places where the coupons are sold tend to be marked by a flag with a logo of the operator. It is necessary to ask the seller for “kredit” (credit) and say the name of the operator, from which you want to buy a card. It is also possible to charge credit at the ATMs, which support also smaller prices of charging. However, be careful with the charges of your bank for these operations abroad.
Credit can be charged also in selling places – in mobile operators stores. You can pay by cash or a credit card. It is also possible to charge the credit also in POS terminals in different chain stores, for example, at petrol stations, in grocery shop Coop Jednota, at the Slovak post and many others. Charging of credit is supported also by branch offices of national lottery Tipos.
Online charging (only in Slovak)
- Car Rental
In Slovakia, there are many car rental companies. Prices depend on the period over which the car is rented and the type of the car.
Most of the rental companies have their website in English. Search for a rental company according to the city/town you are residing at.
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service
There are several launderettes in Slovakia (e.g. www.cent.sk, in Slovak only; www.pramako.sk, in Slovak only; www.flipperwash.sk). You can use home laundry facilities or commercial laundries that wash and iron clothing and linen for their clients. There are many dry cleaning services or even fast dry cleaners (almost in every shopping centre). Some of them also provide leather/suede/fur cleaning and dyeing.
- Veterinary Care
A list of veterinarians in Slovakia can be found at here. The services of a veterinarian must be paid for in full at the point of use.
Emergency calls:
- General Emergency: 112
- Ambulance: 155
- Firemen: 150
- Police: 158
- Municipal police: 159
Enquiry services (usually paid):
- Directory enquiries – information about telephone numbers in Slovakia: 1181
- International directory enquiries – information about telephone numbers abroad: 12 149
- Info Assistant – Practical information for everyday use: 12 111
- Exact time: 12 110
City codes in Slovakia
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
Postal services
Post offices are at your service in all towns and villages and provide bank services (Poštová banka), too. The post offices are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 and on Saturday until 13:00. The main post offices in larger towns or shopping centres are open daily until 20:00. You can find a detailed information about the office hours of all the post offices at the website of the Slovak Post Office.It is possible to buy post stamps for postcards and letters directly in the post offices or in some newspaper stands.
A 50 g letter sent within Slovakia by 2nd class costs 0.75 €, sent by 1st class costs 1 € and registered mail costs 1.85 €. The postage for sending a 50 g letter by 2nd class from Slovakia to the Czech Republic costs 1.20 € while sending a 50 g letter by the same class to the other European countries or outside Europe costs from 1.20 € to 1.60 €. The price list is also available online. You can also find there ZIP codes of all the towns in Slovakia and information on other services provided at the post office, e. g. you can pay your utility bills, receive cash on delivery consignments, buy lottery tickets, receive payments, make phone calls, buy mobile phone cards, and, of course, send telegrams, faxes and mail.
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- Summer Sports
Slovakia has a wide range of facilities for summer sports. The most popular are cycling, water sports and hiking. Large reservoirs such as Zemplínska šírava, Oravská priehrada, Liptovská Mara, Sĺňava near Piešťany, Ružín at the River Hornád, and Domaša at the River Ondava along with artificial lakes like Slnečné jazerá near Senec and Zlaté piesky in Bratislava offer visitors a chance to enjoy water sports. Many Slovak rivers are navigable and canoeing is very popular amongst young people. Horse riding is becoming more popular, with stables for public existing in many towns. Mountaineering, hill‑walking, white water rafting, adrenaline sports and paragliding are only some of the ways to spend a weekend in the mountains. Another very popular activity is camping or renting cottages, and hiking (trekking) in the mountains. For those who prefer green lawns and white short dress, there are many possibilities to play tennis at tennis clubs, at public courts or golf in clubs.
- Winter Sports
Thanks to its mountainous nature, Slovakia offers great opportunities for downhill and cross‑country skiing, as well as snowboarding. The mountains enjoy over 80 days of snow per year which often reaches a level of 2 m in the 'Nízke Tatry' and 'Vysoké Tatry' (Low Tatras and High Tatras). In these high mountain regions, there is snow on the ground for 130 days each year. You can find a list of ski resorts here. Ice hockey and ice‑skating are very popular sports that can be practised in closed stadiums, as well as outdoors.
Mountain Resue Service Insurance
As of 1 July 2006, tourists bear the cost of search and rescue operations they require the Mountain Rescue Service ("Horská záchranná služba" – HZS) to conduct, excluding the costs covered by health insurance. Insurance companies offer products that cover the potential risk. You can conduct the insurance on‑line or via SMS. For more information, please, consult a commercial insurance company.
- Indoor sports
Sports centres offer opportunities for fitness, aerobics or squash. These centres are often equipped with saunas, solaria and masseurs, and many also offer body care services, such as cosmetic and pedicure facilities. Some towns also have indoor swimming pools that provide opportunities for swimming, saunas and massages. You can also rent a gym‑hall to play squash, indoor football, volleyball, basketball, handball, etc. These gyms are mostly associated with a primary or secondary school, or a university faculty.
- Sport in a nutshell
Slovakia is a small country with great sports achievements. Sport is quite an important part of the Slovak culture and many world-class athletes come from this part of the world including skier Petra Vlhová, cyclist Peter Sagan as well as Martin and brother Peter Velits.
The most popular sports in Slovakia are ice hockey, football (soccer), cycling, tennis, ski sports like biathlon and alpine skiing, ball hockey, and canoe slalom. These are the most widespread sports in Slovakia or those in which Slovakia has achieved the most significant achievements.
More information:
HolidayInfo - information about downhill and cross-country trails, aquaparks, events, snow reports etc.
Sport Tips and Adventure Travel
Portal On the snow - snow reports and ski resorts
With its varied terrain, the Slovak Republic is a hiker's paradise. It is crisscrossed with valleys, basins, lowlands and hills. It is a country full of natural beauty. The biggest and best‑known mountains are Tatras ("Tatry") – a national symbol.
Read more HERE
Music
Classical music
In the first half of the 19th century, a national musical tradition began to develop around Slovakia's impressive folk heritage. Romantic as well as modern Slovak music has drawn from both classical and traditional folk styles. Among romantic composers, the most important are the compositions of Ján Levoslav Bella, Viliam Figuš‑Bystrý who laid the foundations of the first Slovak opera, and those of Mikuláš Schneider‑Trnavský and Mikuláš Moyzes who had merit in lyric songs and ballads creation. Well‑known works from the 20th century include the symphonic compositions of Alexander Moyzes, and the operas of Eugen Suchoň (1st Slovak national opera "Krútňava" (The Whirlpool or Katrena) and Ján Cikker.
Today, music is one of the most significant aspects of the Slovak culture. Some of the most renowned orchestras are the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra ("Slovenská filharmónia") and the Slovak State Philharmonic, Košice ("Štátna filharmónia"),the Symphonic Orchestra of Slovak Radio ("Symfonický orchester Slovenského rozhlasu"), and the Bohdan Warchal Slovak Chamber Orchestra ("Slovenský komorný orchester Bohdana Warchala").
Musical performances usually begin at 19:00 and whilst tickets can be bought an hour before the beginning, it is advisable to reserve tickets several days before at the ticket office of the respective orchestra. Tickets can be also reserved on‑line.
Traditional folk music
The most impressive ensembles performing traditional dance and music are the Slovak State Traditional Dance Company ("Slovenský ľudový umelecký kolektív" – SĽUK,) and Lúčnica – the Slovak National Folklore Ballet. Most towns have their own folk festivals with dances, local costumes and food. These tend to be held throughout the summer until the end of September. The biggest one takes place in Východná in July every year (more about folklore events also at www.nocka.sk/en).
Modern Music
The Music Centre Slovakia ("Hudobné centrum") provides information on classical and modern music. A list of various events all around Slovakia can be found at the website Podujatia (means 'Events' in Slovak). Information on concerts online ticket sale is possible via Ticketportal. If you prefer the club scene with live performances there are many options within different genres.
Cinema
Cinemas ("kino") can be found in every town. Film clubs are popular and can be found in all university towns. In Bratislava, there are also multiplex cinemas in the Aupark, Eurovea and Polus shopping centres. In shopping centres in Banská Bystrica, Dunajská Streda, Košice, Nitra, Poprad, Prešov, Skalica, Trenčín, Trnava and Žilina you can find multiplex cinema, too. Most films bear the original soundtrack with subtitles; some films have Slovak dubbing (mostly films for children). Cinema programmes are published also on towns' websites (www.kamdomesta.sk) and in newspapers.
Slovak Newspaper in English
The Slovak Spectator, an independent English language newspaper, is published every week. It includes information on politics, the economy, business, daily life and cultural events, as well as advertisements.
A news portal TheDaily.SK offers daily Slovak news in English for all foreigners living, working or just visiting Slovakia. There are many varieties of local newspapers and journals. You can also buy or subscribe to foreign newspapers and journals or buy them at newsstands.
Theatre, Opera, Ballet
The theatre network consists of 4 state funded professional theatres, 22 theatres under the competence of self‑governing regions and municipalities, more than 40 independent theatres established by private owners/legal entities and 4 minority language theatres in Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, Trnava, Nitra, Komárno, Zvolen, Martin, Žilina, Košice, Prešov, Spišská Nová Ves and Rožňava. The list of theatres with addresses can be found at the website of the Theatre Institute.
The oldest professional theatre is theSlovak National Theatre("Slovenské národné divadlo" – SND) in Bratislava. It comprises drama, opera and ballet sections, each with a permanent professional company, with a central theatrical stockist providing sets for all productions. The SND is a repertory company with a season running from the beginning of September to the end of June. Performances are staged every day except Sunday (opera and ballet) and Monday (drama). In April 2007, a new building on the bank of the Danube River became the home of the SND in addition to the historic building.
Other state institutions are theState Theatre ("Štátne divadlo") in Košice, theState Opera and Ballet ("Štátna opera a balet") in Banská Bystrica and Nová scéna (New Stage) in Bratislava specialising in musical repertory).
Private theatre offering different types of performances is, for example, the Aréna Theatre in Bratislava. Theatre performances usually begin at 19:00 (at 18:00 on Sundays) and whilst tickets can be bought an hour before the beginning, it is advisable to reserve them several days before the performance at the ticket office of the chosen theatre or on‑line. There is also the possibility to buy a season ticket.
Galleries
There are more than 26 galleries in Slovakia. There are galleries to be found in almost every bigger town. Some of them have continuous expositions with artworks of famous painters of the past, but many offer inspiring contemporary art. The most precious art collections of old and modern masters are to be seen in Slovak National Gallery, with artworks of Slovak and world painters and sculptors.
Find a gallery HERE.
Traditional Folk Art
Folk art and crafts, which include woodcarving, fabric weaving, glass blowing and painting, pottery, ceramics production, blacksmithing, have a long tradition. The tradition of folk art and crafts has been handed down through the generations and is nowadays supported mainly by ÚĽUV – The Centre For Folk Art Production. The Centre sells traditional products but also organises exhibitions, artistic workshops "The ÚĽUV Craft school", both for youth and adults, some of which are officially accredited by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Slovakia became famous for Majolic pottery ("majolika") already in the 14th century (especially in the town of Modra). Modra's ceramic tradition was heavily influenced by the influx of Haban craftsman in the 16th century. The Habans, also known as Anabaptists, were a religious sect that arose during the Reformation. The pottery is characterised by gentle curves and bright colours, particularly blue and yellow. Contemporary Modra's Majolic factory is a direct descendant of this tradition. You can also order Majolic through the website Majolika R.
Examples of folk architecture, such as wooden churches and brightly painted houses, are to be found throughout the country. Interesting open‑air museums presenting folk architecture can be found in Martin (Museum of the Slovak Village – "Múzeum slovenskej dediny"), Bardejov Spa, Zuberec, Vychylovka in Nová Bystrica and Pribylina. If you are interested in "living museums" (folk architecture reservations), you should visit villages like Čičmany, Vlkolínec, Špania dolina, Ždiar, Podbiel or Sebechleby.
Wooden church architecture is unique, especially by its construction and interior design. All parts had to be made of wood and no nails were allowed. In the north‑east of the country you may find mostly churches of Greek Catholic or Orthodox denomination. Most of them date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the oldest churches at the territory of Slovakia is the Roman‑Catholic wooden church in Hervartov near Bardejov dating back to the 15th century. Wooden churches and towers in the centre of the country were mostly of Roman‑Catholic and Evangelical denominations. More information: www.museum.sk, www.remesla.lawit.sk
Are you a foreigner currently located in Bratislava?
Take a look at the page Internationals Bratislava - an initiative fostering the English-speaking community in this city. You will find information about activities and cultural events happening in English, which bring together internationally-minded people, to share ideas, helpful advice, find new friends and contacts and feel more at home altogether in their city.
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There are 3 international airports in Slovakia - M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava (Letisko M. R. Štefánika'), the International airport in Košice (Medzinárodné letisko v Košiciach) and the International airport in Poprad (Medzinárodné letisko Poprad‑Tatry). Several airlines provide connections within Slovakia as well as with foreign countries, such as the Czech Airlines, the Austrian Airlines, Ryanair or Wizzair.
- Transportation between international airports and principal Slovak towns
Bratislava International Airport
M. R. Štefánik International Airport is located about 15 km from the Bratislava Old Town. A taxi into the town costs about 10 €, depending on where in the centre you want to go.
Using a public transport, take the bus No. 61 to the main railway station (Hlavná stanica). The ride will take you about 25 minutes and you'll need a 30-minutes/0.90 € ticket. The bus No. 96 will take you from the airport directly to the Petržalka district. During night, the night bus No. N61 runs to the main railway station.
Vienna International Airport (Austria)
Thanks to the short distance between Vienna and Bratislava (60 kilometres) it is also possible to use the Schwechat International Airport in Vienna which is larger than the M. R. Štefánik International Airport in Bratislava and then take a bus or a taxi to Bratislava. Just in front of the arrival gate at Vienna airport, you will find the bus platform with the buses departing to Bratislava where you can change to bus/train to other Slovak principal towns. The buses terminate either at the Main Bus Station in Bratislava (Hlavná autobusová stanica) called Mlynské Nivy or at the Bratislava airport
Standard one‑way ticket from the Vienna Airport to Bratislava bus station costs from 8,90 €, return ticket costs ca 10,90 €. The schedules and online ticket booking are available at websites of the bus companies Slovak Lines and RegioJet.
Košice International Airport
Košice international airport is located approximately 6 km to the south of the town. The airport is situated between the suburbs Košice‑Barca and Košice‑Pereš. The airport is located less than 2 km from the expressway from Košice to Rožňava. You can reach it by car in 10 minutes from the town of Košice, in 30 minutes from the town of Prešov and in 20 minutes from the Slovak‑Hungarian border.
The public transport company operates regular bus service No. 23 which connects the airport of Košice with the downtown. The ride from the airport to the 'Station square' (where both main railways and bus stations are) takes about 17 minutes. You will need a 30-minutes/0.60 € ticket. The bus departs from the airport every hour. Taxi to the city centre costs about 7 €.
Using trains in Slovakia is a safe and comfortable way to travel. There are several different types of trains:
Os Passenger train ("osobný vlak")
Zr Semi-fast train ("zrýchlený vlak")
R Fast train ("rýchlik")
Ex Express
IC InterCity
EC EuroCity (international)
SC SuperCity (international)
- How to find a connection and buy a ticket
The websites of the Slovak Railways provide information on schedules, prices, ride duration and whether you have to switch the trains at any point.
The websites www.cp.sk and www.cestovny-poriadok.sk offer a complex travel itinerary taking into account all the means of transport (bus, train, aeroplane, town public transport) and search for an optimal combination of them to find the shortest journey.
Tickets can be bought at the train station ticket offices or at some train stations in ticket machines. If applicable, the teller may ask what type of train you would prefer (see the table above). To guarantee a seat, it is possible to buy a seat reservation ("miestenka"), since the trains may be crowded, especially on Fridays and Sundays, when students travel to and from schools.
International trains run several times a day from several train stations in the country. For some trains, it is also possible to buy a ticket on‑line at the website of Slovak Railways.
While the trains are more comfortable, coaches are sometimes more direct; they connect most of the towns and villages in Slovakia and are reliable and satisfactory. The schedules and existing connections can be found at www.cp.sk or www.cestovny-poriadok.sk.
For international bus travel, you can buy tickets at the ticket office, travel agency or online. Eurolines is the biggest provider operating 8 regular international lines together with its domestic branch Slovak Lines,RegioJet also provides several international lines.
- How to buy a ticket
When travelling by coach within Slovakia, tickets can be bought when boarding. It is possible to buy a ticket with a seat reservation ("miestenka") for long‑distance coaches at the ticket office of any bus station or on‑line, in some cases.
- Local Transport
The public transport system in towns is quite reliable. A network of public transport is usually composed of buses (in Bratislava and Košice also of trams and trolleybuses) and covers most of the towns. The transport usually runs between 5 am and 11 pm. After 11 pm there are a few night‑bus lines. Every town is responsible for running its own public transport ("mestská hromadná doprava", abbr. MHD).
- Common features
Public transport is the most widely used means of transportation in towns. Schedules can be found at every bus/tram stop.
Tickets are usually sold on buses only in smaller towns. Unless this is a case, they can be bought at newsstands, ticket machines, some bus stations or public transport kiosks. In several towns, electronic SMS tickets are also available for clients of Slovak mobile operators. However, the possibilities vary from town to town.
The ticket types also differ depending on the town you are in. Some towns use time‑tickets (you can change means of transport within a given period), others single‑use tickets (every time you change means of transport, you use a new ticket). Fare depends also on tariff zones given by the town area. It is usually possible to buy tickets valid for several days from the moment of their first validation in the vehicle. You will also need an extra ticket if travelling with large pieces of luggage and/or animals.
In a case of staying in a certain town for a longer period and if you know you'll be using public transport quite frequently, it is advisable to buy a travel pass, usually for 30, 90 or 365‑days. To get a pass, you will normally need a completed application form, an up‑to‑date photograph (3 × 3.5 cm) and your ID card. Consult the local public transport company for more information.
Children, students and pensioners usually travel for reduced fares.
- Usefull Glosary
Autobus – bus
Električka – tram
Trolejbus – trolleybus
Zastávka – stop
Cestovný poriadok – schedule
Cestovný lístok – travel ticket
Mesačník, predplatný cestovný lístok, električenka – a (monthly) travel pass
Zastávka na znamenie – request stop
- Schedules
Information on public transport in Bratislava, Banská Bystrica, Košice, Nitra, Prešov, Žilina and other towns is available at www.imhd.sk. For Bratislava, you can also consult the web page of the City Transport Company (Dopravný podnik). Connection search for public transport of a larger number of principal towns is available at www.cp.sk (under MHD), it is necessary to be familiar with the names of stops, though.
- Traffic Regulations
The current traffic regulations are the same as in other European countries. Seat belts are compulsory. The use of a mobile phone is forbidden while driving. It is prohibited to drink any amount of alcohol before or while driving. No level of alcohol in the blood is tolerated. A car must have the appropriate lights on during the whole year. Motor vehicles in Slovakia have a duty to have winter tires if a continuous layer of snow or ice is on the roads. An accident with presumed loss over 3,990 € must be reported to the police; otherwise, the participants of an accident clarify the circumstances themselves and report it to the insurance company according to their agreement.
More info: Slovakia Travel Portal, Traffic information
- Speed Limit
On a motorway: max. 130 km/h (80 mph), min. 80 km/h (50 mph)
On a motorway in a built‑up area: max. 90 km/h (55 mph), min. 65 km/h (40 mph)
On an open road: max. 90 km/h (55 mph)
In a built‑up area: max. 50 km/h (30 mph)
- Motorway vignettes
As of 1 of January 2016, a formerly used paper form of motorway stickers has been replaced by electronic vignette valid in the given calendar year. They can be purchased via www.eznamka.sk. It is possible to buy an electronic vignette valid for a period of 10, 30 days or one calendar year. Motor‑bikers do not need electronic vignettes on motorways.
- Petrol/Charging stations
Petrol stations are located throughout the whole territory of Slovakia. They are usually open 24 hours a day, and easy to find. Most of these are operated by Europe's largest petroleum companies and are well‑stocked. They sell diesel and non‑leaded petrol, Super 95 Natural, Natural 98, Normal 21, V‑Power, V‑power Racing, EVO Benzin, etc. For older vehicles, the non‑leaded petrol with special additives replacing lead is available. There is also a network of petrol stations providing LPG. Almost all petrol stations sell drinks and snacks. Toilet facilities tend to be quite acceptable and larger stations offer showers. In all big petrol stations, you can pay with credit cards.
You can find charging stations for electric vehicles e.g. here or here.
- Parking
Parking in cities is well marked by international traffic signs. Parking in forbidden places can result in being fined, towed or wheel‑clamped. In bigger cities, some parking places are specified for parking with a parking card, which can be bought from newspaper kiosks. Other parking places require the use of automatic parking meters. In several cities of Slovakia, it is possible to use your mobile phone to pay for parking. For detailed information, please consult the website of Mobil Parking.
- Breakdown service
ASA – Autoklub Slovakia Assistance, s. r. o.: 18 112, +421 249 20 59 49
SATC – Slovak Automotive Tourist Club: 18 124, +421 268 24 92 11
- Taxi
There are many taxi companies, although cruising taxis are seldom available. Taxi stands are located throughout the towns. Taxis ordered by phone have cheaper fares (usually 50 % cheaper). The fare is flexible and varies from company to company. When taking a taxi, look for one with the company's name on the car.
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Details on the education system can be found HERE.