Slovenia : Formalities and administrative procedures
Slovenia : Organize your stay
Money Slovenia
This is not a problem since Slovenia has been part of the euro area since 1 January 2007. The Slovenian euro is the only one with different coins. As the number of coins in circulation is proportional to the number of inhabitants, Slovenian euro coins are few in number and therefore highly sought-after by collectors. A large number of foreigners pass through the country, which further contributes to the dispersal of Slovenian coins across Europe, resulting in a relative rarity.
Budget & Tips Slovenia
Don't expect to discover a "developing" European country just because it was part of the Eastern bloc. Slovenia is certainly the former Eastern Bloc country to have suffered least from the Communist regime, or at least to have made the best and quickest transition to the capitalist model. Today, it's a prosperous country where the cost of living is almost the same as in Western Europe. So it's not a destination where you'll save money! As far as the average budget per day is concerned, it varies greatly depending on the region you visit and your travel priorities. On a low budget, you can get by for around 50 euros a day, provided you choose shared accommodation, meals on the go, public transport and inexpensive activities. For a more comfortable budget, expect to pay €80 per day on average.
As for tips , you should know that they are not obligatory but customary. You won't look ridiculous if you leave around 5-10% of the bill. The French are often considered stingy because they forget to leave a tip, since in France tipping is included in the bill.
As far as taxes are concerned, Slovenia's value-added tax (DDV, davek na dodano vrednost) is 22%, the "standard" rate, so to speak. Slovenia applies a reduced VAT rate of :
- 9.5% on certain categories of goods and services, including water supplies, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment for disabled people, foodstuffs, books, newspapers, hotel services... ;
- 0% on financial services, insurance operations, betting and lotteries, public radio and television broadcasts, education-related services, health and medical services, cultural services..
Bargaining is virtually non-existent. Here, the Germanic, rather than Balkan, character of the Slovenes prevails: not really in the mores..
Passport and visas Slovenia
A simple identity card is all you need, as is your passport.
All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain your passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, an identity document and two passport photos. The passport is issued in around three weeks. It is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years). Before you leave, remember to photocopy all the documents you take with you. Take one copy of each document with you, and leave the other with someone in France. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much simpler to renew them with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.
If you have any doubts about entering Slovenia, please contact the Slovenian Embassy in Paris (28 rue Bois le Vent 75016 Paris, 01 44 96 50 60, [email protected]).
Driver's license Slovenia
The French driver's licence works in Slovenia provided that you have an insurance that works abroad. There are several offers for car rentals from local or international providers. In case of a breakdown, call the Slovenian Automobile Federation at the 1987 number.
Health Slovenia
The sanitary state of the country is excellent. No particular precautions are to be taken. Water is safe to drink throughout the country. Health infrastructure is good, with dispensaries and small hospitals well distributed throughout the country. Remember to bring the European Health Insurance Card, which you can obtain by applying to your health insurance company at least two weeks before departure. In case of illness, a reflex: contact the French consulate. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, it is also the consulate that notifies the family and decides on repatriation. To find out about emergencies and facilities that meet international standards: consult the websites www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr. In the event of illness or a serious accident, call 112.
Security Slovenia
This is a country that you'd think would be completely crime-free. Of course, there are always exceptions, but generally speaking, you'll meet honest people who won't see tourists as "pigeons". Slovenia is a reassuring destination that allows you to travel with a free spirit, as a family or solo, whatever your gender. In fact, for several years now, Slovenia has ranked as one of the safest destinations in the world, especially for women travelling alone.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the country's actual situation.
Time difference Slovenia
No gap with France and Belgium, neither in winter nor in summer. Of course, as Slovenia is located in the east of Europe, the sun sets early in winter.
Spoken languages Slovenia
In addition to Slovenian, young and old alike speak English, of course. Compared to France, you'll be impressed by the level of English spoken in shops and on the streets. Having this language is like having a passport. Slovene is a minority language. That's why you need to know one or more foreign languages. Serbian and Croatian are understood almost everywhere, but less and less by young people.
German is spoken in Gorenjska, Tajerska and Prekmurje (first foreign language among young people). In addition to German, which is understood almost everywhere, Italian is used on the coast and near the Italian border. Slovenians are generally polyglot.
Communication Slovenia
Telephone coverage is excellent in both urban and rural areas. If you want to use your cell phone in Slovenia, no problem: the country is covered by the four major operators on the French market (SFR, Orange, Free and Bouygues). Ask them about reception and transmission in Slovenia.
It's also possible to buy a local SIM card (Mobitel or Simobil) and credit on the spot, making sure you've unlocked your cell phone beforehand.
As far as the Internet is concerned, there are no problems whatsoever. Many cafés and the vast majority of accommodations offer high-speed Internet access. As for 4G, it works well throughout Slovenia. If you pay a supplement to your operator, it is possible to obtain additional gigas, which may be necessary to enhance your trip with your favorite playlist or a fully-fledged GPS.
Electricity and measurements Slovenia
The standard is 220 V - 50 Hz. The voltage and plugs are the same as those used in France. No need for an adapter or special transformer for your appliances. The metric system is in force as in France. If you shop at the market, specify kilo or dekagram (decagram, dag). In restaurants, the price of fish is indicated in dag (10 g). At your multiplication tables..
Luggage Slovenia
Little Slovenia makes it possible to go from the beach to the high mountains during the day. So, in addition to beach and summer clothes, it is advisable to bring walking shoes and warm clothes for the caves and for the high mountains where it can also rain in summer. Be careful, in the middle of winter, that is to say in January and February, it is very cold all over the country. The climate is continental, equip yourself accordingly!
Slovenia : Daily life
Hello? Slovenia
To call from Slovenia to France, dial +33 followed by your correspondent's number without the 0.
To call from France to Slovenia, dial +386 (country code) followed by your correspondent's number without the initial 0.
A Slovenian number consists of a two-digit area code preceded by 0, followed by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7, and a 7-digit local number.
To call from one region to another, dial the full area code followed by the 7-digit local number.
To call within the same region, just dial the 7-digit local number without the area code.
Accessibility Slovenia
A lot is being done for disabled travellers, but there's still a long way to go. In fact, Slovenia does not stand out in this field, and no real adaptation of infrastructures is offered, although more and more restaurants and hotels are being equipped with adequate access.
Travelling with children in Slovenia is no more difficult or easier than in France. Slovenians are generally very sympathetic to children. Preferential rates are often offered in hotels and even restaurants. What's more, there are many small facilities for children, especially by the sea.
Health Slovenia
Here are the contact details of two French-speaking doctors in Ljubljana:
Doctor Barsos: 11 Gregorčičeva Ulica +386 1 242 07 14
Cabinet Zdravje: 18 Smoletova Ulica +386 1 438 82 17
Emergency numbers Slovenia
To contact the emergency services or fire department, dial 112.
Securty Slovenia
To contact the police, there are two numbers: the first is reserved for emergencies (113), the second for complaints and information (080 12 00).
LGBTQ Slovenia
Torn between two worlds, one Balkan, particularly hostile to the public expression of homosexuality, and the other Germanic, more open, Slovenia welcomes homosexuals. In 2014, the Slovenian gay and lesbian movement celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. Gay Pride is now an institution. Of course, most of the action takes place in Ljubljana. The Kulturni centar Q opened its doors in 2009 (Masarykova 24, www.kulturnicenter.org). The www.sloveniaforgaytravelers.com website also caters for gay tourists.
On December 20, 2015, a referendum on the adoption of a law legalizing same-sex marriage failed to win public support. While same-sex marriage is still not permitted in Slovenia, this result is tempered by the fact that only 36% of Slovenians voted in favor.
Embassies and consulates Slovenia
The Embassy and Consulate of France in Slovenia are located at the same address, in Ljubljana at No. 1 Barjanska Cesta. The Embassy is responsible for bilateral diplomatic relations with Slovenia. For consular emergencies, outside the opening hours of the embassy between 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., please contact +386 41 724 542. There is also a Belgian Honorary Consulate in Ljubljana, which is attached to the Belgian Embassy in Austria, and a Swiss Embassy, also in the capital.
Mail Slovenia
Post offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 8am to 12pm.
Opening hours may vary according to the size of the locality. In villages, there is a first closing in the morning, a second around midday and a final closing in the afternoon, lasting 30 minutes for the lunch break. Mail takes four to five days to reach France. If you speak English and want even more precise information, type in the locality at www.posta.si.
Local media Slovenia
For more information about Slovenia as a destination, please visit the website of the Slovenian Tourist Office "I Feel Slovenia", which provides a lot of tips for itineraries, theme trips, etc. Municipal tourist office websites are generally well developed, provided that you can understand English (e.g. www.visitljubljana.com). To find out more about political, economic and cultural news in Slovenia, the French-language portal 'Le courrier des Balkans' is a good place to go, as is the English-language site 'Slovenia Times'. Good to know: films are always shown in their original version with subtitles on Slovenian television and French films are often featured in the programming.
