Organize your stay Slovakia
Covid-19 : current situation Slovakia
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Slovakia. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Slovakia
In Slovakia, the euro is used. Transactions are often made in cash and there are many more €100 notes in circulation than in France.
Budget & Tips Slovakia
The cost of living in Slovakia is lower than in France, the local minimum wage, even if it increases every year, is 525,65 € (net). Transportation and meals - between 4 and 10 € for a lunch menu in a restaurant - are not expensive. Accommodation will probably be the main expense of your stay in Slovakia. The cheapest option is to find a bed in a youth hostel. Otherwise, classic hotels outside of Bratislava are more affordable than in France.
Passport and visas Slovakia
A valid identity card or passport is sufficient for tourism in Slovakia. If you come across a police officer or a customs officer who is picky, make sure that your papers are valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the country.
Driver's license Slovakia
If your driving licence was issued in an EU country and is still valid, it can be used to drive or rent a car in Slovakia.
Health Slovakia
There are no particular risks in Slovakia. However, it is advisable to take out an international insurance policy. Slovakian doctors are paid three times less than their Western European counterparts. Mostly state employees, they share the sad salary situation of civil servants. The lack of resources is sometimes flagrant, and it is better to avoid seeking treatment in certain local hospitals. The situation is improving, but there is still a long way to go.
Mandatory vaccination Slovakia
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travelling to Slovakia. However, it is recommended to check if your vaccinations are up to date and, depending on the length of your trip, to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and tick-borne encephalitis, especially if you are going to be in the wild during your stay. The Covid pass is required at the border.
Security Slovakia
There are no particular security problems in the country, however, classic vigilance is always welcome abroad as it is in France.
Time difference Slovakia
Slovakia is located on the GMT + 1 time zone; it is the same time in Slovakia as in France. The rhythm is however shifted, the country being at the eastern limit of the time zone: it is day and night very early and the local life adapts to this particularity. The changeover from summer to winter time and vice versa takes place on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October
Spoken languages Slovakia
In Slovakia, Slovak is spoken. For a long time, German and Russian were the most widely spoken foreign languages in the country, but now they have been overtaken by English. Today it is more a question of generation. If the elderly and the rural population still speak more German and Russian, the young prefer English. French is far behind
Communication Slovakia
No problem to spend your mobile and 4G package in Slovakia. Calls to France and Europe are no longer surcharged, but ask about the data usage abroad included in your package, as it may vary from one operator to another. You can also choose to buy a local chip, which can be purchased in any shop in the city centre. The network coverage of the country is good and you will have no problem to communicate with your relatives. Wifi has become commonplace (and free) in hotels, cafes and restaurants, so webcafés have almost disappeared.
Electricity and measurements Slovakia
This is not England; Slovakia uses the metric system and the voltage is 220 V, so you can safely use your usual appliances and recharge them as at home.
Luggage Slovakia
Summers can be stifling in Slovakia, where the climate is continental. Take light clothing, sunglasses and a hat or cap to provide some shade. Conversely, in winter, temperatures are harsh and warm clothes are required. In any case, remember to bring good shoes: in Slovakia, we walk! The use of heels should also be avoided. Don't forget to bring a smart outfit if you plan to go to a concert or an opera. There is not really a dress code at the entrance, but Slovaks are used to dressing up for the occasion, so you might as well go local.
