Money:
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Banks offer the best exchange rates for cash and
travellers cheques. Banking hours are 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to
6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. Numerous
bureaux de change are open outside banking hours throughout the
country. ATMs are readily available in major cities. Credit cards
are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops.
Time:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round pin
attachment plugs and
Language:
The official language of Slovenia is Slovene. Italian and
Hungarian are also spoken in some communities.
Health:
Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. In
forested areas hikers should guard against tick bites, as
tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are a risk. Mains water is
safe to drink, milk is pasteurised and local meat and produce safe
to consume. Free emergency treatment is available from hospitals
and private doctors contracted. Slovenia has a reciprocal health
agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing
emergency health care on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. EU
travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Tipping:
A 10% tip is expected in restaurants, hotels and by taxi
drivers.
Safety:
There are extremely few risks involved in travel to Slovenia.
The threat of terrorism is low, as is the crime rate, however
sensible precautions are advised with valuables.
Customs:
A copy of a passport or other form of identification should be
carried at all times.
Business:
Business etiquette in Slovenia is similar to the rest of Western
Europe. Men and women should dress conservatively in formal
business suits. Shaking hands of both men and women is the common
form of greeting and it is considered polite to shake the women's
hand first. Slovenians are referred to as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. (or
other titles) followed by their surnames. Business cards are often
exchanged after introductions. Appointments should be made in
advance and confirmed. Business hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to
Friday.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Slovenia from within the European Union may import
the following goods duty-free: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200
cigars, one kilogram tobacco, 10 litres spirits over 22%, 20 litres
liquor under 22%, 90 litres wine (no more than 60 litres sparkling
wine), 110 litres beer. Visitors from non-EU countries may import
up to 200 cigarettes/100 cigarillos/50 cigars/250g tobacco, and
medicinal products for personal use. Those 17 and older may import
one litre spirits over 22%, two litres spirits under 22% or
sparkling wine, two litres wine, and 16 litres beer. Visitors are
also restricted to importing only 50ml of perfume or 250ml of eau
de toilette. Other goods up to EUR430 (EUR150 for those under 15
years old) will not be taxed.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Slovenia is +386. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relative country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are in use, e.g.
(0)1 for Ljubljana. Public telephones are operated with tokens or
magnetic cards, which are available from newsagents, post offices
and tobacco kiosks. Two major mobile phone operators provide GSM
900/1800 coverage. Internet cafes are prolific in Ljubljana and the
larger towns.