| SLOVENIA - Where is Slovenia and how do I get there? |
As you can see, Slovenia is found wedged in between Austria to the north, Italy to the west,
Croatia to the south and Hungary to the east.
Note the big X so as not to confuse you with Slovakia!!!
Slovenia's capital Ljubljana is served by several airlines and is linked to many cities
across Europe including Amsterdam, Banja Luka, Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt,
Helsinki, Istanbul, Kiev, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Podgorica,
Prague, Pristina, Sarajevo, Skopje, Tel-Aviv, Tirana, Toulon, Vienna, Warsaw and Zurich.
Airlines visiting Ljubljana include the national carrier Adria Airways, as well as Finnair, Turkish,
Easyjet, Montenegro Airlines, Air France and Czech Air.
Slovenia is also close enough that visitors can arrive at Venice, Trieste, Graz and Zagreb airports with short
connections to Slovenia by car, bus or train. |
|
 Alcohol |
Beer, Wine and Spirits are widely available from most supermarkets, restaurants and
pubs with all the local brands widely supported with some of the popular foreign brands
also available.
Wine:
Locally produced wine is of a good standard and is slowly making an impact on the world stage as
Slovene wines try to find their position in the marketplace.
There are over 40,000 wineries in Slovenia and they are mostly located in 3 main wine growing areas:
Primorska to the west, Posavje to the south east and Podravje to the east.
Whites account for 75% of the output in Slovenia but the reds are now emerging as Slovene winemakers
try to diversify by experimenting with both varieties.
In the wine growing areas, families are fiercely proud of their product
and like nothing better than sharing a bottle over dinner with friends.
See 'Wineries' under 'What to do' for a more in-depth look at Slovene wine.
Beer:
In regards to the amber fluid, Slovenes enjoy their lager and are big drinkers if we look at the per capita stats.
A rivalry had existed between the 2 biggest brands in Slovenia and you are said to be either green or red
in supposed reference to your political and social status.
Green is for Zlatorog from Laško. The legendary brew is made in the town of the same name dating back to 1825 and because
of its bitter taste, it is regarded as the 'real mans drink'.
Union the Red from Ljubljana has a sweeter taste and
is considered a bit of a yuppie's beer for the suits. In any case it was said that one never drank the other.
Its all immaterial now as Laško Breweries own Union as well and control over 90% of the country's market.
Spirits:
As in the rest of Eastern Europe, the Slovenes make their own firey brands of 'Rakija' or Brandy.
They are usually distilled from fruit but Slovenes also make a mean version from honey. It's usually
referred to as Slivovka or Slivovec and should be sipped and never drunk by the shot unless you have no
plans for the rest of the week.
In general, consuming alcohol to excess in Slovenia is frowned upon although alcoholism is a problem in less affluent areas.
Having said this, you are only likely to encounter the odd docile drunk at closing time.
|
 Crime |
Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe, if not the world.
It is pretty rare that you will see or encounter crime of any
kind in your travels, and violent crimes are almost unheard of.
With an approximate 10,000 convictions each year, the major crimes are larceny and
fraud with violent crimes way down the list.
In general, travel for single women and everyone else shouldn't present a problem but that's
not to say you shouldn't take precautions.
Be vigilant and alert with your belongings like you would anywhere else in the world.
Recently a global exercise was undertaken to see which city possessed
the most honest citizens in the world. Organisers left mobile
phones on park benches to see if passers by would hand them in
or simply walk off with them.
Ljubljana received top marks with 29 of the 30 phones handed in.
Need we say more? |
 Currency |
Euro (implemented 1 Jan 2007).
The Euro has taken over from the short lived Tolar.
It comes in all the usual denominations of notes and coins.
If you wish to get an approximate idea of how many euro's you
can buy for your money, use:
XE.com's Universal Currency Converter |
 Driving |
Roads:
Slovenia's main roads are well-developed and safe for travel. Country roads are notoriously narrow and caution is needed due to
speeding drivers and a lack of passing space.
Highways are clearly marked and connect neighbouring cities and countries.
Parking:
Parking can be difficult in a lot of towns as parking space is limited and town streets are notoriously narrow.
Good examples are Piran and Ljubljana where parking is scarce and also expensive.
Yellow spaces are reserved.
Blue spaces, parking for 30 minutes. White spaces for longer periods with appropriate fee paid.
Driving Culture:
Traffic moves on the right in Slovenia and travellers from countries like the USA and Australia are often
astounded by the aggressiveness and speed of drivers both in cities and on highways.
You will easily be passed even if doing 130km per hour on the main freeways.
Many of the serious accidents in Slovenia occur as a result of high-speed driving.
Misc Information:
By Slovene law, the maximum legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05.
International Driver’s Licences are valid for a maximum of one year, after which residents of Slovenia are required to obtain a Slovene driver's licence.
Motorists are required to have their headlights on during the daytime plus drivers and passengers alike must wear seat belts.
The use of mobile phones whilst driving is prohibited in Slovenia.
Snow chains or winter tyres are mandatory in winter from October to March and a fine applies if not adhered.
Buses have right of way.
The maximum speed limits of vehicles in towns are:
50 km/h - in built up town areas
30 km/h - in speed limit zones
10 km/h - in pedestrian zones.
The maximum speed limits of vehicles outside of towns are:
130 km/h - on highways/freeways
100 km/h - on roads marked as such
90 km/h - outside built up areas
|
 Electricity |
Traditional Voltage is 220V, 50hz but Slovenia is moving to the
standardised EU voltage of 230V, 50hz.
The variance will not affect most appliances as they are built to tolerate variances in Voltage.
Slovenia uses a round, two-pin plug.
You will need an adaptor and\or voltage coverter if your appliance uses a different plug.
Most travel voltage converters cover appliances from 50-1600 watts but they are not designed for long periods of use.
Electronic goods need a suitable transformer. |
 Emergencies |
112 Fire and First Aid.
113 Police (Accidents etc.)
1987 Roadside assistance
(112 is a free charge call for use anywhere in the EU.)
|
 EU |
Joined the EU in May 2004.
While the older generation in Slovenia were still adjusting to
a post-socialist society,
they also found themselves having to decide whether to join the
EU as well.
Most surveys declared that joining the EU would not have any visible
impact on the common man, but many agree that joining the EU raised prices
but has placed Slovenian businesses in a stronger position with business
grants on offer and Slovenian products available to a wider market.
Surveys also declared that people felt more secure by being part
of the EU's military might, and that students would benefit from
more opportunities in the EU market. |
 Geography |
Highest Mountain:
Longest River:
Borders:
Coastline:
|
Mt Triglav (2864m)
Sava (221km)
Italy (280km), Austria (320km), Hungary (100km), Croatia (670km)
46.6km
|
|
 Hospitals |
Slovenia has a high standard of health and
hygiene and their hospitals are also well equipped with modern
equipment and well trained staff, many of whom will speak very
good english as well.
Every town of note in Slovenia will have a medical center and
they are generally open from 0700 to 1900 weekdays although times
may vary.
Members from fellow EU countries who hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
can avail themselves of general and most emergency treatments
at no charge. This includes ambulance travel if referred by a local GP.
Otherwise ambulance costs can be up to 70%.
Citizens of other countries must pay for medical services and
are encouraged to purchase travel health insurance before arriving
in Slovenia. |
 Independence |
Declared Indepedence: 25th June 1991.
In 1990, Slovenia were the first republic in Yugoslavia to hold
democratic elections and the ensuing electorate vote declared
overwhemingly in favour of an independant republic.
After a brief 10 day stand off with Serbia, Yugoslav forces withdrew
and Slovenia as an independant nation was born. It was effectively
recognised by the world on 15th January 1992 and from there quickly
proceeded to join the United Nations, NATO and the EU. |
 Internet |
Slovenes have taken to the net in astonishing
numbers in recent years and recent stats show there is over
1.25 million registered users with over 55% of homes having an internet connection.
DSL and Cable Broadband services are widely available and where
Siol (Telekom Slovenije) once dominated the market, new entities have joined the race
in providing web access to Slovenes.
Internet usage is widespread, and you might be surprised to find
farmers in remote areas furiously clicking away at their keyboards.
For tourists, internet cafes and accessible terminals at libraries
are easy to find in nearly all towns.
The main ISP's are Siol, Arnes, Amis, Softnet, Voljatel, Telemach, T2 and
Volja.net. The country suffix for Slovenia is 'si'. |
 Language |
The official language is Slovene.
Italian, German and Hungarian are all spoken along their respective
border areas.
Slovenes also have a good understanding of neighbouring slavic tongues like
Serbo-Croatian.
Being a slavic language, many Slovene words are very similar to
those found in other languages like Czech and Russian.
English has taken over from German in schools and is widely understood,
especially amongst the younger generation who speak english very
well indeed.
English speakers should have no trouble at all whilst travelling
throughout tourist areas in Slovenia.
Main phrases:
dober dan - good day
na svidenje - goodbye
hvala - thanks
prosim - please
kako si? - how are you?
koliko stane? - how much is it? |
 Opening
Hours |
In General:
Shopping centres:
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 21:00
Saturday 08:00 – 20:00/21.00
Sunday 09:00 – 15:00
Most stores closed on holidays.
Other stores:
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 19:00
Saturday 08:00 – 13:00
Sundays and holidays closed
Banks:
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 12:30; 14:00 – 17:00/18:00
Saturdays and Sundays closed
Post offices:
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 18:00/19:00
Saturdays 08:00 – 12:00/13:00 (in larger towns)
Sundays and holidays Closed |
 Phone |
386 International Country Code
Mobile phones are all the craze now and you're nobody if you don't
have the latest model.
Slovenia is now ahead of the average EU figure for the number
of users per capita with 94% of the population having one. Mobile
telephones in Slovenia operate on the frequency bands of 900 MHz
and 1800 MHz. Roaming is available on the following mobile networks:
Mobitel, Simobil, Debitel, Easymobil, Mmobil, Tušmobil.
Mobile users from many countries can set up their phones so they
can use their exisiting number in Slovenia. See your provider
for details.
Alternatively, phone cards are very popular in Slovenia where
you can hire a phone with a prepaid amount and top it up when
you need to. Go to any mobile phone store in Slovenia for more
details. |
 Political |
Slovenia is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Slovenia is the head of government.
Janez Jansa from the Slovenian Democratic Party is the current Prime Minister and the President is Danilo Turk.
Current parties in parliament are the Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia, For Real,Liberal Democracy of Slovenia,
Slovenian Democratic Party, Slovenian National Party, Slovenian People's Party and the Social Democrats.
Slovenes elect a head of state, (the president) and a legislature. The president is elected by the people for a five year term.
The National Assembly is Slovenia's parliament and has 90 members who are elected for a four-year term.
|
 Population |
2,044,000 (Aug 09')
Cities:
1. Ljubljana (Capital)
2. Maribor
3. Kranj
4. Koper
5. Celje
6. Novo Mesto
7. Nova Gorica
8. Velenje
9. Domžale
10. Slovenska Bistrica
|
Pop: 276,000
Pop: 112,000
Pop: 54,000
Pop: 51,000
Pop: 50,000
Pop: 43,000
Pop: 37,000
Pop: 34,000
Pop: 32,500
Pop: 31,000
|
|
 Public
Holidays |
Jan 1,2
Feb 8
Easter
Apr 27
May 1,2
May 31
Jun 25
Aug 15
Aug 17
Sep 15
Oct 31
Nov 1
Nov 23
Dec 25
Dec 26
|
New Years Day
Preseren Day (Cultural heritage Day named after the poet)
Easter Monday Holiday
Resistance Day (Day of uprising against occupation)
Labour Day
Pentecost
Day of Slovene Statehood - Independance Day
Assumption Day
Slovenes from Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother nation (State holiday, Not work free)
Restoration Day- Reunion of Slovene Littoral with homeland (State holiday, Not work free)
Reformation Day
All Saints Day
Rudolph Maister Day (State holiday, Not work free)
Christmas Day
Independence Day
|
|
 Religion |
Roman Catholic (82%)
Like in most western countries, church attendances and religious
activity are on a slow decline as the younger generation find
other distractions like i-pods and the internet to keep them preoccupied.
However, you will still find the older generation shuffling off
to mass every Sunday in every town and village throughout the
country. |
 Smoking |
|
Smoking is still one of the most popular
pastimes even though laws have been brought in banning smoking
in all indoor public (restaurants, bars etc.) and work places
since August 2007. |
 Time
Zone |
GMT\UTC +1
Slovenia falls under CET or Central European Time.
Slovenia engages in Daylight Savings from the last weekend in
March until the last weekend in October. An hour is added thus
becoming GMT\UTC +2.
Actual dates:
Daylight Savings Start: 25 March 2012
Daylight Savings Ends: 28 October 2012
|
 Tipping |
|
Tipping in Slovenia is not traditionally
customary, but it has become increasingly
prevalent in restaurants these days. You can always add the obligitory
10% if you feel you've received good service as i'm sure no-one
will complain! |
 Tollways |
Slovenia's decision to introduce Vignettes (Prepaid Toll Fee for Freeway use Stickers) in July 2008 has raised much controversy
from road users, especially from their closest neighbours. The tolls were described as grossly unfair and overpriced for a country with
only 487km of highway system.
Slovenia has been heavily criticised for not offering a short term vignette for those who use the roads infrequently, or for
those who are just passing through. The original vignette asked for car users to buy a 6 month vignette for 35 euro or a yearly
pass for 55 euro. It was a similar story for motorcyclists as well.
From 1st July 2009, a seven-day vignette, valid for seven days including the day of purchase, will cost 15 EUR.
This means that for most visitors who are travelling for over a week will actually be obliged to by two vignettes
at a cost of € 30 (just five EUR less than the former six month vignette abolished as of 1st July 2009
and equivalent to the monthly vignette).
The new monthly vignette will cost € 30 and the yearly vignette will cost € 95 EUR (€ 40 EUR more than before).
In short, both Slovenian and European visitors will pay more.
These amendments are expected to have detrimental impacts not only on costs for domestic and European consumers
but also on road safety and tourism in Slovenia and in neighbouring countries such as Croatia because a lot of tourist traffic
flows through Slovenia.
From 1 July 2009:
All vehicles up to 3500kg
Annual vignette - Cars EUR 95.00
Monthly vignette - Cars EUR 30.00
Weekly vignette - Cars EUR 15.00
Annual vignette - Motorbikes EUR 47.50
Six month vignette - Motorbikes EUR 25.00
Weekly vignette - Motorbikes EUR 7.50
Vignettes can be purchased at:
Petrol stations in Slovenia and neighbouring countries
At some offices of foreign motoring organisations
At post offices in Slovenia
At some news kiosks.
Using a toll road without a valid vignette (without paying the toll) can and probably will incur a fine of between 300 and 800 euros.
The annual vignette for the current year is valid from 1 December of the preceding year to 31 January of the following year (a total of 14 months).
The six-month vignette is valid for six months from the date of purchase or to the last day of the sixth month if the sixth month does not have that day.
The monthly vignette is valid from the moment of purchase to the same date of the following month or the last day of the month if the following month does not have that day.
The weekly vignette is valid for seven consecutive calendar days beginning on the day chosen by the user on purchasing the vignette.
If carrying a trailer or caravan, a second vignette is NOT needed unless it weighs more than 3,500kg.
If so, you would expect to pay a toll as per vehicles over 3,500kg (but unless your vehicle is clearly larger than the
standard trailer\caravan, we have doubts this would apply!).
From August 2009, a satellite-based electronic tolling system is due to be introduced for Trucks, Buses and other vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes to replace the
conventional methods of paying at toll booths. |
 Visa
Requirements |
Since Jan 1, 2008 internal borders with
Italy, Austria and Hungary were abolished and EU citizens are
now free to cross the border as and when they please as long as
they have their ID cards on them and they dont stay longer than
30 days.
Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand,
Israel, Japan and the other European countries do not need visas
to enter Slovenia for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport
(preferably one that will not expire in the next 6 months) is
all that is needed.
For all other countries, check with your consulate but in most
cases you will need a visa valid for six months. |
 Water |
|
The water is perfectly safe to drink throughout
the country. In fact, in the mountain regions, the water will
probably be the purest you will ever taste! |
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