Slovenia travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are most common.
Language
The official language of Slovenia is Slovene. Italian and Hungarian are also spoken in some communities.
Money
The euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Banks offer the best exchange rates for cash. Banking hours are generally 9am to 5pm during the week, with some banks closing for a lunch hour at midday. Numerous bureaux de change are open outside banking hours throughout the country. Major ATMs are readily available in major cities; credit cards are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Tipping
A 10 percent tip is expected in restaurants, hotels and by taxi drivers.
Health
Travel insurance for medical treatment is recommended. Slovenia has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, providing emergency healthcare on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety
There are very few risks involved in travel to Slovenia but sensible precautions are still advised. Travellers should guard their valuables from pickpockets and petty thieves, lock their cars and avoid protests, strikes and other public demonstrations. A copy of their passports or some other form of identification should be carried at all times.
Local customs
The majority of the population is Roman Catholic and visitors should respect religious customs. Penalties for drug offences can be severe in Slovenia. A copy of one's passport or other form of identification should be carried at all times.
Doing 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 with both men and women is the norm and it's considered polite to greet women first. Business cards are often exchanged after introductions, with Slovenians usually referred to by their title and surname. 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, and one kilogram tobacco; 10 litres spirits, 20 litres fortified wine or liqueur, 90 litres wine (no more than 60 litres sparkling wine), 110 litres beer.
Visitors from non-EU countries who are 17 and older may import up to 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco. In addition, one litre spirits, or two litres fortified wine, liqueur or sparkling wine, as well as four litres wine and 16 litres beer will not be taxed. Visitors are also restricted to 50ml of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette, and medicinal products for personal use. Other goods up to the value of €430 (€150 for those under 15 years old) will not be taxed.
Communications
The international dialling code for Slovenia is +386. Restaurants, cafes and hotels offer WiFi; travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the departure date. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
UK passports must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the departure date. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Australian nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required. Schengen "C" type visas must be valid for the visited Schengen Member State. This is specified in the "valid for" field of the visa.
Irish nationals require a passport valid upon arrival, but no visa is required.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
Slovenian Tourist Information Centre, Ljubljana: +386 1 306 4575 or www.slovenia.info or https://www.slovenia.info/en
112 (General emergency)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 386 6601.
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7222 5700.
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 565 5781.
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6290 0000.
Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia, Cape Town, South Africa: + 27 21 970 2447.
Embassies / consulates in Slovenia
United States Embassy, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 5500.
British Embassy, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 3910.
Canadian Consulate, Ljubljana: +386 1 252 4444.
Australian Consulate, Ljubljana: +386 1 234 8675.
South African Honourary Consulate, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 6300.
Embassy of Ireland, Ljubljana: +386 1 300 8970.
Consulate of New Zealand, Ljubljana: +386 1 200 9337.