WHEN TO TRAVEL
There are four seasons in Slovakia – spring, summer, autumn and winter – and each season has its own charm. So, the best time to visit depends on what kind of adventure you’re after.
The main tourist season is from May to October.
Late spring is beautiful because everything is in bloom, temperatures are still mild and overall it’s less „touristy“.
Summer is amazing for hiking trips and visiting folklore and other festivals.
Autumn starts in October and is full of changing colors, misty mornings and there’s nothing better as to enjoy warmth of traditional Slovak cottage and its comfort food „halušky“.
Winter is famous for traditional Christmas markets that are almost in every town of Slovakia. Also, the skiing season starts in December and lasts approximately to March/April.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO SLOVAKIA
You have four alternatives how to get to Slovakia – by plane, by bus, by train or by a car.
BY PLANE
The largest airports in Slovakia are in Bratislava, Košice and Poprad, but you can as well fly to Sliač or Žilina airport.
All of them are in a close proximity to the city where you can take a bus or a taxi to get to.
Also, the Vienna Airport Schwechat in Austria is located only 50 km from center of Bratislava. There are regular bus services from Schwechat to Bratislava or you can take a taxi, price starting at 40 Euros.
BY BUS
Passenger transportation between Slovakia and other countries is provided by several transport companies or independent transport providers. International coaches providing transport are very well equipped luxurious vehicles (toilet, air-conditioning, TV, beverages sale).
BY TRAIN
You can get to Slovakia by an international train from all its neighbouring countries.
Search for train connection at slovakrail.sk.
You can get international train tickets at RailEurope.
BY CAR
Slovakia is easily accessible by car due to its location in the Central Europe and advanced road network. Entrance gate to Slovakia from the west is Bratislava, which is directly accessible by highways from the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.
CURRENCY AND PAYMENT METHODS
The official currency in Slovakia is Euro. You can find a bank or an ATM in almost every town in Slovakia.
You can pay for your purchases by credit card, payment card (VISA, VISA Electron, MasterCard, Maestro), cash or even with your phone.
You can use card payment in almost every supermarket, restaurant, hotel and gas station. For services such as a taxi or public transportation, you’ll need to pay cash. You’ll also need cash to pay in smaller towns or villages.
ELECTRICITY
230 V/50 Hz, standard socket with safety pin.
DRINKING WATER AND FOOD
The water from taps in Slovakia is safe for drinking, besides some exceptional cases, when a notification warns about the possible defect. You can also buy bottled water in every supermarket or local store.
There are supermarkets or local stores in every town and village in Slovakia. Supermarkets also offer products for people with special dietary needs as well as organic products.
If you prefer eating out, you can choose from wide variety of restaurants and fast foods.
VACCINATION AND MEDICAL MEASURES
Before the arrival to Slovakia no special health precautions or medical measures are necessary. We recommend a tick vaccine if traveling in spring and summer, especially in case you plan to spend time hiking. In summer, it is also suitable to carry some insect repellents, because there can be an increased occurrence of mosquitos and other insects in areas close to water.
HOW TO MAKE PHONE CALLS
International country code of Slovakia is 00421 (+421).
Slovakia is really well covered by mobile phone networks. Only very distant areas are without reception.