Organize your stay Slovenia
Money Slovenia
This is not a problem since Slovenia has been part of the euro area since 1 January 2007. The Slovenian euro is the only one with different coins. As the number of coins in circulation is proportional to the number of inhabitants, Slovenian euro coins are few in number and therefore highly sought-after by collectors. A large number of foreigners pass through the country, which further contributes to the dispersal of Slovenian coins across Europe, resulting in a relative rarity.
Budget & Tips Slovenia
Don't expect to discover a "developing" European country just because it was part of the Eastern bloc. Slovenia is certainly the former Eastern Bloc country to have suffered least from the Communist regime, or at least to have made the best and quickest transition to the capitalist model. Today, it's a prosperous country where the cost of living is almost the same as in Western Europe. So it's not a destination where you'll save money! As far as the average budget per day is concerned, it varies greatly depending on the region you visit and your travel priorities. On a low budget, you can get by for around 50 euros a day, provided you choose shared accommodation, meals on the go, public transport and inexpensive activities. For a more comfortable budget, expect to pay €80 per day on average.
As for tips , you should know that they are not obligatory but customary. You won't look ridiculous if you leave around 5-10% of the bill. The French are often considered stingy because they forget to leave a tip, since in France tipping is included in the bill.
As far as taxes are concerned, Slovenia's value-added tax (DDV, davek na dodano vrednost) is 22%, the "standard" rate, so to speak. Slovenia applies a reduced VAT rate of :
- 9.5% on certain categories of goods and services, including water supplies, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment for disabled people, foodstuffs, books, newspapers, hotel services... ;
- 0% on financial services, insurance operations, betting and lotteries, public radio and television broadcasts, education-related services, health and medical services, cultural services..
Bargaining is virtually non-existent. Here, the Germanic, rather than Balkan, character of the Slovenes prevails: not really in the mores..
Passport and visas Slovenia
A simple identity card is all you need, as is your passport.
All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain your passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, an identity document and two passport photos. The passport is issued in around three weeks. It is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years). Before you leave, remember to photocopy all the documents you take with you. Take one copy of each document with you, and leave the other with someone in France. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much simpler to renew them with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.
If you have any doubts about entering Slovenia, please contact the Slovenian Embassy in Paris (28 rue Bois le Vent 75016 Paris, 01 44 96 50 60, [email protected]).
Driver's license Slovenia
The French driver's licence works in Slovenia provided that you have an insurance that works abroad. There are several offers for car rentals from local or international providers. In case of a breakdown, call the Slovenian Automobile Federation at the 1987 number.
Health Slovenia
The sanitary state of the country is excellent. No particular precautions are to be taken. Water is safe to drink throughout the country. Health infrastructure is good, with dispensaries and small hospitals well distributed throughout the country. Remember to bring the European Health Insurance Card, which you can obtain by applying to your health insurance company at least two weeks before departure. In case of illness, a reflex: contact the French consulate. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, it is also the consulate that notifies the family and decides on repatriation. To find out about emergencies and facilities that meet international standards: consult the websites www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr. In the event of illness or a serious accident, call 112.
Security Slovenia
This is a country that you'd think would be completely crime-free. Of course, there are always exceptions, but generally speaking, you'll meet honest people who won't see tourists as "pigeons". Slovenia is a reassuring destination that allows you to travel with a free spirit, as a family or solo, whatever your gender. In fact, for several years now, Slovenia has ranked as one of the safest destinations in the world, especially for women travelling alone.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the country's actual situation.
Time difference Slovenia
No gap with France and Belgium, neither in winter nor in summer. Of course, as Slovenia is located in the east of Europe, the sun sets early in winter.
Spoken languages Slovenia
In addition to Slovenian, young and old alike speak English, of course. Compared to France, you'll be impressed by the level of English spoken in shops and on the streets. Having this language is like having a passport. Slovene is a minority language. That's why you need to know one or more foreign languages. Serbian and Croatian are understood almost everywhere, but less and less by young people.
German is spoken in Gorenjska, Tajerska and Prekmurje (first foreign language among young people). In addition to German, which is understood almost everywhere, Italian is used on the coast and near the Italian border. Slovenians are generally polyglot.
Communication Slovenia
Telephone coverage is excellent in both urban and rural areas. If you want to use your cell phone in Slovenia, no problem: the country is covered by the four major operators on the French market (SFR, Orange, Free and Bouygues). Ask them about reception and transmission in Slovenia.
It's also possible to buy a local SIM card (Mobitel or Simobil) and credit on the spot, making sure you've unlocked your cell phone beforehand.
As far as the Internet is concerned, there are no problems whatsoever. Many cafés and the vast majority of accommodations offer high-speed Internet access. As for 4G, it works well throughout Slovenia. If you pay a supplement to your operator, it is possible to obtain additional gigas, which may be necessary to enhance your trip with your favorite playlist or a fully-fledged GPS.
Electricity and measurements Slovenia
The standard is 220 V - 50 Hz. The voltage and plugs are the same as those used in France. No need for an adapter or special transformer for your appliances. The metric system is in force as in France. If you shop at the market, specify kilo or dekagram (decagram, dag). In restaurants, the price of fish is indicated in dag (10 g). At your multiplication tables..
Luggage Slovenia
Little Slovenia makes it possible to go from the beach to the high mountains during the day. So, in addition to beach and summer clothes, it is advisable to bring walking shoes and warm clothes for the caves and for the high mountains where it can also rain in summer. Be careful, in the middle of winter, that is to say in January and February, it is very cold all over the country. The climate is continental, equip yourself accordingly!
