Banks: 09:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00 Saturdays
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 08:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 13:00 Saturdays
Museums: 10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday to Sunday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Slovenia is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, and rarely presents travellers with any problems. Theft and violence are not normal in this stable, friendly nation, but as with any new destination visitors should exercise the usual precautions concerning their cash and valuables. Most theft occurs on crowded public transport or at popular tourist sites. When visiting these areas, keep a close eye on your bags and don’t flash large amounts of money. If you encounter any trouble or need to report a crime simply call the local police and they will come and assist you.

Police: 113

Electricity: 220V AC, 50Hz; round two-pin European plugs are the norm.

Throughout Slovenia the tap water is considered safe to drink, and many in Europe would go as far as to call it tasty. Even so, it’s always advised that you use bottled water to avoid upsetting your stomach when visiting a new country. Food should not present much of a health issue either, as the milk in Slovenia is pasteurised and meat, seafood, vegetables and fruit are all generally fine to eat.

No special vaccinations are needed to enter Slovenia though it’s suggested that you be inoculated for hepatitis B, tetanus and typhoid. If you have any minor illness, there are Lekarna pharmacies in virtually every town which can sort you out. If you need serious medical care, Slovenia's hospitals are capable of handling most emergencies. Travellers from the EU with an EHIC card can receive state-funded medical treatment, but it’s still a good idea to buy some travel insurance to ensure that any emergency is completely covered. 

Ambulance: 112

Although the national language of Slovenia is Slovene, most citizens can speak German, Italian or Hungarian. English is also commonly spoken as a second language, helping to make communication with the locals easier.

Slovenia is part of the EU, and has adopted the euro (€) as its currency. There are 100 cents in a euro. Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins come in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Foreign currency can readily be exchanged at most banks, exchange bureaux, tourist agencies, and even a few hotels, supermarkets and petrol stations. ATMs can be found in most of the cities and tourist destinations. Nearly all of them are tied into the PLUS and Cirrus network, as well as many European networks so it should be quite easy to withdraw cash on a daily basis. Since Slovenia only switched over to the euro in 2007, there are still currency exchange kiosks all over the country.

Credit cards also make a good way to get cash advances from banks. Major credit cards are typically accepted only at the more upscale restaurants, hotels and shops in Slovenia. But credit is often accepted at petrol stations and toll booths. Cash is preferred in most general retailers. If you bring traveller’s cheques, which are widely accepted, it’s suggested you get them in euros, US dollars or pounds sterling.

All visitors to Slovenia are allowed to bring 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits, and 50 grams of perfume. Visitors can bring as much currency as they want into the country.

Despite (or perhaps due to) being one of the smallest ethnic groups in Europe, the Slovenes are very proud of their heritage and cultural identity. It is a distinct society which has evolved from centuries of being assimilated into foreign cultures and exposed to the influences of neighbouring countries. This great mix of influences has created one of Europe’s most vibrant, open and artistic people, a fact which Slovenes are well aware of.

Visitors will find it incredibly easy to strike up conversations with the bilingual Slovenes, thanks in part to their ability to speak German, Italian and English. City life in Slovenia is modern, progressive and bursting with energy. Yet venture out into any rural village and life takes on much different priorities. Their traditional agricultural existence is augmented by the occasional beer festival or cultural fair. Despite being known as hard workers, Slovenes love to relax as hard as they work.

Slovenes typically shake hands upon meeting. The usual Western etiquette concerning dress also applies here. Casual clothes are perfectly acceptable, but if you want to dress it up then go right ahead. You can engage a Slovene in conversation about virtually any subject, but as a general rule, try and be sensitive to their particular struggles and points of pride. Smoking is not allowed in public offices, cinemas, or any public transport.

Dining Etiquette
The dining etiquette in Slovenia follows typical continental customs, so most visitors will have no trouble fitting right in when dining out. Restaurants often have a hostess to seat you, and if not, then simply grab an available table and a waiter will come to take your order. Slovenes typically share the bill based on what they ate and drank, but as in most cultures, offering to pay the bill is seen as an incredible display of consideration.

All citizens of the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Israel will be given a visa upon arrival for stays up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries can usually get a 90-day tourist visa in advance at any Slovenian consulate or embassy. The government is keen to invite foreigners to enjoy its wonderful country, so getting in is almost guaranteed.

Visitors to Ljubljana can stop by the wonderful Slovenian Tourist Board, where every region of the country is well-represented with brochures, maps and other useful information.

Slovenian Tourist Board: Dunajska cesta 156, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.