Slovakia

Travel tips for Slovakia: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Cards and contactless payments are accepted for the vast majority of purchases. However, travelers should carry a small amount of euros for mountain huts in the Tatras, street markets, small rural pubs, and public restrooms.

Try the food

  • Bryndzové halušky: Small potato dumplings smothered in a pungent, creamy sheep cheese and topped with crispy bits of smoked bacon.
  • Kapustnica: A hearty, thick sauerkraut soup simmered with smoked pork, sausage, and dried wild mushrooms.
  • Trdelník: A sweet, hollow pastry dough wrapped around a spit, grilled over coals, and dusted with sugar and crushed walnuts.

Say it in Slovak

  • Hello: Dobrý deň
  • Thank you: Ďakujem
  • Please: Prosím
  • Excuse me: Prepáčte
  • How much is this?: Koľko to stojí?
  • The bill please: Účet, prosím
  • Yes / No: Áno / Nie
  • Goodbye: Dovidenia

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type E
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Safe to drink
Emergency
112 (general), 158 (police), 155 (ambulance), 150 (fire)
SIM tip
Pick up a prepaid SIM card from Orange, Telekom, or O2 at the airport or local kiosks, or download an eSIM like Airalo before arrival for instant connectivity.

Etiquette

When tipping in restaurants, it is customary to round up the bill or add about 10 percent, telling the server the total amount you wish to pay before they process the payment, rather than leaving cash on the table.

Airports in Slovakia