Country information
General
Time
Slovenia uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Language
Slovenian, but English and German are also spoken in many places.
Border formalities
Travel documents
Slovenia is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
No special customs formalities apply.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Slovenia if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm .
Currency
The currency in Slovenia is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = €1.48. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Slovenia. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Take care as some cash machines in more remote places may have been tampered with. Credit cards are in wide use in tourist areas. Banks are open weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00 with a lunch break (from 12:30 to 14:00). Saturdays from 08:30 to 11:00/12:00.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. Meat and dairy produce may not be imported. As Slovenia is a relatively new EU member country other rules apply. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ .
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Slovenia (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/ .
Opening times and Public holidays
Post
Open weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 12:00.
Shops
Mostly open from 08:00 to 19:00. Saturdays from 08:00 to 13:00.
Public holidays
- New Years Day and 2 January
- 8 February (Slovenian Culture Day)
- Easter Monday
- 27 April
- 1 and 2 May (Labour Day)
- 25 June (Slovenia Day)
- 15 August (The Assumption)
- 31 October (Reformation Day)
- 1 November (All Saints Day)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Roads and traffic
Road network
Tolls are charged on motorways and paid parking is in force in most places. Parking is restricted in ‘blue zones (plava zona) in larger towns.
Traffic regulations
Remember, all traffic in Slovenia drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Slovenia uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Speed limits where not otherwise indicated:
- roads in built-up areas 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- roads outside built-up areas 90 km/h (± 56 mph)
- main roads 100km/h (± 61 mph)
- motorways 130 km/h (± 81 mph).
Cars towing trailers or caravans are restricted to 50 km/h (± 30 mph) in built-up areas and 80 km/h (± 50 mph) on all other roads. The maximum alcohol percentage is 0.5% Dipped headlights must be used during the day and seat belts are mandatory in all seats which have them fitted. Every car must carry a first aid kit. Possession and use of anti radar equipment is prohibited and mobile phones can only be used handsfree. Traffic on roundabouts has priority and military convoys always have priority in Slovenia.
Useful translations of traffic signs:
Desno: right
Levo: left
Najvecja hitrost: maximum speed
Nevaren ovinek: dangerour bend
Pozor: warning
Pocasi/vozi pocasi: drive slowly
Pesci: pedestrians
Postaja: stop
Prepovedano parkiranje: no parking
Prepovedano za vsa vozila: all vehicles prohibited
Fuel
Most service stations in larger towns and on motorways are open 24h hours a day. Lead free petrol is widely available. Availability of LPG is limited.
In the event of breakdown
For breakdown or other motoring problems on motorways, emergency telephones are situated at frequent intervals. Members of UK motoring organisations can use the services of the sister organisation in Slovenia, AMZS, subject to their membership conditions. On duty 24 hours a day in larger towns on telephone number 1987
Other emergency numbers - fire and ambulance: 112, police:113
Camping
Free camping is not permitted. For camping outside official camp sites you must have permission from the local authorities or the local police. The standard of camp sites inland is genereis acceptable. On most camp sites at least part of the electrical connections conform to CEE standards (220 V, 50 Hz). Slovenian camp sites often calculate the overnight price per person. The cost for the pitch, car, caravan and suchlike is included in this. Children, sometimes till 12 or 14 are often charged half price.
Important
Slovenia is covered by most insurers. This applies equally to car, caravan and holiday insurance. More information from your insurance company
Useful addresses
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia
10 Little College Street
London SW1P 3SH
Tel: 020 7222 5400
Fax: 020 7222 5277
e-mail: vlo@mzz-dkp.gov.si
internet: http://www.slovenia.embassyhomegage.com/
Slovenian Tourist Office
49 Conduit Street
London W1R 9FB
Tel: 020-77347133
Fax: 020-72875476
e-mail: slovenia@cpts.fsbusiness.co.uk
internet: http://www.slovenia-tourism.si/
