Cultural & other Differences

  • Cars don't stop automatically at crosswalk, although there's regulation saying when there's 3 and more pedestrians at the crosswalk driver should stop. Please pay attention when crossing roads.
  • In restaurants and bars waiters or staff at the bar expect you to tip them, usually about 10% of your total receipt. But if you feel that the service was no good you don't need to tip.
  • When somebody around you sneezes it is polite to say "nazdravie" = bless you.
  • When you're at your Slovak friend's house it is common that family is offering you something to eat or drink, not once not twice but several times. You may not be used to that - it is not needed to accept it all the time you just need to understand it as Slovak way of showing our hospitality.
  • Every-time you buy something don't forget to get your receipt.
  • Taxi services often try to cheat by not having their counting machines on, or they have some amount at it the moment you get in - calling it waiting tax. Therefore it is better for you to always call a taxi to pick you up from some place/address, instead of just taking one of those that are parked in front of bar or train station etc.
  • It is not automatic that you get a glass of tap ice water for free in restaurants when ordering food, you have to ask for it.
  • When renting apartment it is important to understand that water and electricity as apartments utility is quite expensive  item. If your usage is high you will get high final bill as extra payment besides those you pay on monthly basis  as stated in signed rental agreement.
  • When jogging always wear colorful apparel with reflective marks.
  • It is harder to find a non smoking bar then smoking allowed one.
  • It is not allowed to drink in public but it is allowed to smoke, except bus stops.
  • No drugs are allowed for personal use, even a small amount found by cops causes you BIG trouble.
  • It is true that most beers costs about 1€ in Slovakia.
  • There is zero alcohol tolerance when driving. 
  • Almost everybody understands English but not that many speak. (all young people do, this applies to elder generations)
  • When visiting general practitioner (physician) you are not covered by medical insurance that locals have so be sure to expect 10€ to 25€ in cash when visiting doctors office. Although selected medical places do accept EU insurance card (the blue one)
  • Driving license school is quite cheap comparing to other western countries (only DILIO offers English-Slovak driving school courses)