Slovenia

General

Slovenia is a member of the EU.

Time

The time in Slovenia is the same as Amsterdam, Paris and Rome and one hour ahead of London.

Language

Slovenian, but English is also spoken in many places.

Border formalities

Many formalities and agreements about matters such as necessary travel documents, car papers, requirements relating to your means of transport and accommodation, medical expenses and taking pets with you do not only depend on the country you are travelling to but also on your departure point and nationality. The length of your stay can also play a role here.

We advise you to consult the relevant authorities before your departure about:

which travel documents you will need for yourself and your fellow passengers
which documents you need for your car
which regulations your caravan must meet
which goods you may import and export
how medical treatment will be arranged and paid for in your holiday destination in cases of accident or illness
whether you can take pets. Contact your vets well in advance. They can give you information about the necessary vaccinations, proof thereof and obligations on return. It would also make sense to enquire whether any special regulations apply to your pet in public places at your holiday destination. In some countries for example dogs must always be muzzled or transported in a cage.

You will find plenty of general information on www.europa.eu but make certain you select information that is relevant to your specific situation.

For the most recent customs regulations you should get in contact with the authorities of your holiday destination in your country of residence.

Currency

The currency in Slovenia is the euro. Approximate exchange rates September 2016: £1 = € 1.18.

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted at nearly all hotels, restaurants, shops and filling stations.

Opening times/Public holidays

Banks

Banks are open weekdays until 17:00 with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00.

Shops

Mostly open until 19:00. Saturdays until 13:00.

Chemists

Chemists in Slovenia are open from 07:00 to 19:00, on Saturdays from 07:00 to 13:00.

Public holidays

New Year's Day and 2 January
8 February (Slovenian Culture Day)
Easter
27 April (Resistance Day)
1 and 2 May (Labour Days)
25 June (Slovenia Day)
15 August (The Assumption)
31 October (Reformation Day)
All Saints' Day
Christmas

Communication

(Mobile)phones

The mobile network works well throughout Slovenia, except in remote areas. There is a 3G network for mobile internet.

Wifi, internet

You can make use of a wifi network at more and more public locations, often for free.

Post

Open weekdays until 18:00 and on Saturdays until 12:00.

Roads and traffic

Road network

Primary and secondary roads are of reasonably good quality. You are advised not to drive on roads other than motorways after dark. You can contact the Slovenian breakdown service AMZS on 1987.

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) and speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h). Traffic from the right has priority. You have priority on roundabouts over vehicles entering the roundabout. Army vehicles and military convoys always have priority.

Maximum permitted alcohol level is 0.5‰. Dipped headlights must be used during the day. Phones can only be used hands-free. When overtaking another vehicle you must keep your indicator lights on until you have passed the vehicle. When reversing you must use your hazard lights. In wintry conditions you must drive with winter tyres or snow chains.

Navigation

Notification of fixed speed cameras by navigation systems or mobile phones is permitted.

Caravans, motorhomes

If you are towing a caravan you must carry two emergency triangles, one for the car and one for the caravan. It is also advisable to take with you registration documents or receipts for expensive equipment in your caravan or motorhome. Vehicles less than 3.5 tonnes must have a toll vignette. See ´Tolls´ for an explanation. More information on www.dars.si.

Maximum allowed measurements of combined length

Height 4.20 metres, width 2.55 metres and maximum length 18.75 metres (of which the trailer maximum 12 metres).

Tolls

A toll vignette (sticker) is required on motorways for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Order your vignette before you travel to Slovenia. This will save a lot of time at the border! You can order the vignette on www.tolltickets.com. The vignette is also available at Slovenian service stations, supermarkets and kiosks and at larger service stations near the border in neighbouring countries. The Karawanken Tunnel between Austria and Slovenia is not covered by the vignette. You will need to pay an extra toll here.

Fuel

Lead free petrol and diesel are available everywhere. LPG is available reasonably well.

Filling stations

Filling stations on motorways are open 24 hours, elsewhere between 07:00 and 20:00. You can usually pay by credit card.

Emergency numbers

12: fire and ambulance
113: police

Camping

A number of Slovenian campsites specialise in wellness and spas. These campsites are above average standard. The lovely situated campsites in the Julian Alps bordering on Austria and Italy are more basic, and gear themselves to sportive camping guests such as hikers, mountain bikers and climbers. Many campsites have playgrounds and entertainment for young children.

Slovenian campsites are classified by 1 to 5 stars. The higher the star rating, the better the amenities. Free camping is not permitted. For camping outside official campsites you must have permission from the local authorities or the police.

Practical

Make sure you have a world adaptor for electrical appliances.
Tap water is drinkable but it can be a bit hard.