Travel Insurance Slovakia

Business Practices

The time is one hour ahead of GMT. Summertime lasts from March to September and, as in other European countries, time is two hours ahead of GMT. Shops are open from Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Larger department stores are open until 7:00 p.m., on Thursdays until 9:00 p.m. On Saturdays, shopping hours are 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Credit cards are accepted in the large hotels and in main shops. Businesspeople wear suits. A knowledge of German and English is useful. Long business lunches are usual.

Crime

Organized crime factions in Slovakia appear to be engaging in a power struggle at this time. While not directed against foreign visitors, A number of gangland-style slayings have occurred over the past years, including fatal shootings at or near major hotels. Foreigners however are targeted for street crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching. Also, a foreigner with an expensive car such as a BMW, Mercedes, Volvo or late model Volkswagen is more likely to be a victim of a car theft or vandalism. The same goes for residential robberies, where a wealthy foreigner is more likely to be a target. Many foreigners living in Bratislava have been pickpocketed or have been witnesses to such incidents; most foreigners know someone who has been a victim of a residential robbery. Visitors should maintain an appropriate defensive posture, and remain alert to their surroundings at all times, particularly when in crowded environments such as public transport, restaurants and tourist sites. In addition, and particularly in the summer, pickpocketing is common in shopping centers, in the vicinity of major hotels where foreigners stay, near major tourist sites, and on night trains, especially Prague-Bratislava-Budapest or Budapest-Warsaw.

Hotels

Business accommodations are available but limited. Hotel standards are generally lower than those of Western Europe and the United States, though prices may be high, especially in major cities. It is legal and not uncommon for foreigners to be charged a higher rate than Slovaks. Travelers to Slovakia should note that while major credit cards are increasingly accepted at major hotels and restaurants in Bratislava, acceptance lags in other parts of the country.

Communications

Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 421. The outgoing international code is 00. There are public telephone booths, including special kiosks for international calls. Surcharges can be quite high on long-distance calls from hotels. Slovakia is slowly upgrading its antiquated telecommunication system. Crossed lines and uncompleted exchanges are common, and fax communication is unreliable due to low-grade connections. Telex services are available, but not commonly used. Other data communication services (e-mail, Internet) are quickly expanding throughout the country as another form of communication. Post office hours: 0800-1800 Monday to Friday.

Electricity

is generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most major hotels have standard international 2-pin razor plugs. Lamp fittings are normally of the screw type. Electricity Generally 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use. Lamp fittings are normally of the screw type.

Plug Types

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Food And Dining

Traditional Slovak eating and drinking habits date back to the old Slavic period influenced later by Austrian, German and Hungarian cooking. Slovak food is based on many different kinds of soups, gruels, boiled and stewed vegetables, roast and smoked meats and dairy products. The style of cooking varies from region to region. Slovak specialties include both sweet and savoury dishes made with flour, including dumplings. Popular drinks include Slovak beer, wine and mineral waters. are particular specialties, as are wine from the Tokay region and sparkling wine from the Bratislava region. Restaurants and other catering establishments are many and varied, including cafes, buffets, snack bars, inns, ale houses and wine taverns. All restaurants are graded according to quality. The main meal of the day is usually lunch, comprising soup, a main meal and desert. National specialties
? Bryndzov? haluisky (small potato dumplings with sheep's cheese).
? Mutton with sauerkraut (flavored with prunes, mushrooms and apples).
? Cabbage leaves filled with minced meat (served with a milky sauce).
? Sulance (potato dough turnovers filled with plum jam). National drinks
? Borovicka (strong gin).
? Slivovica (plum brandy).

Tipping:
A 5 to 10 per cent tip is usual.

Nightlife
Theater and opera are of a high standard. Much of the nightlife takes place in hotels, although nightclubs are to be found in major cities.