Slovakia
Last checked:
- Capital
- Bratislava
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Slovak
- Plugs
- Type C, E · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Bratislava Castle and Old Town · Bratislava
Hilltop castle over the Danube, St. Martin's Cathedral and a compact walkable old town.
- Spiš Castle · Spišské Podhradie
One of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe, a UNESCO site.
- High Tatras · Štrbské Pleso / Starý Smokovec
Alpine lakes, hiking and skiing in Slovakia's highest mountains.
- Slovak Paradise National Park · Hrabušice / Podlesok
Gorges climbed with ladders, chains and footbridges past waterfalls.
- Banská Štiavnica · Banská Štiavnica
UNESCO-listed historic mining town with old churches and castles.
Getting around
Public transport
IDS BK app
Bratislava region app for tram, bus and trolleybus tickets (from about 1 EUR for 30 min) and passes. Paper tickets must be validated on board.
Ride-hailing app
Bolt
Works in Bratislava and other towns with upfront prices; better than taxis waiting at stations.
Ride-hailing app
Uber
Available in Bratislava and some other towns.
Taxi
Hopin / Liftago
Local apps that book licensed taxis in Bratislava at app prices.
Trains
ZSSK / RegioJet
ZSSK runs most trains; RegioJet runs Bratislava to Košice and other routes. EU children under 16, seniors over 62 and registered students under 26 can ride ZSSK trains free with a zero-fare ticket.
Buses
Intercity buses (Slovak Lines, FlixBus)
Cheap links between cities and to Vienna airport.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants in cities, but smaller places, mountain huts and villages may prefer cash. ATMs are common except in small villages. Choose to be charged in EUR at card terminals.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but common where you sit down. Locals round up or leave about 10% in cafes and restaurants. Give the tip to the server when paying rather than leaving it on the table.
| Restaurants | Round up or about 10% for good service, given when paying. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up to the next euro or so at table service. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up; not needed in apps. |
| Hotels | 1-2 EUR per bag or night is appreciated but optional. |
| Tours and guides | A few euros per person for a good guide; free walking tours rely on tips. |
| Food delivery | Round up or 1-2 EUR (optional). |
Service charge: what’s true
Not usually added in normal restaurants. If a place adds one, it should be stated on the menu; ask if unsure. (varies)
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics in restaurants. In some Bratislava Old Town clubs the bigger issue is inflated drink prices: always check prices before ordering.
Useful phrases
- Zaplatím, prosím. I'd like to pay, please.
- To je v poriadku. It's fine (keep the change).
- Účet, prosím. The bill, please.
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Dobrý deň' when entering shops and restaurants.
- Take off shoes when entering a home; slippers are often offered.
- Look people in the eye when toasting ('Na zdravie').
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
- Carry your passport or ID card; police can fine you up to 1,600 EUR without it.
- Validate paper public transport tickets as soon as you board.
Scams and how to handle them
Inflated club and bar prices
Where: Bratislava Old Town nightlife
How it works: Some clubs charge very high prices for drinks, sometimes combined with drink spiking.
How to avoid it: Check prices before ordering, keep your drink in sight and leave if pressured.
Overcharging taxis at stations
Where: Bratislava main station, bus station, tourist areas
How it works: Drivers waiting at hubs quote high fares or overcharge tourists.
How to avoid it: Use Bolt, Uber, Hopin or Liftago, or agree the fare first.
Tyre puncture trick
Where: Petrol stations and motorway services
How it works: Thieves puncture a tyre on foreign-registered cars, then 'help' or follow you and steal bags when you stop.
How to avoid it: Stop only in well-lit busy places, lock doors and keep luggage out of sight.
Passport as deposit
Where: Bars, rentals, clubs
How it works: You are asked to leave your passport as a deposit, which can then be held to extract money.
How to avoid it: Never leave your passport as a deposit; you must carry it as ID by law.
Pickpocketing in crowds
Where: Christmas markets, Old Town bars, public transport
How it works: Thieves and bag snatchers target distracted visitors.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables zipped and in front; never leave bags on chairs.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: ATMs and card terminals
How it works: You are offered a charge in your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Always choose EUR.
Safety
- Petty crime is the main risk, especially in Bratislava: pickpockets and bag snatchers in tourist areas, Christmas markets and bars.
- Drink spiking has been reported in Bratislava Old Town clubs.
- Foreign-registered cars may be targeted; park in lit areas and do not leave luggage visible.
- Motorways need an electronic vignette; buy it online before driving.
- In the Tatras check weather and trail closures; some high trails close from November to mid-June. Mountain rescue: 18 300.
How widely English is spoken
Widely spoken by younger adults and in Bratislava's tourist areas; rare among older people, who may speak German or Russian instead.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Slovakia, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Slovakia
- Wikivoyage: Bratislava
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.