Some Interesting Facts About Slovakia

Public Holidays

Slovakia’ s people are religious, and folksy too- the end result is that the calendar is chockfull with festivals of various kinds, most of them saints’ days and other religious feasts and occasions. There are, in addition, a number of regional and local folk festivals that feature dancing, singing and general celebration. Amongst the major holidays and festivals of the year are :

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day
January 1 Origin of the Slovak Republic
January 6 Catholic Epiphany
March 25 - 28 Good Friday - Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
May 8 Liberation of the Republic/Victory Day
July 5  Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius
August 29 Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising
September 1 Constitution of the Slovak Republic
September 15 Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows
November 1 All Saints Day
December 24 Christmas Eve
December 25 Christmas Day  
December 26 Boxing Day

Weekend: Satuday, Sunday

Important Numbers

Police: 158
Ambulance: 155
Fire: 150

Weights & Measures

The Metric system of weights and measures is used in Slovakia.

Electricity

Power is supplied at 220 volts, 50 Hz; appliances not compatible with these settings will need an adaptor or converter.

Embassies and Consulates

A number of countries have diplomatic ties with the republic of Slovakia; all of these have embassies, consulates, or honorary consulates in the capital, Bratislava. Should you need to visit any of them, or contact them addresses and telephone numbers are easily available in the local telephone directory. Keep in mind the fact that most embassies are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Post & Communications

Slovakia’s postal system is quite reliable- letters; post cards and packages are not a problem, even if they’re destined for overseas. In fact, most post offices are quite multipurpose; can make phone calls, send faxes, buy postage, pay utility bills and even buy lottery tickets at them! Many major post offices have Poste Restante facilities as well.

The country has a fairly effective telephone system, though some of the phone booths are pretty ancient and have a tendency to gobble up your coin without giving you the call. Fortunately, in more and more cities, phone cards are becoming widely accepted, so it’s less of a hassle. These are easily available at post offices or newsstands, and can be purchased at different values.

For other telecommunications facilities like faxes, telexes and Internet access, you could use business centres at large hotels (although many of them may allow this facility only to in house guests), or- most convenient of all- post offices.

Tipping

Although tipping isn’t exactly mandatory, a tip of about 5 to 10% of the bill is appreciated, especially in restaurants with table service, and if the service has been good. In most restaurants, the practice is that the steward, when handing you your bill, mentions what is the amount it adds up to, and when you make the payment, you mention how much you’re leaving- in all.

English Language Media

As compared to the Czech Republic, Slovakia has fewer English-speaking people. Whatever there are, are more or less limited to the capital, Bratislava, and other large cities. There are very few newspapers or publications in English; the main one, and the most dependable one, is The Slovak Spectator, which is a weekly publication.