Travel facts about holidays in Slovenia

Money matters

As from January 1st 2007 the official currency of Slovenia became the Euro. There are exchange offices in hotels, petrol stations, tourist agencies and supermarkets where you can change travellers cheques and Euro cheques. There are also ATM cash machines throughout the country.

Time difference

Slovenia operates on Greenwich Mean Time +1 (or +2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Shopping

Ljubljana has a good selection of craft and souvenir shops, as well as the weekend produce and flea markets. There is also a great mix of international shops and stylish specialised shops in the centre and the out-of- town shopping mall. Good buys include Rogaska Crystal, local crafts such as candles, wood carvings, lace, wrought iron pieces, silver filigree, wine and honey. There is an ongoing debate in Slovenia as to whether shops should open on a Sunday resulting in a ‘some do, some don’t’ situation. There are a number of supermarket chains in Slovenia and most petrol stations have a small shop selling some groceries.

Public transport and roads

The road system in Slovenia is generally very good, although many of the farms are reached by tracks. Distances on a map can be deceptive in mountain areas as the roads wind up and down hills. The public transport system is generally good. There is a good bus network run by various companies and a smallish but efficient railway network. The main highways during July and August can be very busy, so allow more time when using them during these months. Mandatory Toll Stickers or vignettes (a pre-paid toll card) are required for all vehicles using Slovenian roads. Our car rental supplier, Europcar, will provide these and clients can pre-pay in the UK or will be charged locally. A small charge will also be made locally for mandatory security (high visibility) jackets to be carried in all vehicles. Please ask for further details.

Noise

In both town and country, the locals will be going about their daily lives – often rising early to drive/scooter/tractor to work - and in the country cockerels crow early in the morning and dogs bark at anytime! We will advise you if we know of anything that may cause noise disruption to your holiday, such as building work.

Health and travel insurance

In Slovenia, citizens of the UK have the right to free medical care upon presentation of their passports. However we do require all clients to take out comprehensive private travel insurance.

Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forests and walkers should take precautions against tick bites.

Drinking water

Water is safe to drink throughout the country.

Passports and visas

Slovenia is a member of the European Union. It is your responsibility to obtain a valid passport and any necessary visas. Babies and children under 16 must already be included on your passport or have one of their own. Children over 16 require a separate passport.

Visitor registration

All foreign nationals visiting Slovenia must register with the police within 24 hours of arrival or risk paying a fine. If you are staying at a registered hotel or guest house, this will be done when you check in. Clients staying in self-catering accommodation will also be resgistered; information and passports will be taken and processed when the owner or agent hands over property keys.

When to go (weather)

The northwest has an alpine climate; moderately warm temperatures in summer with cold winters, sometimes struggling to rise above zero
Ljubljana, along with the lowlands and most of eastern Slovenia, has the more extreme continental climate, usually experiencing hot summers, and cold winters with night temperatures well below zero
The coast, inland from the coast, and the area bordering Italy up as far as the Soca Valley, has a Mediterranean climate – warm and sunny with mild winters. Occasionally, the Burja, a cold dry wind, blows into this region.

Family-friendly?

Slovenia is perfect for children of all ages and interests. The farms particularly have a relaxed atmosphere and there is usually plenty of room for children to run around and even help feed the animals.
Child prices: discounts vary from property to property – if you advise us of the ages of your children at the time of travel we will take this into account when pricing your holiday.

Cots and highchairs

These are usually provided free of charge, subject to availability. You are welcome to take your own portable clip-on highchairs and travel cots if preferred. Cot linen is not provided.

Assistance while you are in Slovenia

You will be issued with a list of 24-hour emergency contact numbers in Slovenia and contact numbers during office hours in the UK.

Any problems encountered during your stay must be reported immediately to your local contact, who will endeavour to rectify the situation to your satisfaction. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied, please call Just Slovenia – do not wait until you return home as we cannot help if you do not ask!