SLOVAKIA | Travel | Cultural information
Language
Traffic signs are international. In the south of Slovakia people often use the Hungarian language, so signs and notices are bilingual, i.e., in Slovak and Hungarian. Most people there speak both languages.
A few slang expressions you can hear among the younger generation when they speak informally include:
- fáro - car
- vecko - toilet
- je na péenke - she/he is on sick leave
- drobáky - change (money)
- prachy - bucks, dough (money)
- stará, starý - wife, husband (oldie)
- kafco - coffee
- štipko - scholarship
- kamoši - mates, pals, friends
- frajerka - boyfriend, girlfriend
- kreditka - credit card
- minerálka - mineral water
You can travel to Slovakia by plane, train, bus or car.
Cars
The current traffic regulations are the same as in other European countries. The use of mobile phones is forbidden while driving. All accidents must be reported to the police. No degree of alcohol in your blood while driving is tolerated. Seat belts are compulsory. All foreign national driving licenses are recognised.
Speed limits
- highway - 130 km/h
- open roads - 90 km/h
- built -up areas - 60 km/h
Road assistance service can be reached at 124 or 0124 and operates 24 hours a day.
Trains
Trains in Slovak Republic are the safest means of transport and are generally recommended. The website www.slovakrail.sk/zs provides information about everything concerning trains.
Buses
The www.busy.sk website provides combined train and bus schedules. While the trains are more comfortable, the buses are sometimes more direct. When travelling by bus domestically, the tickets can be bought while boarding after telling the driver the destination or in advance at the ticket office. For international bus travel the ticket can be bought only at the ticket office.
The public transportation system is called MHD (city public transport): Operating hours are from 5 a.m to 23.20 p.m. After 23.00 there are a few night bus lines. A schedule is found at every stop. Tickets are not sold on means of public transport. Means of public transport are called trams, trolleybuses and buses. Tickets can be bought at newsstands or, from special ticket machines on some stops for trams, trolleybuses and buses. The purchasing system of a one-use ticket varies by town. There are two ways to pay for transport: either by one-time travel tickets or 1, 3, 6 or 12 month passes (highly recommended unless you have a car). Students travel at a reduced fare (the conditions may vary by town).
Taxis
Taxis can be found in all the bigger towns. Sometimes taxis ordered by phone have cheaper fares.
Air travel
Air travel is provided by Czech Airlines, Sky Europe Airlines (low-cost airlines) and Slovak Airlines. There are airports in Bratislava, Košice and Poprad. The Vienna airport, Swechat (50 km from Bratislava), is used by many visitors to Slovakia. You can take an international bus line (Eurolines) or a taxi (more expensive) from Bratislava to get there.