Slovakia

Recognised refugees in possession of a valid travel document issued by the government of any one of the above countries/territories are exempt from obtaining a visa for Slovakia (but no other Schengen country, except Germany and Hungary) for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period.

Until 2009, the official currency was the koruna ("crown", sk) which can still be exchanged by the National Bank of Slovakia at a rate of 30.126 sk to €1. ===Banking=== Automatic teller machines (ATM, "bankomat" in Slovak, pl. "bankomaty") are widely available in Slovakia except in smaller villages, and obtaining money there should not present a problem. In most of small villages you can gain money at local postal offices (cashback). Credit cards and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Visa Electron, Cirrus Maestro are widely accepted both in shops and restaurants in bigger cities.

CP offers an exceptionally useful website and smartphone app with integrated timetables for all trains and buses in Slovakia, including all intra-city and inter-city transports, even indicating from which lane your bus will depart. It is also useful for international travel from/to Slovakia.

The official and most widely-spoken language is Slovak. In some parts of the country, especially in the east, dialects are used which may sound quite different from the codified language. However, understanding the official language should rarely be a problem and attempts to speak Slovak will be appreciated.

Slovakia is a very safe country, even by European standards. As a visitor you are unlikely to encounter any problems whatsoever. Violent crime is especially uncommon, and Slovakia sees less violent crime per capita than many other European countries.

]] No vaccination is necessary to visit or stay in Slovakia, although if you plan to visit countryside areas, a tick vaccination is recommended. Hepatitis A and B vaccination is also advisable as with all European countries.

The international calling code for Slovakia is +421. You may dial emergency numbers from any phone for free. The universal European emergency number is 112. You may also dial 150 for the fire brigade, 155 for an ambulance, and 158 for the police. Dial 18300 for the Mountain Rescue Service or 18155 for the Air Rescue Service.

Slovaks are friendly and peaceful people living in a free, democratic state. There are not really issues that would provoke actual hostility or trouble. Usually the worst thing that can happen is that you would be thought a bit boorish and have some history explained to you over a beer. However, it pays to be respectful and sensitive when discussing certain topics.