Last updated: 19 Apr 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Businesses are usually open from 9.00am–5.00pm Monday-Friday.
Banks are usually open from 9.00am–5.00pm Monday-Friday and are always closed on holidays.
Shops are open from 8.00am–6.00pm and supermarkets and chain stores to 8.00pm. Shops close at midday on Saturday, and some chain stores are open on Sunday.
Public holidays
January 1– Founding of the Slovak Republic and New Year's Day
January 6 – Epiphany
April 8 – Easter
April 9 – Easter Monday
May 1 – May Day
May 8 – Liberation Day
July 5 – St Cyril and St Methodius Day
August 29 – Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (1944)
September 1 – Slovak Constitution Day (1992)
September 15 – Blessed Virgin Mary
November 1 – All Saints’ Day
Climate
The coldest month is January, the warmest July and August. There can be very sudden changes of weather in the mountains.
For weather details in the Slovak Republic, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The Slovak currency consists of the Crown (‘Koruna’), which is comprised of 100 Hellers (‘halier’).
Time zones and time differences
The Slovak Republic is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Bratislava, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
The Slovak Republic's country code is 421.
For calls to the Slovak Republic from Australia dial: 0011 + 421 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from the Slovak Republic to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
The Slovak Republic’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The round two-pronged plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Slovakia travel – www.slovakia.travel
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.