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(Last updated: 05 Nov 2008)
Visas
Australians visiting Slovenia for less than 90 days do not need a visa. |
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The majority of Slovenia has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperatures are -2°C in January and 21°C in July. The average rainfall is 1000mm for the coast, up to 3500mm for the Alps, 800mm for the southeast and 1400mm for central Slovenia.
For weather details in Slovenia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
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Brnik, Slovenia’s main international airport, is linked with Ljubljana (the capital city) by motorway and is easily accessible via taxi and bus. Brnik lies 20 kilometres north of Ljubljana.
There are daily scheduled flights to most major European cities by the national carrier Adria Airways. Complementing Ljubljana-Brnik, there are also international airports at Maribor and Portorož, the latter being particularly important during the tourist season. |
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Slovenia is not a very large country. You can cross it by car in any direction in a few hours. Travelling in Slovenia is easy. Public transport is punctual and the road system is good. The Slovenian Tourist Board provides further information and links for travellers.
There are trains linking the main Slovenian cities and also to European cities (Slovenian railroad – Slovenke železnice).
Slovenia has an extensive bus network linking most towns and cities. Ljubljana is the main terminus.
You can hire a car via your hotel or at the airport. Check what documentation you need and make sure you have it with you. Most petrol stations are open from 7.00am to 8.00pm (or 10.00pm in summer), and some are open 24 hours. Toll charges are applicable on some motorways.
Taxi services operate primarily in larger towns and in tourist centers. A meter is mandatory in taxis. Your hotel can arrange these for you. Before getting into the taxi, ask for the fare price to your destination.
On main roads the majority of gasoline stations are open continuously. Unleaded gasoline is available everywhere (cost is approximately US$ 0.7 1 litre). |
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Hotels
Slovenia is strongly oriented towards winter tourism. So it’s easy to find desired accommodation out of winter season. If you are coming in winter (January, February) it’s recommended to make a booking well in advance. |
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Slovenia. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
Health
No special health advice is needed for Slovenia.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Slovenian for chemist is LEKARNA and they can be identified by the international sign. On the shop window of every chemist you will find the address of a chemist that is on night duty (emergencies only).
Chemists are generally open Monday to Friday, 9.00-11.30am and 2.00-5.00pm.
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Tipping is common practice. It is considered adequate to tip around 5-10 per cent of the total of the meal. Tips are not included in the bill. When paying with credit cards, it is common practice to tip the waiter in cash.
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Time zones and time differences
Slovenia is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time - from March to September, and 10 hours behind from October to February.
To find out the current time in Ljubljana, view the World Clock. |
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Dialling codes
Slovenia's country code is 386
For calls to Slovenia from Australia dial: 0011 + 386 + area code + telephone number
For calls from Slovenia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
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Most public organisations are open from 8.00am or 8:30am to 4.00pm or 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Businesses are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Banks are open from 7.00am to 7.00pm, Sunday to Friday, and most banks are open on Saturday mornings.
Shops are open from 8.00 or 9:00am to 7:00 or 8:00pm (with many open on Saturdays).
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Public holidays
April 27 – Day of Uprising
May 1 – Labour Day
August 15 – Assumption Day
October 31 – Reformation Day
November 1 – All Soul's Day
December 26 – Independence Day
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Oanda currency converter
The Slovenian currency is called Tolar (SIT).
Most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards. They usually have signs at the entrance detailing which credit cards they accept, they usually include Visa, AmEx, MasterCard and Diners. Cash advances are often accepted on both Visa and MasterCard credit cards.
In all Slovenian banks you can exchange cash, traveller cheques and Eurocheques supported by the Eurocheque card. Please remember to take your passport when cashing cheques. Most banks do not charge commission, but if they do the maximum commission is three per cent.
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Electricity and water
Slovenia’s power supply is 220 volts. The round two-pin plugs are the most common. |
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Dining
Slovenian mostly serve continental and mediterranean food. You can also find Chinese, Mexican and Italian restaurants. If you don’t mind a bit of fat and spicy food you should explore domestic traditional dishes.
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Tourist attractions
Winter skiing and golf are the main reasons why tourists come to Slovenia. Other sites to visit include Bled and Bohinj lakes in summer, Alps during winter, Postojna cave and a great number of medieval castles.
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