Travel tips for Slovakia - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Tourists visiting churches in Slovakia should dress appropriately. This also applies to non-believers exploring churches as attractions. Those respecting the faith of others get respect in turn. People dressed improperly may be asked to leave the church. Behavior should also be within reasonable limits: talking loudly, making noise, taking photos without permission and using mobile phones in churches are not accepted.

2. Before holidays such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter, be sure to stock up on food for the week ahead, as during these holidays most of the stores are closed for the next week. One should also keep in mind that many shops in Slovakia do not work until late, close early on Saturday, and do not work on Sunday, so try to buy food and everything you need in advance.

3. Slovaks do not like arrogant people, as well as those flaunting their achievements, knowledge, skills, and expensive things. Slovaks themselves are typically modest, even if they have something to be proud of. Braggarts cause irritation. Being aware of this, tourists will be able to avoid side glances. You should not show off a car, high salary, professionalism, talents, and other things, mentioning them casually and going into details only if Slovak friends themselves bring up a particular subject.

4. When dining in restaurants and cafes, you should have small change with you, because toilets are often paid.

5. It is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 10% of the bill, and it's better to inform the water about the total amount immediately after he/she announces the cost of the meal.

6. One should not confuse Slovakia with Slovenia or call the country Czechoslovakia. In the first case, it will be regarded as an unforgivable disrespect, while in the second, the tourist will most likely just be corrected. Slovaks have maintained good relations with Czechs but consider themselves to be a separate people.

7. Drinking with Slovaks, one needs to remember to clink glasses with everyone after the first toast, looking straight in the eyes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. When talking with locals, one should stand at arm's length or a bit closer. Personal space is important in Slovakia, and people invading this space are considered rude and intrusive.

9. Those invited to Slovaks bring chocolate, a bottle of good wine or a bouquet of flowers. There must be an odd number of flowers, as bouquets with an even amount are put on graves. One should also avoid the number 13, which is considered unlucky.

10. In homes, you should always take off your shoes. Most Slovaks keep house spare slippers for guests.

11. Slovaks can agree with the interlocutor out of courtesy so as not to offend, even if they have the opposite opinion. This should always be borne in mind when communicating.

12. Punctuality is highly appreciated in Slovakia. One can be late for an informal meeting for no more than 15 minutes. At official events, it's better to arrive 5-10 minutes before the start.

13. Slovaks, especially the older generation, have a tradition to refuse two times and agree on the third. Therefore, offering the Slovak treats, gifts or help, one should not give up after the first refusal. If a Slovak refuses your offer for the third time, that's what he/she really means.

14. When meeting with new Slovak friends, one should not hug them or go into raptures. Slovaks are quite private, they need more time than most Europeans to open up to new friends, so you just need to wait for the first step on their part.

15. Slovaks will be pleased to hear a few words in their native language. Therefore it is worth learning basic phrases and using them appropriately. This can help melt the seemingly unbreakable coldness of Slovaks.