Visas
Slovakia is in the EU and the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The ETIAS system for non-EU visitors has been postponed and is expected to launch in mid-2026.
Money
The currency is the Euro (EUR), adopted in 2009. ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in cities, though small shops and rural businesses may prefer cash. Slovakia is very affordable -- a main course in a good restaurant costs 8-14 EUR, and a half-liter of beer is 1.50-3 EUR.
Language
Slovak is the official language. Hungarian is widely spoken in the south. Younger people in cities generally speak some English, and Czech is mutually intelligible with Slovak. In tourist areas you will get by with English, but learning a few phrases earns goodwill. "Dobry den" (good day), "Dakujem" (thank you), and "Prosim" (please) will cover the basics.
Safety
Slovakia is very safe. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is limited to occasional pickpocketing in tourist areas. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Etiquette
Greet people with "Dobry den" and a handshake. Use formal address until invited to switch. When counting, start with your thumb -- using your index finger first will confuse servers. Give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers on public transport; it is expected.