Top 5 Things you wish you’d have known before relocating to Bratislava

1. Bratislava is not Slovakia:

Unfortunately, many foreigners who come to the capital, spend their whole time in Bratislava only. There are stunning places to visit all over the country, mostly if you like hiking (the highest mountain in Slovakia is Lomnicky Stit with its 2,632m) and history (there is number of World Heritage areas protected by UNESCO). Go out and explore – Slovakia has a lot to offer! See more at www.slovakia.travel.

2. Driving:

Be careful when driving. Until recently, Slovakia had among the most annual road fatalities in the entire European Union. This is attributed to aggressive driving habits.

3. Trips Out:

You may have to pay an extra fee for the privilege of taking photographs in tourist destinations such as castles. When purchasing your entry ticket, see if an additional ’photo ticket’ is offered.

4. Formalities:

Modern trends of being informal in the workplace have not caught on in Slovakia. When attending a business meeting, dress conservatively and refer to clients and colleague using formalities such as ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’ and surnames.

5. Procedures:

Police procedures can be very complicated when trying to sort out work permits and the like. Be prepared for this if you are not going through an agent. Note that the police in general do not speak English.