Culture
What Could Be New for You
You Can Drink the Tap Water in Slovakia
Make sure to enjoy the delicious tap water when you visit Slovakia. Due to the large alpine areas in the country, Slovakia’s tap water is some of the best in the world. After Austria, it has the second-largest reservoir of drinkable water in all of Europe. When dining out at cafes and restaurants, be sure to ask for a glass of water instead of a bottle.
Vegetarians Visiting Slovakia
Vegetarians are most welcome and can choose from a wide range of local vegetarian restaurants. https://www.happycow.net/europe/slovakia/kosice/
Interesting Fact – Slovakia Has the Most Castles and Chateaux per Capita
Do you dig visiting castles and medieval towns? If so, Slovakia is a must-visit for you. Although a relatively small country, there are 180 castles and 423 chateaus!
https://slovakia.travel/en/things-to-see-and-do/culture-and-sights/castles-chateaux-and-manor-houses
DOs and DONTs
- Do not call Slovakia a Czechoslovakia anymore.
- Do not mix up Slovakia vs. Slovenia vs. Slavonia. Slovakia is a Danubian country that was part of former Czechoslovakia. Slovenia is a country on Balkan Peninsula. Slavonia is a region in Croatia. The common thing among them is their Slavic-ness.
- Do not be confused with Slovak vs. Slovakian. Slovak refers to both Slovakia's language and people, and anything that needs a national adjective. Don't bother with "Slovakian" much, it's almost never the correct choice.
- Do not forget to ask whether you need to remove your shoes when entering someone's home.
- Do not forget that it’s essential to look everyone at the table in the eyes when drinking and say ”Na zdravie” (a toast for good health).
- Do not worry when Slovaks seem quieter and reserved at first meeting - after initial conversations, they become more open and easy-going.
- Do not refuse offer an of traditional Slovak liquors like plum brandy. If you don't have a serious excuse, it can be considered rude, especially in rural areas where locals brew their own drinks.
- Do not break eye contact when proposing a toast.
- When tipping, Slovaks round up to the nearest euro or two, but as a foreigner it is courteous to tip ten per cent.
- Do not forget, saying "Thank you" to service persons means 'Keep the change' when paying.
- Do not forget to shake hands when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (” air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on the first meeting (not in times of pandemic). Eye contact is important.
- Do not use first names when addressing older people. Casual greetings like ahoj are only for close friends. To greet older people, use dobrý deň.
- Wish fellow diners a good meal (dobrú chuť) before starting and make a toast (na zdravie) before drinking.
- If you’re invited to eat, bring wine, flowers or chocolates.
- Do not smack or slurp – it is not appreciated.
- Do not avoid eye contact in business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.
- Do not enter buses, trains or other vehicles before everyone who wants to get off has done so.
- Do not forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking in the dark.
- Unruly or rowdy behaviour between 22:00 and 06:00 is illegal and could attract the attention of the police.
