Slovakia is located in central Europe and offers such natural beauties as canyons, caves, forests and mountains. The capital of Bratislava offers excellent examples of architecture from the Renaissance, Baroque, Rocco and Classical eras. The Old Town Hall that is located in Bratislava dates back to the 13th century. Slovakia offers much to do for the adventurous traveler.
To contact Auto Europe from Slovakia, dial 001 207 842 2000.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter the Slovak Republic for visits of less than one month

Local Time
Slovakia is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Languages
Slovak is the official language, but Czech (similar to Slovak), German, Hungarian and Polish are also spoken.

Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. The Continental two-round-pin plug is standard.

Local Tourist Information
Slovak Information Agency
P.O. Box 282
Stesanikova 2
81000 Bratislava
Phone and Fax (+42) 07-533-4467
Bratislava Information Service
Panska 18
81428 Bratislava
Phone (+42) 07-533-3715 or 533-4370
Fax (+42) 07-533-3109
Dial 07 (long-distance access code 0 plus Bratislava city code 7) only if calling from Slovakian locations outside the city.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of liquor and 2 liters wine; and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Banks are open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon weekdays and often from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Visitors also can change money within exchange offices, which offer longer hours and are located in hotels, travel agencies and department stores.

Tipping
Tip waiters 5-10%, depending on the restaurant. For porters or room service, 20-30 Sk is suitable; give 30 or 40 Sk more to tour guides or to helpful concierges. Round taxi fares up to the nearest multiple of 10.

General Business Hours
Museums: Typical hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Mondays. Restaurants: Lunchtime is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. Dinner is served from 6 to 9:30 or 10 p.m. Shopping: Stores are generally open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays (until 7 or 9 p.m. Thursdays for large department stores). Some small shops close for lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Typical Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to noon. Food stores called 'vecierka' or 'night-sale shops' are open from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Value Added Tax
The VAT in Slovakia ranges from 6% to 23% depending on the product purchased.

United States Embassy in Slovakia
Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4
81102 Bratislava
Phone (+42) 07-533-0861 or 533-3338
Fax (+42) 07-533-5439
Dial 07 (long-distance access code 0 plus Bratislava city code 7) only if calling from Slovakian locations outside the city.