|
|
We represent the major
car hire companies like:
Avis
Car Hire, Hertz Car Rental, Europcar Car Hire, Alamo Car Rental,
Budget Car Hire,
Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental and Sixt Car Rental
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
complicated
itineraries,
personalised
service
or any
questions
- click
here
|
Slovenia Country Information
A small country, half
the size of Switzerland in the south of central Europe, Slovenia
is packed with unusual and often unique attractions
and experiences, from primeval forests to a lively architecturally
beautiful city, and thermal springs to the mysterious Karst (limestone
plateau) caves.
Visitors to this picturesque corner of Europe can enjoy several
amazing contrasting experiences in the space of one day: start with
a morning dip in the Adriatic, followed by a couple of hours skiing
on Alpine slopes, then explore the subterranean wonders of the Karst
or become invigorated with a thermal bath, before strolling through
vine-clad hills or ancient forests, and ending the day in a sophisticated
casino. Ideally, though, it takes much longer than a day to sample
all the delights of this fascinating Republic.
Finally, Slovenia boasts of having 2,000 hours of sunshine a year
in which to enjoy all its offerings. The locals are proud to explain
why visitors are enchanted with their country: Slovenia is the only
country in the world with 'love' in its name.
The Basics
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between
March and October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round pin attachment
plugs and
Money: The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided
into 100 cents. Banks offer the best exchange rates for cash and
travellers cheques. Banking hours are 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to
6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. Numerous bureaux
de change are open outside banking hours throughout the country.
ATMs are readily available in major cities. Credit cards are widely
accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops Language: The official language of Slovenia is Slovene. Italian and Hungarian
are also spoken in some communities.
Getting
around: Getting around by bus is relatively
inexpensive and is the best way to get around for shorter distances.
The well-organised, frequent services connect all major towns and
cities. For longer journeys, travel by train is the most popular
form of transport. Car rental is available from various major international
car hire companies at reasonable rates, and hiring a car is a pleasant
way to see the country, as roads are excellent, and the scenery picturesque.
Travel
Health: Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended.
In forested areas hikers should guard against tick bites, as tick-borne
encephalitis and Lyme disease are a risk. Mains water is safe to
drink, milk is pasteurised and local meat and produce safe to consume.
Free emergency treatment is available from hospitals and private
doctors contracted. Slovenia has a reciprocal health agreement with
most EU countries, including the UK, providing emergency health care
on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. EU travellers should take
a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Tipping: A 10% tip is expected in restaurants, hotels and by taxi
drivers.
Safety
Information: There are extremely few risks involved in travel
to Slovenia. The threat of terrorism is low, as is the crime rate,
however sensible precautions are advised with valuables.
Local
Customs: A copy of a passport or other form of identification
should be carried at all times.
Business: Business etiquette in Slovenia is similar to the rest
of Western Europe. Men and women should dress conservatively in formal
business suits. Shaking hands of both men and women is the common
form of greeting and it is considered polite to shake the women's
hand first. Slovenians are referred to as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. (or other
titles) followed by their surnames. Business cards are often exchanged
after introductions. Appointments should be made in advance and confirmed.
Business hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international dialling code for Slovenia is
+386. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relative country code
(e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are in use,
e.g. (0)1 for Ljubljana. Public telephones are operated with tokens
or magnetic cards, which are available from newsagents, post offices
and tobacco kiosks. Two major mobile phone operators provide GSM
900/1800 coverage. Internet cafes are prolific in Ljubljana and the
larger towns.
Duty
Free: The following
goods may be brought in to Slovenia duty-free by travellers from
non-EU countries: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos
or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre
of spirits over 22% alcohol content or non-denaturated ethyl alcohol
of 80% alcohol content and over, or 2 litres spirits, aperitifs or
other alcoholic beverages with less than 22% alcohol content, or
liqueur wines or sparkling wines, or a proportional mix of these
and 2 litres of still wine; 250ml eau de toilette and 50g perfume;
medicines for personal use and other goods such as gifts to the value
of €175 for adults and €90 for children under 15 years.
Prohibited items include meat and meat products.
Visa and Entry Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US passport holders do not require
a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but a valid passport is required.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: Holders of British passports
endorsed British Citizen do not require a visa. British Overseas
Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Subjects
with right of abode in the UK do not require a visa to stay in Slovenia
for up to 90 days. A valid passport is required.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa
to enter Slovenia for a stay of up to 90 days, but a valid passport
is required.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australian citizens do not require
a visa to stay in Slovenia for up to 90 days, but a valid passport
is required.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South African passport holders
require a visa to visit Slovenia. A valid passport is required.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do
not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but a valid passport
is required.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require
a visa, but a valid passport is required.
Passport/Visa
Note: Passports
should be valid for the period of stay. Those with non-EEA passports
are also recommended to hold documents
for onward or return travel, and sufficient funds of at least €70
for adults and half that amount for children under 18, per day of
stay, or the equivalent in another hard currency. The borderless
region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa
that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel
freely within the borders of all.
Top of Page
Climate in Slovenia
Ljubljana has a climate influenced by its situation
in a large basin, surrounded by sub-Alpine and Karst regions. Summers
are warmed by
the balmy breezes from the Mediterranean, making the weather usually
sunny and hot. During winter temperature inversions cause the foggy
air to hang heavy over the city, bringing cold, moist conditions.
Attractions in Slovenia
- National
Museum -
The impressive National Museum of Slovenia is housed in a lovely
neo-Renaissance style palace, the most interesting and popular
of Ljubljana's many museums. The permanent exhibition consists
of archaeological material, displayed in chronological order, such
as ancient Palaeolithic artefacts discovered in Karst cave sites
and even the only Egyptian mummy in Slovenia.
- Joze
Plecnik House - Architect Joze Plecnik is largely responsible for the
city of Ljubljana
being as neat and well-planned as it is, with his insistence
on classical lines and uniform dimensions. The renowned architect's
home and studio, furnished and equipped as he left it, is open
to the public twice a week. His influence is, however, everywhere
to be admired in the city at sites like the wide Shoemaker's
Bridge
and the colonnaded market beside the river.
- Ljubljana
Castle -
The imposing landmark castle towers over the city, offering spectacular
views of the Ljubljana River and the attractive skyline of the
old town, with the distant Alps providing a backdrop. The medieval
castle with its impressive tower, which was added in the 19th century,
is linked to the old town by a steep cobbled street. The castle
complex includes a museum, restaurant and chapel.
- Cathedral
of St Nicholas - The magnificent Baroque cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint
of fishermen, dates from the early 18th century, but was renovated
and had beautiful carved bronze doors added for the Pope's visit
in 1996.
Slovenia Airport
Ljubljana International Airport (LJU)
- Location: The airport is situated 16 miles (26km) north of downtown Ljubljana.
- Time: GMT
+1 (GMT +2 between March and October).
- Contacts: Tel: +386 (0)4 20 61 000.
- Getting
to the city: There are frequent bus connections between the airport
and city, the journey taking about 45 minutes.
Taxis are
available in front of the terminal building for the arrival
of each flight.
- Car
rental: Car rental companies Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Dollar and
Thrifty, Sixt are all
represented
at the airport.
- Facilities: Facilities
at the airport include a bank, bureau de change, restaurants
and bars, shops (including
duty
free), a tourist
agency,
lounges, a mobile phone rental shop, and a post office.
- Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available.
- Departure
Tax: None.
Top of Page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05 per cent or
more, severe penalties include fine or suspension of driving licence.The
driver can still be fined for levels under 0.05% if the driver is unable
to drive
safely. These rules also apply to narcotics.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle (exceeding 125cc)
18.
An IDP is compulsory for holders of driving licences not incorporating
a photograph.
Fines:
On-the-spot, they must be paid in local currency. Refusal to pay
could result
in your passport being held. Illegally parked vehicles will be
towed away or
clamped.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (95 & 98 octane), diesel and LPG available.
No leaded petrol (lead substitute additive available).
Petrol in a can permitted.
Credit cards accepted at filling stations, check with your card
issuer for usage in
Slovenia before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
driving distances
Lights:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of
crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger. Children
under 12 not
permitted as a passenger.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory. Green Card recognised.
Passengers / Children in cars:
Child under 12 and smaller than 1.5 metres must
use suitable restraint system for their age and size and they are
only permitted to
travel on the rear seats. Children over 12 may wear normal seat belts.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers: In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h), outside
built-up areas
55 mph (90 km/h) but 62 mph (100 km/h) on “fast roads” (dual
carriageways) and
80 mph (130 km/h) on motorways.
There are areas with a restricted speed limit of 18 mph (30km/h).
The minimum
speed on motorways is 37 mph (60km/h). Vehicles equipped with snow
chains
must not exceed 31 mph (50 km/h).
In bad weather and when visibility is reduced to less than 50 metres
due to bad
weather the maximum speed limit is 31 mph (50 km/h).
Compulsory equipment:
-
Reflective jacket – (not
motorcycles) The reflective waistcoat/s should be
kept in the vehicle and not in the boot as any person exiting
the vehicle must
wear a reflective safety jacket as soon as they leave their vehicle,
fine for
non-compliance.
- Warning triangle – two
if towing a trailer. Not required for two wheeled
vehicles.
- Snow chains – must
be carried between 15 November and 15 March (and at
other times under winter weather conditions) by private cars
and vehicles up
to 3.5tonnes unless vehicle fitted with four winter tyres. Minimum
tyre tread
depth is 3mm at times when snow chains/winter tyres required.
Other
rules / requirements:
Warning triangle and/or hazard warning lights must be used in an
accident/
breakdown situation.
At night if hazard lights fail, in addition to a warning triangle
a yellow flashing light
or position lights must mark the vehicle.
Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and set of replacement bulbs recommended.
Foreign drivers involved in an accident must call the police and
obtain a written
report. On leaving the country, damaged vehicles must be accompanied
by this
report, as Customs will ask to see it, to allow exit.
It is prohibited to overtake a bus transporting children when passengers
are getting
on / off.
Use of the horn is prohibited in built up areas or at night, except
in cases of
danger/injury/illness.
A
vignette system has been introduced which replaces tolls. The vignette
will have
to be displayed when travelling on motorways and expressways and
will be
available to purchase from filling stations in Slovenia and in neighbouring
countries.
The vignettes are available with validities of 1 year (vehicle up
to 3.5t 55 EUR) and
half a year (vehicle up to 3.5t 35EUR), with the yearly one being
valid from 1st
December to the 31 January the following year, fine for non-display
300 Euros
minimum.
New tariffs apply:
Vehicles not exceeding 3.5t -
7 day vignette €15 /
Annual vignette €95
Motorcycle -
7 day vignette €7.50 /
Annual vignette €47.50
The use of spiked tyres is prohibited.
Hazard warning lights must be used when reversing.
Top of Page
|
