Language:
Sovak

Currency:
EURO (€)

Power socket:
typ E (French model)

Country phone code:
00421

Time zone:
CET (UTC+1)

Daylight saving time:
(April – October): CEST (UTC+2)

Climate

Slovakia is situated in the northern mild climate zone with Atlantic Ocean influence (western wind). It has four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 20°C, and the coldest one is January with an average temperature of -8°C. The average annual precipitation (including snow) ranges from 600 to 800 mm. The average amount of sunshine is 185 days a year.

Cuisine

Slovak cuisine is hearty with strong rural roots, historically influenced by Hungarian and Austrian cuisine. It features mostly pork, potatoes, dumplings, concentrated sauces, and cheeses. Meat dishes in our region also include beef, goose, duck, and turkey. Fish dishes include mainly trout, carp, and other freshwater species. The most traditional soup is a sauerkraut soup, which is prepared from fermented cabbage, smoked meat, dried forest mushrooms, dried plums, and sausages. Other traditional soups include bean and lentil soups. A typical meal inspired by the Hungarian cuisine is goulash, stewed meat with potatoes and onions. Typical sweet dishes are strudels, leavened cakes, and buns. Our national meal is “bryndzové halušky”, which is a type of small dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, served with bryndza (a type of soft sheep’s cheese) and smoked bacon. Traditionally, the main meal of the day is lunch, as dinner is usually lighter.

General etiquette

Men can be addressed as “pán” (sir) and women as “pani” (madam), and you can also add the surname. If you are in a closer relationship with a person, you can address them by their first name.

Dining is rather formal. Before eating, wish your companions at the table “dobrú chuť” (bon appétit).

The most widely used phrase for making a toast is “na zdravie” (cheers). When clinking glasses, look the other person in the eyes.
When visiting somebody at their home, wear sensible clothes, as if you were going to work. By this gesture, you show respect to your hot.

At somebody’s home, it is considered polite to eat everything you have on your plate, especially if the meal was prepared by your host.

It is a good idea to bring the host a small present, such as flowers or chocolate. The host usually opens the present and if possible, will offer it to the guests.
For meetings, make sure you are on time.