Travel tips for Slovenia - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Slovenians do not like latecomers. Be it a formal event or an informal meeting, be sure to arrive exactly at the appointed time. It is better to come without any symbolic gift than to be late. The latecomer must apologize and explain the reason for the late arrival.

2. Those invited to a Slovenian home should dress conservatively, even if the meeting is informal and takes place on a weekday. In Slovenia, it is customary to come to come to dinner in clothes suitable rather for office. Muted colors, simple style would be a winning option.

3. In most places in Slovenia, you can safely drink tap water. But it's still better to avoid this way of quenching thirst unless you really want to drink, and there is no bottled water or other drink nearby. Even the harmless bacteria in clear water can cause an unexpected reaction from the unprepared body system, sometimes even indigestion.

4. When meeting Slovenes of both sexes shake each other's hands. When meeting with Slovenians, one should not try to kiss their cheeks, even if they kiss with other friends - this can be regarded as a personal space breach. Therefore, it's better just to shake hands firmly, and kiss them only if they take the first step themselves.

5. Keep in mind that the answer “no, thank you” to any proposal (food, invitation, assistance, etc.) is usually regarded as “yes, but I don’t want to seem rude and arrogant, so try to persuade me.” Slovenians can insist on the proposal, in which case it's recommended to thank them and politely answer that everything is okay and the service is really not needed - or give up and accept the offer. This ritual works in the opposite direction. If the Slovenian politely declines your offer, try to persuade him a little, and he will most likely agree.

6. While eating, it is not customary to talk about business, finances and so on. This rule even applies to dinner with a business partner. For Slovenes, meal time is a chance to get to know each other better, relax and just chat. You can talk about business only if the partner himself started discussing it.

7. Slovenes always take off their shoes and put on slippers at home. Walk around the house in socks is not common. Most Slovenians have several pairs of slippers for guests. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. It is important to know that most locals have breakfast before 8:00 am, it is usually very light and includes a cup of tea or coffee with a sandwich. Lunch is between 11:00 and 12:00 am. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day when several dishes are eaten. Dining with something light typically falls at 7:00 pm.

9. Going to Slovenia, it's worth to learn at least a few basic phrases: how to greet, say goodbye, ask, thank, etc. Most tourists have zero Slovenian knowledge, and locals know that it can hardly be called a popular language to learn. Therefore, they are really flattered when they hear familiar words from any foreigner. Even if phrases sound awkward and not entirely correct, it will still make a good impression. A tourist who tries to communicate with Slovenes in their native language has a chance to get better service or just please local friends.

10. Tourists traveling by car should leave them only on guarded parking. Thefts from cars are common in Slovenia, so parking just on the roadside, especially at night, is not recommended. Even when leaving the car in a guarded parking lot, be sure to take all valuables out of it.

11. It is unforgivable to confuse the names and call Slovenia Slovakia or Czechoslovakia. This hurts the national pride of any Slovene.

12. Avoid starting a conversation about the life of Slovenians in the USSR. If someone brings this topic up, it is better to maintain a neutral position.

13. One should not call Slovenia an eastern country or compare it with its eastern neighbors. Slovenes consider themselves Western Europeans.

14. It is better to avoid talking about sexual minorities. Although same-sex relations are not prohibited in Slovakia, many locals dislike LGBT people. The same goes for gypsies.

15. Littering is prohibited in Slovenia, this also applies to cigarettes. Slovenians really care about the cleanliness of their streets, nature, and the country as a whole.