There are multiple fake websites offering e-vignettes for Slovak highways. The only official eshop is www.eznamka.sk, which is also available in English.
Useful Local Information
Local Information
Tap water in Slovakia is perfectly drinkable and safe. There is bottled water for sale in almost every store. Slovakia uses Euro as currency. Slovakia is part of the European Union, so roaming charges do not apply to other EU citizens. There are no border controls on the border with Czechia, Austria, Hungary and Poland.
In case of emergency, call European SOS number - 112. For firefighters, call 150, for ambulance 155, for police 158 and for mountain rescue 18300. All emergency numbers are free to use and you don’t need a SIM card to call them.
Speed limit for cars in municipalities is set to 50 km/h, outside municipalities it is 90 km/h and the maximum allowed speed on highways and motorways is 130 km/h. Highways and motorways are charged with a e-vignette bought on-line. Cars drive on the right side of the road.
Don’t fall for scammers!
Volunteering
We would love your help! Please contact us at [email protected] and become an important part of XTERRA!
Learn simple Slovak phrases
Do you want to impress locals? Learn these basic phrases in Slovak language!
Basics
English | Slovak | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Good day / Hello | Dobrý deň | DOH-bri DYEHN |
Good morning | Dobré ráno | doh-BRAY RAH-no |
Good evening | Dobrý večer | DOH-bri VYEH-cher |
Goodbye | Dovidenia | doh-VEE-deh-nya |
Please | Prosím | PRO-seem |
Thank you | Ďakujem | DYA-koo-yem |
Excuse me / Sorry | Prepáčte | PRE-pahch-teh |
Yes / No | Áno / Nie | AH-no / NYEH |
Help! | Pomoc! | POH-mots |
More advanced
English | Slovak | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Where is...? | Kde je...? | GDEH yeh...? |
Toilet / restroom | WC / toaleta | veh-TSEH / toh-ah-LEH-ta |
I need help | Potrebujem pomoc | poh-TREH-boo-yehm POH-mots |
How much does it cost? | Koľko to stojí? | KOL-koh toh STOY-ee |
I don’t understand | Nerozumiem | neh-roh-ZOO-yehm |
Could you speak more slowly? | Mohli by ste hovoriť pomalšie? | MOH-hlee bi ste ho-VO-rit poh-MAHL-sheh? |
I am allergic to... | Som alergický na... | som ah-ler-GIT-ski nah... |
Good luck! | Veľa šťastia! | VYEH-lya SHTYAH-styah |
Which maps to use
To navigate around Slovakia, we recommend using www.mapy.com or their mobile app thanks to their level of detail. For car navigation, we recommend Mapy.com or Waze, which is widely used here. Remember, that using a mobile device while driving is a serious offense with fines up to 300 Euros.
Bear Presence and Safety Guidelines
In the Štiavnické vrchy area, brown bears are occasionally encountered. If you come across a bear, remain calm: do not face it directly, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away along the path you came. Do not run or make direct eye contact. You may softly talk or make clicking noises to alert the bear to your presence as a human. Never turn your back or attempt to flee, as this can trigger a chase response.
Race Safety Measures
Along the course, several members of the event staff will be equipped with thermal imaging cameras to detect wildlife early and ensure a safe race environment.
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