8. Shops are usually closed on Sundays<\/strong><\/h2>This surprises quite a few international visitors.<\/p>
Most Slovenian shops are closed on Sundays<\/strong>, although essentials remain available at some petrol stations and certain exempt stores.<\/p>Typical shop hours during the week and Saturday are broadly between 7:00\/9:00 and 19:00\/21:00<\/strong>, although individual businesses set their own schedules. Museums often close on Mondays.<\/p>If you arrive at an apartment late on Saturday and want groceries for Sunday morning, shop before checking in<\/strong>.<\/p>Restaurants, caf\u00e9s and tourist attractions follow their own opening schedules and are often open on Sundays.<\/p>
9. Tipping is appreciated, but it is not American-style tipping<\/strong><\/h2>You do not<\/strong> need to automatically add 20% to every restaurant bill.<\/p>In Slovenia, tipping is generally optional<\/strong>.<\/p>Many locals simply round up the bill. In a restaurant with particularly good service, something around 5\u201310%<\/strong> is a reasonable gesture rather than a strict rule. Slovenian research into tipping habits has likewise found relatively modest tipping levels compared with countries where gratuities form a major part of service workers’ income.<\/p>At caf\u00e9s and in taxis, rounding up is perfectly normal.<\/p>
So if your coffee costs \u20ac4.60, paying \u20ac5 is absolutely fine.<\/p>
10. English will get you surprisingly far<\/strong><\/h2>The official language is Slovenian \u2013 sloven\u0161\u010dina<\/strong>.<\/p>But international visitors usually find communication straightforward. Slovenia’s official tourism portal notes that most people speak English<\/strong>, particularly useful in tourism, restaurants, hotels and among younger Slovenians.<\/p>Still, learning four words goes a long way:<\/p>
Dober dan<\/strong> \u2013 Good day \/ Hello
Prosim<\/strong> \u2013 Please \/ You’re welcome
Hvala<\/strong> \u2013 Thank you
Na zdravje<\/strong> \u2013 Cheers<\/p>And yes: Slovenia and Slovakia are two completely different countries<\/strong>.<\/p>Locals have heard that one before.<\/p>
11. Slovenia’s weather can change dramatically within a single trip<\/strong><\/h2>Do not pack for Slovenia as if the entire country has one climate.<\/p>
Within only a few hours you can move between the Adriatic coast, Alpine mountains and continental lowlands<\/strong>.<\/p>The mountains have an Alpine climate, the coast is influenced by a sub-Mediterranean climate<\/strong>, and north-eastern Slovenia has a more continental climate.<\/p>That means the answer to \u201cWhat should I pack for Slovenia?\u201d<\/strong> is usually:<\/p>layers.<\/strong><\/p>Even in summer, bring a light rain jacket and something warmer if visiting the mountains.<\/p>
If you are travelling this month, see our complete guide to Slovenia in September 2026<\/strong>, including weather and packing advice.<\/p>12. Do not underestimate the Slovenian mountains<\/strong><\/h2>Slovenia looks small on a map, but the Julian Alps and Kamnik-Savinja Alps are real mountain environments<\/strong>.<\/p>A sunny morning in Bled does not guarantee good conditions at 2,000 metres.<\/p>
Weather can change rapidly, trails may be exposed and higher-altitude routes can encounter cold temperatures or snow outside the main summer period.<\/p>
If you go hiking:<\/p>
- check the weather,<\/li>\n\n
- check trail conditions,<\/li>\n\n
- wear appropriate footwear,<\/li>\n\n
- carry water,<\/li>\n\n
- start early,<\/li>\n\n
- and choose a route suitable for your experience.<\/li><\/ul>
If something goes wrong, mountain rescue is reached through 112<\/strong>.<\/p>13. Save these two numbers: 112 and 113<\/strong><\/h2>Hopefully you will never need them.<\/p>
But every visitor should know:<\/p>
112 \u2013 emergency medical assistance, fire and rescue services<\/strong>
113 \u2013 police emergency number<\/strong><\/p>The European emergency number 112 works 24 hours a day<\/strong> and is the number to use for medical emergencies, firefighters, mountain rescue and other rescue services.<\/p>Slovenia’s international telephone code is +386<\/strong>.<\/p>Save 112<\/strong> in your phone before heading into the mountains.<\/p>14. Bring the right plug \u2013 but internet access is easy<\/strong><\/h2>Slovenia uses 230 V electricity at 50 Hz<\/strong> and European Type C and F sockets with two round pins<\/strong>.<\/p>Travellers from the UK, US and countries using different plug systems will generally need an adapter.<\/p>
Mobile coverage is widespread, with 4G and some 5G coverage<\/strong>, while hotels, caf\u00e9s and restaurants commonly provide Wi-Fi. Prepaid Slovenian SIM cards are also readily available.<\/p>For most European visitors, roaming works as it would elsewhere in the EU, depending on their mobile plan.<\/p>
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