Useful Information

Currency and Banking

The currency in Slovenia is the Slovenian tolar (SIT). One Euro is equivalent to 239.64 SIT. Money can be easily exchanged at banks and exchange offices, travel agencies, hotels, airports, railway stations, and some post offices. The usual banking hours are Weekdays 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00. Exchange offices are usually open on Saturdays, too.

Automatic Cash Dispensers (ATM)

Automatic cash dispensers accepting Visa, Eurocard/Mastercard, American Express credit cards and Maestro Cirrus debit cards are situated at all main banks, many other places around the country and also at Ljubljana Airport.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard - Eurocard, Diners, American Express etc. are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Taxes and Tipping

If not stated otherwise, VAT (value added tax) is already included in the listed price. It is not neccessary to give tips in Slovenia, but small tips for good service are not uncommon.

Health Insurance

IMO 2006 participants are NOT covered by the Slovene Health Insurance Plan and the medical expenses in Slovenia may be high. It is therefore highly recommended that participants arrange their own health and accident insurance. During their temporary stay in the Republic of Slovenia, insured persons from the EU member states will be able to claim medical services in public health institutions and from private doctors who have concluded a contract with the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (HIIS) on the basis of the E 111 form with the mark of the country by which the form was issued, and also on the basis of the European health insurance card. In cases of emergency a foreign insured person may also go directly to the emergency service in the nearest hospital. Further (or possibly recently updated) information can be obtained from the health authorities with whom the visitor is insured or from their Ministry of Labour. All other foreign nationals are guaranteed emergency medical assistance; however, they must bear the costs of such services by themselves.

Local Time

Central European Timezone (CET), i.e. one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). Please note that Daylight Saving Time is effective during the summer (DST = GMT+2).

Electricity

Voltage in Slovenia is 220V at 50Hz. Electric sockets only accept round-pin plugs. Appliances designed to operate on 110/120V need a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

Drinking Water

Tap water is safe and drinkable throughout the country.

Weather

The highest daily temperatures in July are between 25° C and 30° C (between 77° F and 86° F). We advise you to check the weather forecast before coming to Slovenia. The weather is generally pleasant, but it can be changeable. So a light raincoat or umbrella and warm clothing for the fresh mornings and evenings might be useful.

Phones and Wi-Fi

Public telephones operate on magnetic cards. Magnetic cards are sold at post offices, newspaper kiosks and tobacco shops.

Phone calls within Slovenia

To make a long distance phone call or a phone call from/to/between mobile operators you have to dial local area code (including leading zero) first.

International phone calls

International dialing code in Slovenia is 00, i.e. to make an international phone call from Slovenia you have to dial 00 first.

Country code of Slovenia is 386, i.e. to make an international phone call to Slovenia you have to dial international dialing code in your country first, then 386, then local area code in Slovenia without leading zero and finally local phone number.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency first aid & fire emergency: 112
Police: 113

Mobile Phones

In Slovenia there are two major mobile phone operators: Mobitel and SiMobil, serving GSM & UMTS 900/1800.

Wi-Fi coverage available

NeoWLAN is Slovenian public wireless network, compliant to IEEE 802.11b standard, also known as Wi-Fi (SSID = neo). It enables very fast and simple internet or e-mail access for Laptop and PDA users. NeoWLAN prepaid cards can be bought in every Mobitel Center across Slovenia.

Public Transportation in Ljubljana

Ljubljana has a good bus transportation system payable with tokens or cash. All participants of the IMO 2006 will be granted free ride on public buses in Ljubljana identifying themselves with their IMO badge with personal photo during the official IMO period.