Welcome
to the Camping and Caravanning section of Live
Slovenia.com
we hope you enjoy your time here. Should you find the site informative please
tell us, should you not... please tell us and we will do our best to find the
information you need. Please be aware that we do our best to keep the information
on this page as current as possible, we have intentionally left out details
on import limits and speed limits because this is liable to change without notice
to us. A list of Camp Sites and their locations in Slovenia can be found in
the sub menu to the right.
Caravanning
&
Camping
There are over 50 campsites in Slovenia rated in three categories. Normally they are open between 1st May to end of October but a few are open all year depending on location and local attractions (skiing). In most cases the standard of the sites and their sanitary facilities are very good. Sites on the coast consist mostly of static caravans and can be a little busy during the peak summer season. Casual or 'wild' camping is not permitted under any circumstances. A CCI (Camping Card International) is not compulsory but in some cases it is possible to obtain a discount of between 5% and 10% on production of the card, it is always worth asking on booking/arrival.
Touring
The Cuisine in Slovenia reflects an Austrian-German influence with sauerkraut, grilled sausage and apple strudel often appearing on menus. On the coast there are the obvious 'fruit of the sea' specialties based on fish, Lobster and Crayfish. There are some very beautiful and inexpensive wines in Slovenia, many of these are from the Drave Region; the white wines are especially good and if you like a sweet white my personal favourite is a Rumeni Muskat that is beautiful when served cold. Shown here is a selection of cheese, fruit, meats and a traditional Slovenian cake.
The capital city of Ljubljana, is easily reached from other major European centres. Ljubljana is a gem of a city. The works of the world-renowned architect Joze Plecnik are among the finest urban monuments in the city. Maribor (2nd largest city) and Ptuj (the oldest town and originally the Roman town of Poetovio) are not to be missed. In Lipica there are guided tours available around the stud farm which is the home of the world-famous Lipezzaner horses.
The largest cave in Europe is situated at Postojna, south-west of Ljubljana, this is a 'not to be missed' for tourists. The cave at Postojna has guided tours using a special 'cave train' that will take you through the extensive and marvelous rock formations. Also a must are the Mountains, rivers and woods of the Triglav (meaning 3 heads) National Park which covers a major part of the Julian Alps.
For those of you wishing to come across from Italy, there is a hydrofoil service between Venice and Portoroz from april to November.
Slovenian is the official language although many 'dialects' are also widely spoken and vary greatly depending on the region. Many Slovenes, living as they do at the crossroads of Europe, speak at least one other major European language (mostly German) and many, especially the young, speak English. I have found that 99.9% of the Slovenes I have come into contact with have always found a way to communicate and have been eager to help.
Breakdown
Cover
Affiliated Club
AVTO-MOTO ZVEZA SLOVENIJE (AMZS),
DUNAJSKA 128
SLO-61113 LJUBLJANA
POSTAL ADDRESS PO BOX 3276
SLO-LJUBLJANA
TEL: (01) 5305300
(INFORMATION)
FAX: (01) 5305410
EMAIL: info.centre@amzs.si
INTERNET: www.amzs.si
The offices are open 5 days a week Monday thru Friday from 07:30am to 14:30pm and the staff do speak English.
Breakdown Service
The AMZS operates a breakdown service which can be contacted by telephoning 1987 in the towns and on ordinary roads. On the motorways use the emergency telephones and ask for AMZS assistance. Please take care and be extra vigilant whilst out of your vehicle and using the emergency phones on motorways, and remember to use your hazard warning lights and place your warning triangle. It is also possible to contact the AMZS Alarm Call Centre in Ljubljana by calling (01) 5305353.
Country
Information
Electricity and Gas
The power supply in Slovenia is the continental (round) 2 pin plug with side earthing, supplying 230 volts and between 6 and 16amps depending on the site. Please be advised that the electrical system in Slovenia may not conform the same as in the UK, it is possible to find that in some cases the right pin is live (+) and in other cases it is possible that the left pin is live (+). Be sure to check your 'reverse polarity' indicator where fitted. You may also come across another 'larger' socket, normally 4 pin and red in colour, this is 3 phase 440 volt mains and is used for machinery. Unless you want bonfire night to come early, do not attempt to modify your caravan/camper plug to fit this socket. Also please be advised that there are few CEE connections in Slovenia.
The blue refillable 'Campingaz' cylinders cannot be purchased or refilled in Slovenia although the small disposable campingaz cartridges can be purchased from some hardware outlets. Gas or 'Plin' as it is known in Slovenia is widely available in 10kg Propane-Butane mix bottles similar in size to the blue Calorgas 15kg bottle because most homes do not have piped gas. Although the gas is cheap, you would have to buy the bottle and have a 'Union, left-hand threaded' regulator to fit the valve. Some sites have these bottles for loan and will take a used bottle from you at the end of your stay.
Entry Formalities
On your journey from the UK to Slovenia you will have crossed at least 3 deserted and cobweb ridden borders depending on the route taken, the borders into Slovenia may also be like that, they are unmanned and inactive usually you may just drive through, but be prepared to stop and show your documents/passports when requested. Border Controls can and are reinstated as and when the Government feels the need, so please slow down on entry and be ready to stop if requested. Upon entering the European Union, Slovenia did not automatically become a member of the Schengen Agreement; entering the Agreement will be possible after a transition period and when the current members of the Agreement establish that the candidates have fulfilled all the conditions for membership. This means that border controls may remain until Slovenia obtains full membership in the Schengen Agreement. Holders of British passports endorsed 'British Citizen' and Irish passport holders may visit Slovenia for tourist purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. Campsites will carry out registration formalities as will hotels, but visitors staying with individual families must register with the local police within 3 days of their arrival in Slovenia.
Medical Services
Every major town and city in Slovenia has a health centre open from 7:00am to 19:00pm on weekdays. British nationals may obtain emergency medical, hospital and dental treatment from practitioners registered to the public health service on presentation of a form E111/European Health Insurance Card. Full fees are payable for private medical and dental treatment. There are many health resorts in Slovenia and are extensively used by the medical profession for the treatment of a wide variety of complaints, but you do not have to be ill to use the spas to relax and recharge.
Safety and Security
We have found that the major problem with safety and security in Slovenia is what most people would call a 'false sense of security', Slovenia is a very beautiful and very safe place to be and I tend to forget the basics, forgetting to lock my car, my house, my shed and so-on. Slovenia is generally regarded as safe for visitors but the usual precautions must be taken against the type of crime that affects all major town and cities. Pick pockets operate in most large tourist areas and Slovenia is no exception to this, try not to relax too much and be vigilant for pick pockets in large towns and remember not to leave valuables on show in your vehicle.... It is better to be safe than sorry.
There is no recent history of terrorism in Slovenia but you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks on tourist areas and civilian targets in public places throughout the world, Slovenia is no exception.
Customs and
Excise Regulations
Caravans and Motor Caravans
The maximum permitted dimensions of Caravans and Motor Caravans in Slovenia are: Height 4 metes, width is 2.55 metes, length is 12 metes, and combined length of car + caravan or trailer is 18metres. Also be advised that in Austria and some mountain roads there is also a weight and/or trailer restriction.
Alcohol and Tobacco
There is no limit on the importation of goods obtained in an EU country, provided that theses goods are for the importer's personal use. However, there are indicative limits or 'common sense' limits on alcohol and tobacco goods that seem to be a gray area, because of this you should obtain up-to-date information from slovenia-tourism.si under the 'Border Formalities' heading.
Documents
Along with the obvious passport requirements (you should carry a copy of your passport at all times to prove identification if needed) you should also have in your vehicle your vehicle registration documents, Certificate of insurance, International Accident Report Form, ownership documents for caravan if applicable and your driving licence. For those of you who do not yet have the new UK photo card licence you should also obtain an international driving permit.
Money
As of January 2007, Slovenia adopted the Euro (€) as standard currency,
but GBP along with most other foreign currencies can be changed at border
crossing and in the major towns.
Travelers cheques are accepted in some shops and hotels.
Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, shops, restaurants and petrol stations but I have found that there is a preference for 'Master Card' at the moment.
There are many cash machines available in Slovenia, look for these in the
high streets of major towns and also at many petrol stations, these will dispense
Euro only.
It is a good idea to keep a record of your card details, bank/issuer 24 hour contact number in case of loss or theft.
Motoring
Drinking and Driving
Our advice here is Don't ! The blood alcohol limit in Slovenia is a maximum 0.05% which is less than the UK
Essential Equipment
High-Viz waistcoats are not compulsory in Slovenia just now, you will need it for Austria. It is also a good piece of equipment to have at any time incase of breakdown
Lights: Dipped headlights are compulsory at all times in Slovenia, regardless of weather conditions and with most continental countries, you are required to carry a spare bulb kit in case of failure. Hazard warning lights must be used when reversing.
Warning Triangles must be carried and used incase of breakdown and be placed at least 50 meters behind the vehicle. Vehicles towing a trailer must carry two triangles, in the case of breakdown whilst towing, two triangles must be placed one beside the other again at least 50 meters behind the vehicle. At night, drivers must also carry a torch and use hazard warning lights. Please take great care when placing triangles especially on motorways, when placing the triangle try to walk on the inside of the barrier where possible, if there is no barrier walk as close as possible to the verge, wear high visibility clothing and carry the triangle/s assembled and with the reflective side facing on coming traffic. Place the triangle in your lane, left of centre in order to direct traffic away from you and your vehicle. When walking back to you vehicle, keep to the verge and look behind you as often as possible to check for on coming traffic.
Seat Belts are compulsory and must be worn by all passengers. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to travel in the front seats of the vehicle. All children are to use a safety seat suitable for their size and weight.
Fuel
Some petrol stations on motorways and in/near large towns are open 24/7 others tend to open from 06:00am until 22:00pm. Leaded petrol is no longer available but the lead replacement additive is on sale. I have yet to find a petrol station here that does not sell Diesel. Most of the petrol stations do accept credit cards.
Motorways
and Tolls
In accordance with the amendment of the Public Roads Act, approved
by the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia end of April 2008, use
of vignettes (Vinjeta) is obligatory for all vehicles with the permissible maximum
weight of 3,500 kg (the current first and second toll-rate category) on motorways
and expressways in the Republic of Slovenia as of 1 July 2008.
The toll-collection system with vignettes is being introduced with the aim of
improving traffic flow and reducing emissions to the environment.
With the introduction of the toll-collection system with vignettes in the second
half of 2008, only half-yearly vignettes will be put on sale, while purchase
of yearly vignettes for 2009 will be possible not later than by the beginning
of December 2008.
From 1 July 2008 onwards, purchase of a vignette is obligatory
for use of a toll road with a vehicle whose permissible maximum weight does
not exceed 3.500 kg, regardless of the maximum weight of a trailer.
If you need information regarding the return of the credit and carrying value
of the ABC tag or DARS card, please, click
on this link.
Type and Price Of VIGNETTE (VINJETA)*
Yearly vignette for (two-track) vehicles with the permissible
maximum weight of 3,500 kg €55.00
Half-yearly vignette for (two-track) vehicles with the permissible maximum weigh
to 3,500 kg €35.00
Yearly vignette for (one-track) motorcycles €27,50
Half-yearly vignette for (one-track) motorcycles €17,50
* Yearly vignette for the current year will be valid from 1
December of the previous year to 31 January of the next year (total of 14 months).
* Half-yearly will be valid for six months following the day
of its purchase.
Half-yearly vignette for (two-track) vehicles with the permissible maximum
weight of 3,500 kg, for 2008
Half-yearly vignette for (one-track) motorcycles, for 2008
Currently there are about 500km of motorways (autoceste) and expressways (hitre
ceste) in Slovenia, with more under construction. If you would
like to know more about the Slovenian motorways and tolls please go to www.dars.si
Toll Station
Sorting
Roads
Slovenia has a well developed road system, the international and main roads are in good condition but some of the secondary roads may not be so good and poorly lit. On the rural roads be aware of farming traffic and mud on the roads from tractors. Most areas of Slovenian are rural so be aware of wild animals especially at night, it is common here to see Deer, Rabbits, foxes and Hares on the roads. In built up areas and close to villages you will see many cats, please try to avoid all animals when safe to do so.
Road Signs and Markings
Road signs do conform to international standards but some (mostly rural) can be a little difficult to see. It is a good idea to purchase a map of Slovenia (Lzletniska Karta) and if staying in a particular region, a region map is more useful because the full-scale map of Slovenia tends to show just major roads and towns. Some region maps have many details of attraction for that region printed on the reverse of the map so it it well worth looking for one of these.
One problem I have found with many road signs is the lack of distance indication to the next town or village.
Speed limits
The speed limits are listed on the signs as you enter Slovenia and are signed on the roads. Be advised that the limit can change many times on one stretch of road and most drivers in Slovenia stick to the limits, the Slovenian Police are very keen on enforcing these limits. The Police are authorised to impose on-the-spot fines which must be paid in Euro, fines may be heavy compared to the UK so be advised.
50 kmph in residental areas
90 kmph on all roads where not otherwise indicated
100 kmph on the roads, reserved for motor traffic
130 kmph on motorways
Parking
Parking meters and pay-and-display are in some towns to limit parking in busy areas. In the cities, white lines indicate that parking is permitted for a maximum of one hour between 07:00am and 19:00pm, but a parking ticket must be purchased. Blue line indicate places where parking is allowed free of charge for a maximum of 30 minutes. If you park your vehicle illegally it may be clamped or towed away. The cost for parking in Slovenia is much cheaper than in the UK so if you are not sure, it is better to pay the meter than pay the fine. Although there are no official regulations in force, the international wheelchair symbol is generally recognised and there are plenty of parking places for parking for the disabled.
Accident procedures
All drivers involved in an accident whilst in Slovenia must call the police and obtain an official report. Drivers of vehicles which have been damaged may need to present this police report to the customs on departure. It is a good idea to obtain a police report to help with any claim you may have against the other driver or claiming for your own damages on your return to the UK. One thing to note here, especially if you consider the accident not your fault, is NEVER move your car from it's final resting place after an accident. The Police take detailed plans and photographs of all accidents and if your car has been moved it could jeopardize your claim. Please remember this: Deer in Slovenia are owned and protected by state, should you be unfortunate enough to hit one on the road, stop and call the police, especially if the deer is dead/injured and/or your car is damaged. It will make it easier to claim on your car insurance and I am sure that if the animal is injured, you would not want it to suffer. The Police will file a report and call a Game Warden to take care of the animal.
If Stopped by Police(Policija) The Police (Policija) in Slovenia are no different to police forces all over the world, there are good, bad and indifferent, mostly good. They are polite and many speak good if not reasonable English. Just one thing to think about is this.. you do the crime, you do the time.. no argument. If you choose to speed be prepared to pay, it is not the fault of the police Officer. The Police here can and will if they choose stop you for a number of reasons, mainly speeding or roadside spot checks but never for just something to do. Be advised that the Slovene Police adopt the 'American police' attitude when stopping vehicles so please take note of the following:
Stop safely, as soon as requested.
If stopped behind the Patrol car, switch on your hazard warning lights.
DO NOT get out of your vehicle.
Leave your seatbelt on, Switch off your engine and sit with your hands in plain sight, preferably on the top of the steering wheel.
When the officer has approached your vehicle, wind down your window (if closed) try not to leave them waiting. return your hands to plain sight.
Smile and be polite.
The officer will ask you for your driving licence (Voziško dovoljenje), vehicle documents (prometno dovoljenje) and if towing, caravan documents. It is a good idea to always keep these close to hand in case of checks throughout europe, rather that suffer the embarrassment of looking for them on the spot. You may also be asked to step out of your vehicle (passengers remain inside unless requested) so the officer can check the rear of your car, mostly he will just be checking that you are carring the obligatory equipment:
Warning Triangle (Two if towing)
Hi-Viz vests or jackets for all passengers (compulsory on Motorways)
Spare Bulb Kit.
First Aid Kit.
In Winter the above plus:
Snow chains if required.
Small Folding Spade (Army Surplus are good for these)
The officer may also check that you have the correct tyres for the season, in Slovenia, snow and ice tyres are required from mid November.
If stopped:
Treat the Officers with the respect they deserve.
Smile.
Be Polite
It could save you a fine.
Disclaimer
This information is to be used as a guide only and Live
Slovenia.com
will not be held responsible for misuse, misunderstanding or possible errors
Life is for living-We Live it once-So Live it well 
