Answers: A, C & D
Get around:
Taxis
Taxis are available in major cities. In Ljubljana, taxis can be hailed on the street, hired from stands at various places - including the train station and Tourist Information Center. Calling ahead or using an app is preferable if you need to assure a ride.
Not all taxis are regulated, nor are they metered. Take care when entering a taxi to negotiate the fare before beginning the trip.
Rideshare
While Uber operates in Slovenia, it operates as a taxi service and cars must have a taxi meter. It can, however, be useful to pay for a ride via app instead of relying on the taxi's card reader.
Social customs:
Greetings, titles and names
Upon meeting someone for the first time, handshakes are common. When addressing strangers, women are Gospa - or "madam" - and men are Gospod - or "sir”. Professional or government people are addressed with their titles - "Doctor Smith," for example. First names are typically used only by close friends. In cities, strangers do not make eye contact, whereas in rural settings people greet passersby even if they are not acquainted. It is common to say good-bye - even to strangers - when exiting a room or elevator.
Business practices:
Business relationships
Slovenians prefer business relationships be developed face-to-face. Personal warmth and approachability are appreciated, but do not overshadow professionalism and the need for punctuality and clear communication. While relationships will eventually become less formal, they are unlikely to become overly casual. Slovenians may or may not attempt to cultivate a relationship outside work; if they do not, do not consider it an insult. It is expected that work and private life are separate.
Business hours
The business day is relatively long in Slovenia. Business hours are typically 0800 or 0830 to 1700 or 1800. Many banks and some shops close midday for an hour or two - typically from 1200 to 1300 or 1400. Main post offices tend to be open from 0700 or 0800 to 2000 Monday through Friday. They are open from 0700 or 0800 to 1300 on Saturday, and some open from 0900 to 1100 Sunday. Post office branches have shorter hours and are usually closed Sundays. Government offices maintain hours from 0700 to 1500. Stores and shops also open early: typical hours are 0700 or 0800 to 1900 Monday through Friday. Most close at 1300 on Saturday. Slovenia celebrates 14 national holidays throughout the year. Banks, offices, stores, and schools typically close on these days.
Excerpted from Living Abroad's International Relocation Center Report on Slovenia.
Written by Michael Cadden, SGMS-T, VP International Operations
