Other State Department Archive Sites

The State Department web site below is a permanent electronic archive of information released online from January 1, 1997 to January 20, 2001. Please see www.state.gov for current material from the Department of State. Or visit http://2001-2009.state.gov for information from that period. Archive sites are not updated, so external links may no longer function. Contact us with any questions about finding information. NOTE: External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: Slovenia Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Ljubljana, Released July, 1999 Note*

Chapter IX Business Travel

Business Customs

During the period of socialism, the former Yugoslav federation was not a fully integrated part of the Eastern bloc. It had a unique, "self-management" economic system where management decisions were made at the firm level and frequently reflected market responsiveness. As a result, Slovenian business managers are quite familiar with Western-type market economy philosophy and customs.

Management style in Slovenia tends to concentrate decision-making on senior management; delegation of authority at companies is relatively poor. Thus, in principle, a negotiation should not be considered concluded unless confirmed by the general manager or a clearly acknowledged decision-maker in the company. Slovenes place a premium on personal contacts, and correspondence and visits play significant roles in the conduct of business in Slovenia. Clarity and continuity in communication are important.

Travel Advisory and Visas

There have been no travel advisories for Slovenia. There are no visas necessary for visits lasting less than three months. Application for a visa allowing an extended stay must be made from outside the country. An entry visa for the purpose of work, education, training or other professional activities can be obtained at any Slovenian Embassy or Consulate. In the same way a business visa can be obtained on an exceptional basis (foreign investment, bilateral contacts, etc.).

Holidays

Jan 1 and 2 - New Year's Day
Feb 8 - Slovenian Cultural Day
March/April - Easter Monday
April 27 - Day of Uprising Against Occupation
May 1 and 2 - Labor Day
May 31 - Whit Sunday
Jun 25 - Independence Day
Aug 15 - Assumption Day
Oct 31 - Reformation Day
Nov 1 - All Saints Day
Dec 25 - Christmas Day
Dec 26 - National Day

Business Infrastructure

- Transportation

Ljubljana is accessible by air. The international airport, Ljubljana-Brnik is located 27 kilometers from the capital city. The airport is serviced by the national carrier, Adria Airways, as well as other international airlines such as Aeroflot, Air France, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swissair, and Air Bosna.

Slovenia's transportation system is good. Highways connect most cities, and numerous border crossings into neighboring countries are easily accessible. Air travel within Slovenia is not available, but is not necessary given the small size of the country. Rail is a popular and convenient form of travel. Major Slovenian cities have efficient public transportation systems, relying mainly on buses. Tokens for buses and trams can be purchased at newspaper stands or post offices. Fares can be paid in cash, at a somewhat higher tariff. Taxi service is readily available. Taxis are generally requested by telephone or at designated taxi-stands. Taxis are metered (a 10 percent tip is customary).

- Language and Communications

The official language in Slovenia is Slovene, a southern Slavic language with only some resemblance to Croatian or Serbian. Script is the standard Roman alphabet. Most businessmen in Slovenia speak foreign languages, with English the most predominant, although German is often useful in some parts of Slovenia. Use of Italian tends to be confined to the Italian border area. When necessary, translators can be hired at the Slovene Association of Conference Interpreters (phone: 386/61/317862; fax: 386/61/320131).

Slovenia has efficient postal and telephone services. Fax machines are widely used. The use of e-mail is increasingly available. Telephone calling card services are not available in-country, and long-distance charges tend to be high, even by European standards. In many areas only pulse telephone lines are available, though tone dialing availability is increasing.

The dialing code for Slovenia is 386, followed by area codes: Ljubljana (61), Maribor (62), Celje (63), Kranj (64), and Portoroz (66). To dial internationally from Slovenia, you must dial 00 before the country code. Operator assistance is 998.

- Accommodation and Food

Comfortable accommodation is available in all major cities in Slovenia. Office space or housing can be rented through a specialized local agency or by individual advertisements in local daily newspapers. A list of Slovenian real estate agencies is available from the American Embassy Ljubljana as is a list of English speaking physicians.

The food is typically of high quality and variety. Restaurants are relatively expensive. Credit cards (e.g., MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club) are widely accepted.