Slovakia - Eastern Europe - page 612

BY BUS In theory, nearly any city, town, or village is accessible by Slovakia's dense
public bus network, SAD ( & 02/5556 - 7349; www.sad.sk). In reality, while the net-
work is dense, service can be sporadic. The timetables are oriented toward commuters
and fall off during the evenings and on weekends and holidays. Bus schedules are
notoriously difficult to read. Just as you're rejoicing that your bus should be coming
in 10 minutes, you'll discover that it only runs on certain days or during certain
months of the year.
TIPS ON ACCOMMODATIONS
The number of newer, privately owned hotels is on the increase. If you arrive in town
without a room, the best place to go is the local tourist information office. Many of
these, including the helpful office in Bratislava, can advise on rooms and book accord-
ing to your wishes. Failing that, look around for private rooms, usually identified by
the word “Ubytovanie” (accommodations) or “Privat” on the outside. These are
invariably bed-without-bathroom setups, usually in an unused part of the family
home, but are almost always clean and cheap.
TIPS ON DINING
With disposable incomes on the rise, more people are eating out more often and the
restaurant situation is improving. The transformation is easiest to see in Bratislava and
Ko s ice. That said, you may still find yourself in a small town with relatively few
options aside from the ubiquitous pizzeria on the main square and a couple of unap-
petizing pubs, catering mostly to old guys crouched over beers. In that case, go with
the pizza.
FAST FACTS: Slovakia
American Express There's no full-service American Express office in Bratislava,
but some Amex services are offered through Agency Alex (Kuzmanyho 8; & 02/
5941-2200 ).
Business Hours Stores and offices are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to
6pm. Banks are open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. Some larger stores have
limited Saturday hours, usually 9am to noon. Museums and other tourist attrac-
tions are often closed on Mondays.
Doctors & Dentists Phone & 155 in a medical emergency. In Bratislava, there's a
doctor on call 24 hours at the Faculty Hospital (Ruzinovská 10; & 02/4443-2429 ).
Private dental services are available at Kostková 54 ( & 02/6286-0033 ).
Electricity Slovak outlets follow the Continental norm (220v, 50hz) with two
round plugs. Most appliances that run on 110v will require a transformer.
Embassies U.S.: Hviezdoslavovo nám. 4, & 02/5443-0861; Canada: Mostová 2,
& 02/5920-4031; U.K.: Panská 16, & 02/5998-2000.
Emergencies In an emergency, dial the following numbers: police & 158, fire
& 150, ambulance & 155, road assistance & 154.
Internet Access Internet cafes are located throughout Bratislava and in all
larger cities. Internet cafes generally charge 30 Sk ($1/55p) per half-hour of