FORMER TEACHER - Other Helpful Tips

·       The ATMs in town have an option for English.

·       You should carry your passport with you everywhere - at least when you leave Zlate Moravce. In Slovakia a police officer can stop you and ask to see your identification. This has not happened to me.

·       You will need an international driving permit and your driver’s license from your home country in order to drive the school’s teacher car. If you are coming from America you can get your international driving permit at a AAA office.

·       You might want to bring a cheap pair of flip-flops to wear when you stay in hostels.

·       The teacher house does not have a drip coffee maker.  If you drink coffee I recommend spending the extra money for Davidoff Espresso 57. It’s €7.99 at Tesco. It is much more expensive than the other options but it really does taste like coffee. When you see it on sale for 50% off, stock up.

·       Be careful on the stairs in the teacher house. They are marble and you can slip, especially if you are wearing socks. Actually, don’t wear socks.

·       The tap water is safe at the teacher house and school – actually everywhere in Slovakia. 

·       The classroom computer keyboards default to the European format. Among other differences, this means that the Y and Z buttons are switched. You can change the keyboard to the American standard QWERTY format. To do this, press the Alt and left side Shift key at the same time. Repeat this to switch it back to the European format.

·       Milk doesn’t last as long in Slovakia as it does back home. I’ve specifically had bad luck with the Tesco brand milk that comes in clear plastic bottles. I recommend the Rajo brand (also sold at Tesco) that comes in a cardboard carton.

·       All common toiletries are available in Slovakia. If you wear contact lenses you should probably bring your preferred solution.

·       Zlate Moravce is a very safe place to live. In fact, all of Slovakia is very safe. You must use common sense to avoid certain situations but overall you need not worry here.

·       Tipping is not the same here as it is back in the US. Leaving one euro after a meal is considered a good tip. You might leave 20 or 40 cents for a coffee or a beer. It’s not expected but appreciated.