The most popular myths about Slovakia

Slovakia, a small state in the center of Europe with a population of 5.5 million, attracts immigrants from Ukraine and the CIS countries. The similarity of the language and mentality, the same family values, a high standard of living, the ease of obtaining a residence permit, not difficult adaptation are the main reasons for moving or labor migration.

What is unusual in Slovakia?

Slovakia is a champion country in terms of the number of fortresses and castles. There are more than 220 of them here, plus more than four hundred estates with a historical past. The country founded the world's first museum-reserve of folk architecture. There are more than 7 thousand caves in Slovakia. And yet - it is literally the center and heart of Europe, which is confirmed by: a granite monument near the Kremnica Baths in Central Slovakia with an inscription that says that this is where the geographical center of Europe is located.

There are several things with the definition of "most" or "only" in Slovakia:

• the altar is 19 meters high;
• tower clock showing solar time;
• The Gerlian Geyser is the only cold underground spring in Europe;
• Kremnica Mint, where coins have been minted for 7 centuries;
• The deposit of opal, which is mined by the mine method;
• Wolf Mountains reserve, where lynxes, wolves, bears, bison, beavers, wild horses and bison live.

And Slovaks are very fond of dogs, they respect small Yorkies and solid Great Danes. Owners pay tax on animals. To apply for payments, you need to contact the district office. Pets are led on a leash, there are designated places for walking in the parks. It is customary to clean up after the dogs. Most restaurants are dogfriendly. If a person enters with a pet, he is served a bowl of water.

Myths and truth about Slovakia

Objectivity and a personal point of view are incompatible things, so the opinions and impressions of people who have lived or worked in Slovakia for some time give rise to myths that have nothing to do with reality.

Common misconceptions and their rebuttals:

• free medicine. Free medical services are provided only to those who have insurance. Insurance payments are made by the person himself or his employer. The amount of insurance premiums for citizens and foreigners is the same. Everyone signs a contract with a family doctor. This is not an easy procedure because there may not be places for new patients;
• no language barrier. This statement is a myth. Despite belonging to the Slavic group, the Slovak language has grammatical features that are difficult to understand. The stereotype is also a hypothetical opportunity to explain yourself in English. Locals are reluctant to switch to English, even if they understand the language. It is impossible to learn the Slovak language in 1-2 months. The exception is gifted people or polyglots who already know 5-6 languages;
• turning to intermediaries to purchase health insurance, get driving lessons, legal advice is a waste of money. This is a pure myth based on the peculiarities of our mentality. In Slovakia, the activities of brokers, insurance agents, financial consultants are regulated by the state, private intermediaries operate solely on the basis of a license. Turning to them speeds up, often - reduces the cost of solving the problem.

Many immigrants complain about serious bureaucratic delays in the work of state institutions and in everyday life. This mentality is true. In Bratislava, in other big cities, and in the countryside to a greater extent, no one is in a hurry to go anywhere. Everything is done so measuredly that it seems that the favorite dialect of the locals is tomorrow.

Having lived in the country for some time, immigrants understand that the absence of haste is a guarantee of quality work or services provided, and they get used to regularity.

Respectful attitude to the rules of the road - the truth. Exceeding the established speed limits, crossing the road in the wrong place is a rarity. Only immigrants can violate the road ethic. The same reverent attitude of the inhabitants of Slovakia to civil liability. After 21-00 no one breaks the silence in apartment buildings.

Satisfaction with life in Slovakia among immigrants is heterogeneous and relative. Clear benefits of moving:

• friendly attitude of the local population;
• low crime rate;
• quality free higher education;
• low interest rates on loans, VAT refunds for business owners;
• favorable climate and beautiful nature.

Anyone who is ready to work, comply with local laws and regulations, learn the language, be a conscientious taxpayer, Slovakia does not disappoint.