hi all. I've been invited to meet my son's future in laws in High Tatras, Slovakia, later in the year, & intend to drive there in the new hse dynamic. Has anyone driven in this part of the world, & is it safe, or bandit country? Looking at the map it seems we pass through the Czech republic and into Slovakia. Until looking at the map I didn't know where Slovakia was, and know nothing of the country. I can research fuel costs & traffic regulations quite easily, but it would be nice to hear of anyone's experiences whether good or bad.

regards to all
p

Hi pko,
I lived for 8 years in Gdansk, Poland and travelled several times to the High Tatra's both in summer and winter but mainly winter skiing in Slovakia. It is a beautiful country, largely unspoilt and not expensive. Look out for the Zlaty Bazant, a kind of pils beer that really works. Access to car repairs will be a bit limited outside of the big cities but the people are fantastic. I would also be wary of the car being stolen as it sounds like you will be travelling in a very desirable vehicle, usual precautions should be taken.

thanks myfirstrrs, to be honest your last sentence was the one which was concerning me most.
regards
paul

I don't think that car theft is necessarily any worse in Slovakia than in other parts of Europe but when you are a long way from home and in an expensive car you always have to be vigilant. In Eastern Europe you will often find guarded car parks from which I have never heard of a car being stolen. If your future in-laws have a large enough garage it would be good to get it locked away at night, even better with another car blocking the door. Not to mention the numerous options for after market immobilisers.

If you do go, I am sure you will have a great trip.

I've driven a lot in Eastern Europe, the Baltics and Russia, although not specifically Slovakia.

The EU bits are pretty OK nowadays. It has been many years since some blokes tried to run me off the road at gunpoint (Lithuania that was).

I can tell you how to deal with the local cops in case of need? I can also link you to some of my early drives written up on another forum in case of curiosity.

Hi Stuart, I would appreciate any info you can give.
regards
p

I sent you two links by PM.

As far as the cops go, once out of western Europe, you will encounter some corruption outside of big cities.

If they stop you, they will make a big tale about how they must write a ticket and you must drive miles to pay it. You have several options:

a) Let them write all they want. Then ignore it. They usually don't follow you home.
b) Look bored and tell them to start writing the ticket. The ones looking for a bung will suddenly revise their position to a verbal warning. If he isn't bent, refer to a.
c) Just bribe him*. Do this by putting a 20 Euro note in your passport. Passport will come back without it and a quick verbal warning will see you on your way. In the *rare* event that he isn't bent, it will come back money still in there and a or b happens.

I utilise b if I have time; c if I am in a rush and want to get on.

* Do not try that in France, Belgium, Holland or Germany. In Germany the cop cars carry card machines and you pay the fine on the spot.