1. Is Slovakia a safe place for Jews to travel? What security precautions does Chabad of Slovakia have in place?
Slovakia is generally a safe, calm and welcoming country even for visibly-Jewish tourists (and tourists of any kind) to enter and travel in, though in the context of current events globally, it is always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and to adhere to local laws, behave in a way which is courteous and respectful to those around you, and to report any suspicious behavior or items to the local police if necessary.
Chabad of Slovakia in Bratislava employs a trained, armed security guard, requires passport scans in advance for all foreigners requesting to eat or sleep here, and reserves the right to request ID or other information, and/ or to check bags of guests if the security personnel deems it advisable, as well as to refuse entry to individuals whose safe behavior is in doubt. Guests sleeping in the Chabad Center are given keys to their room only, and need to be admitted to the main entrance door only via intercom. The Chabad Center in Bratislava is monitored 24/7 with numerous security cameras inside and outside the building and is connected digitally to both a private security firm and the local police.
2. Is there a mikva for men in Bratislava?
There is a community-run mens mikva which is comprised of regular city water מים שאובים and not rainwater מי גשמים, located in the basement of one of the community buildings and accessible via code at the gate to the entrance.
3. Can I store my luggage in the Chabad Center?
With the exception of those sleeping in the Center guestrooms, we are unable to store luggage in our building, and recommend doing so in one of the luggage storage areas in the train or bus stations or at the nearby city luggage storage on Obchodna ul. 9, see link : https://uschovabatoziny.sk/en/
4. Can I cook my own food in the Chabad Center?
For kashrus, fire-safety and logistical reasons, we do not permit guests to cook or warm up their own food in the guestrooms or Chabad Center kitchen. Those needing to do so are advised to rent one of the many airbnb rental apartments with kitchenettes in the center of Bratislava.
5. What's the parking situation in the center of Bratislava? Can I bring a caravan trailer to stay in?
Parking in the center of Bratislava is very limited and must be paid for through machines located throughout the city center or on an app via mobile phone, see information in English here: https://paas.sk/en/payment/. Caravans are not allowed to park outside of designated camping areas, which are located away from the city center.
6. What is the train or bus schedule and travel prices between point A and point B on my travel itinerary? What are the best attractions and fun activities in your area? What will the weather be like during the dates of my planned trip to Slovakia?
Chabad of Slovakia does not provide this information, please look it up online via internet with the various relevant companies or contact a travel agent for guidance.