Currency in Slovenia

A Travel Money Guide to Slovenia

It’s unlikely Slovenia will stay an untouched destination for long. Already tourists are flocking to Lake Bled but Slovenia has far more to offer than that beautiful lake.

Are you ready to explore Slovenia’s Mediterranean seaside towns, jaw-dropping Alpine scenes, famous wine region, and the fairytale streets of Ljubljana?

However long you’re staying, you’ll stay ahead of your budget with a better understanding of Slovenia’s money situation. Read on to find out more about:

What Currency is Used in Slovenia

Slovenia has been using the official monetary unit of the European Union – the euro – since 1 January 2007. The euro replaced the Slovenian tolar, which itself was only introduced in 1991 to replace the Yugoslav dinar.

Slovenia is one of 19 European Union members – collectively called the eurozone – that have adopted the euro.

The euro is represented using the symbol € and the currency code EUR. As in many parts of Europe, in Slovenia you’re more likely to see the euro symbol written after the price (e.g. 10€) and the decimal point replaced with a comma (e.g. €10,50).

Slovenian tolar banknotes – but not coins – can still be exchanged at Banka Slovenije for an indefinite period of time.

The Currency in Slovenia is the Euro.

Get Familiar with the Euro Currency of Slovenia

Euro coins are accepted as currency in Slovenia.

Across the eurozone, you’ll encounter different designs for the euro coin but euro coins and banknotes are accepted everywhere, regardless of their origins.

Euro banknotes are the same across the eurozone, differing only in size and colour according to their numerical value. Euro banknotes come in seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500.

You’ll have a much easier time making smaller payments with bills in lower denominations. Fortunately, the €500 bill is rare.

While banknotes are homogenous throughout the eurozone, euro coins differ depending on their country of origin. Every euro coin has a shared side – a side that’s the same across the eurozone – and on the reverse, a national design.

The common side of the coin displays the numerical value and a map of the European Union. The national designs differ for every coin denomination. The €1 and €2 coins feature famous figures from Slovenia’s literary scene.

Other coins take scenes from Slovenia’s rural life (the 50 cent coin features Mt Triglav, the 20 cent coin Lipizzanar horses, the five cent coin a sower, and the one cent coin some storks).

The ten and two cent coins represent parts of Slovenia’s history.

Slovenian Currency Exchange Rates

The euro’s value is impacted by a host of different factors, from supply and demand of the currency to economic and political events both regionally and globally.

Our foreign currency converter below will show you the mid-market exchange rate, which is the ‘truest’ rate you’ll find (the one shown on Google and XE) - the midway point between the buy and sell rate.

Use this tool to get a real-time rate of AUD to EUR and find out how much it will cost you to buy euros with S Money.

AUD to EUR

AUD
EUR
*Wholesale exchange rate updated

How to Exchange Currency in Slovenia

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to exchange currency in Slovenia if you don’t have a chance to do it before you go – or if you run out of money while you’re there.

Just remember, euros can be used interchangeably across the eurozone so there’s no reason to swap your Italian euros for Slovenian ones.

There are three main ways to exchange currency in Slovenia:

Slovenia currency - use the widely available ATMs in Slovenia to get your currency

Slovenian Bank ATMs

Slovenian ATMs – called bančni avtomat, are available throughout Slovenia. Cards with Visa, Electron, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, and Cirrus logos will all be accepted.

If you’re provided an option to be charged in your home currency or the local currency, always choose the local currency. This feature is called dynamic currency conversion and using it usually results in worse rates than what your own bank provides.

Currency Exchange Outlets

You can exchange your money for euros at exchange bureaus or Slovenian banks, though you may not always get the best deals.

Most Slovenian banks take a commission (provisija) of 1%, compared to Slovenian exchange bureaus elsewhere, which usually charge around 3%.

When you head to a bank, find the window or counter displaying the words menjanica or devizna blagajna. Make sure the banknotes you receive are in good condition as some merchants turn away bills with even the slightest faults.

Currency in Slovenia - Exchanging major currencies can occur in major banks in Slovenia

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques are not a good way to go in Slovenia. With poor exchange rates and difficulty finding places that will cash them, you’re better off using currency exchange bureaus or ATMs.

Buying Slovenian Currency Before You Go

If you’re looking for value, add buying currency to your travel planning list and secure your euros before you leave home. This also frees up your time in Slovenia to do what you’re going there for: to explore.

There are three ways to buy euros from home:

  • Buying euros online to be delivered or for you to pick up in-store.
  • Swapping AUD for EUR at a currency exchange store.
  • Buying euros at the airport.

Since Australian airport exchange bureaus are among the most expensive in the world, it’s not a good idea to leave your currency exchange until the last minute.

Instead, get the most value by jumping online. Online currency exchange retailers like S Money can offer the real mid-market exchange rates you see on Google or XE.

If you still prefer to exchange currency at a bricks-and-mortar bureau, head to one in the CBD as suburban outlets don’t usually offer the best deals.

Using Your Bank Card in Slovenia

These days, everybody travels with a bank card of some sort. Some of the best travel money cards include debit, credit and prepaid cards – but the types of bank cards you can use differ widely when it comes to fees and charges.

Bank cards are common across Slovenia, with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express widely accepted. Visa is more popular in Slovenia than Mastercard and is more likely to work in all ATMs. Smaller venues and shops may only accept cash.

Debit Cards

Debit cards are common across Slovenia. Just beware, your home bank may impose high rates and fees if you use your card overseas. These fees might cover ATM withdrawals, overseas transactions, and currency conversions.

Some cards that offer more competitive rates and lower (or even no) fees include:

Debit and credit cards are good options for currency in Slovenia

Credit Cards

You’ll have no problem using credit cards in Slovenia, with most major cards widely accepted.

Also beware the fees you may incur by using your credit card overseas. These could include cash advance fees for ATM withdrawals, international transaction fees, and overseas ATM withdrawal charges.

Our recommendation is the 28 Degrees credit card option, which offers lower fees and charges than most.

Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid travel cards work by letting you load up in the currency of your choice and lock in the exchange rate.

Though you avoid some fees for spending in a foreign currency, you might end up squandering those savings on other charges, such as reload fees and inactivity fees. Travel cards also usually apply ATM withdrawal fees.

Not only this, it can often take days for your currency to actually load onto your card, leaving you potentially cash-strapped.

If you still like the idea of locking in the exchange rate, both the Revolut and TransferWise debit cards come with currency loading options.

The Average Costs in Slovenia

It’s always a good idea when heading off on a big trip to allocate a budget. It will help you determine how much currency you need to exchange, while also keeping you on budget throughout your travels.

To help you figure out your budget, here are some of the average costs you’re likely to encounter while in Slovenia:

€40-60

A double room in a mid-range hotel

€30

Dinner at a nice restaurant

€3

A pint of beer

€1.30 one way

Public transport

from €20 per day

Car hire

Leftover Euros at the End of Your Trip? What to Do with That Unused Cash

It’s annoying returning from a trip with a wad of foreign cash but there are plenty of ways to dispose of these unwanted coins and notes:

  • Your airline might distribute envelopes for currency collection to donate to charities (check out Qantas’s Change for Good program with UNICEF).
  • Australian international airports often have collection boxes for unwanted currency, which is donated to charity.
  • Drop off your currency at any branch of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which then gives every cent to UNICEF.
  • Change your Slovenian currency either at the airport or, better yet, with a money changer in the city.
  • Why not hold onto those euros for a friend just heading off? It’ll be a lovely surprise and going away gift for them!
  • Keep your money for later trips to Europe. The euro is the official legal currency of 19 eurozone countries and accepted by many more.

7 Travel Money Tips for Trips to Slovenia

Many tourists waste money through not finding the best ways to exchange their currency.

To help you avoid this quandary, here are a few practical tips to help you get the most bang for your … euro:

  1. Avoid the airports! Currency exchange bureaus at the airport charge epic fees. If you like a good deal – or even just a reasonable one – avoid these at all costs.
  2. Only carry what you need – It can be expensive to change euros back into AUDs so only take what you think you’ll spend. Not only this – nobody likes to tuck wads of notes into their socks and toiletries for safekeeping on longer journeys.
  3. Ask for a mix of denominations – Make it easy on yourself and the vendors by getting a mix of smaller notes.
  4. Check your exchange rate – Google and XE.com are the standard market exchange rate but you’ll notice how wildly bank and currency exchanges can vary their rates. Try to get as close to the market rate as possible.
  5. Look out for hidden fees – The bane of our (financial) existence, hidden fees will often make a huge difference to the cost of your holiday. Be particularly wary of hidden bank fees for overseas card usage.
  6. The right card makes all the difference – Having a card is convenient but it can take a hit to the bank account if you have the wrong card. Research and arm yourself with the best card for travel for big savings.
  7. Mix it up! Many travellers only use their credit card while some only think about cash. But the best option depends on your situation. Save the card for huge purchases such as hotels and car hire and reserve your cash for smaller wins – transport, attractions, or meals out.

Learn more about the Euro Currency Exchange

Ready to buy some euros at a great value for your trip? Use our AUD to EUR currency converter to find out how much you’ll get for your Aussie dollars today.

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