Living in Bratislava

I have been in Bratislava 6 months now, so here is something about settling in here, and living here.

I am now living in my 6th country if you count Finland too. All countries are in the EU so it is easy for me to move, just register at the immigration office. It has been quite simple to find a new home; Finnish white middle aged woman, non smoker and no pets, holding a permanent job. Well, also in Finland it was quite easy for me to get an apartment for the same reasons. Settling in to a new country always takes a bit of time, because there's so many official things to do, and every country is different.

Finding a place to live

Bratislava rents are getting expensive. Lots of students here, and also lots of big international companies that hire people from other countries. Most of the people are looking for affordable small apartments. Especially when looking for a place in August and September, because that's when students are looking too. Several real estate agencies offer their services in English for expats, but those apartments are usually more expensive, and you have to pay commission too (normally one month rent). Facebook groups seem to be the best way to find a place. I contacted MANY people, most never replied, but finally I found one. Found 2 actually, and my friend went to see them for me, so that helped a lot. It is not easy trying to find something when still living in another country. Some companies offer accommodation first (1-2 weeks) and/or assistance otherwise, this company offers none. Except a little money I got in mid November. Big help when you are moving. 

Health insurance

In Slovakia you must have a health insurance, I got mine from Union (3 insurance companies you can choose from). It is not cheap actually! But it is a must, also locals must have it. Getting it was easy, and I got my health insurance card in 2 weeks. It is also European health care card, so it is really good to have when travelling in EU. 

Bank account

Opening a bank account was not so simple. I was recommended to UniCredit Bank, but they refused to open the account for me. The reason was that my ID doesn't have my address on it. No ID or passport in North or West Europe have address on them, so they demand something that doesn't exist. I had my ID and my passport, work contract and rental contract, but still no. Then I went to Tatra Banka, and they understood that I can't provide what they demand, so my papers were enough for them. But since I have Finnish ID, I had to give an address in Finland as my permanent address, so I gave them my last address there. Didn't even remember it correctly, but it doesn't matter since they will never mail anything there. No idea why it is necessary, I moved out almost 4 years ago and have zero contact to that rental studio… 

Registration to foreign police

This you have to do within 3 months of arrival, and as EU citizen I chose just the registration without the residency card. This is the only help the company offers in moving to a new country, they make the appointment, fill the papers and come to the appointment with you. You need rental and work contract, passport, health insurance card and 2 photos, and show them you have 210 euros cash. It doesn't cost anything, you just have to show the cash. Foreigners here are really not fans of foreign police… But my experience was very good. It took just maybe 15 mins and the officer was nice and friendly. Didn't speak English though, as hardly any officer in foreign police does {!!!). So you should always have a Slovak speaking person with you there. 

The best info I have received is from Facebook group Foreigners in Bratislava. I have also met a few people from there. I am trying to learn Slovak but it is slow... at work I don't really need the language since everybody speaks English, and in Bratislava so many people speak English. But hopefully I could learn the very basics you need in everyday life.

I have also moved, from city centre to Ruzinov. I found a very nice room and I have one flat mate (who by the way has studied in Finland, small world!). I moved just 2 weeks ago and I feel very comfortable here. Since last week I have been working from home, as pretty much everyone at the moment who has a chance to it. It is very quiet in the city now... like a ghost town! Slovakia, as many other countries, has closed its borders, no flights, busses or trains coming in, no tourists, only food stores, pharmacies, banks and post offices are open, taxis don't take people at all and you have to wear a mask in public transport. Very peaceful and quiet life at the moment, but for an introvert like myself this really is a dream come true! :D

So far I am staying here, but I know that at some point I will get restless again. Now I can't even travel anywhere, just waiting for this to pass so I could plan some travelling again. Nobody knows how long it will take, all we can do is wait to see what happens.