Plan your trip · Money
Money in Bratislava: Currency, Card Payments and Cash Machines
Slovakia uses the euro, so visitors from the euro area need no currency exchange. When a cash machine or card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose euros: EU rules let you refuse that conversion. Public transport accepts contactless bank cards through TAPni sa.
Checked in against the European Central Bank, the European Commission and Dopravný podnik Bratislava. Timetables and rules change: confirm with the operator before you travel.
| Topic | What applies | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Euro, legal tender in Slovakia since 1 January 2009 | Euro-area visitors can use the cash and cards they already have |
| Euro payments with an EU card | Banks must charge the same as for an equivalent payment in euro at home | Check your bank's fees for payments in euro |
| Currency conversion at the terminal or cash machine | You can refuse it and pay in euros; the charges must be shown first | Choose to be charged in euros |
| Hotel or car hire deposits | Money can only be blocked on your card with your approval of the exact amount | Check the amount before you approve it |
| Public transport | TAPni sa accepts contactless bank cards, phones and watches on DPB lines | Tap on the validator; daily charges are capped at a day ticket |
From the European Central Bank, the European Commission and Dopravný podnik Bratislava on the check date. Fees depend on your own bank or card provider.
What currency does Bratislava use?
The euro. It became legal tender in Slovakia on 1 January 2009, replacing the Slovak koruna, according to the European Central Bank.
If you are coming from Vienna, you keep using the same currency. Koruna notes and coins are no longer used for payments.
Should I pay in euros or in my home currency?
Choose euros. When a card terminal or cash machine offers to convert the amount into your home currency, EU rules say you can refuse and pay in the local currency, and the operator must show the conversion charges first.
Under Regulation (EU) 2019/518, those charges have to be shown as a percentage mark-up over the latest European Central Bank reference rate, so you can compare. Banks in the EU must also send you a message about conversion charges for card payments in another EU currency.
Will my bank charge me for paying or withdrawing euros?
If your card is from an EU bank, it must charge you the same for a payment or cash withdrawal in euro in Slovakia as for the same transaction in euro at home.
Your card provider may still charge a currency conversion fee if your account is in another currency, and it must tell you about such fees before you agree. Cards from three-party schemes and business cards are not covered by these EU rules.
Traders and banks cannot add an extra fee for using a particular card. For cards issued outside the EU, check your own bank's fees for foreign payments.
Can hotels block money on my card?
Yes, but only with your approval. Your Europe says you must agree to the block and to the exact amount, and the bank must release it as soon as the real bill is paid.
For online payments above €30, you will normally be asked for two forms of authentication, such as a code and your phone.
Can I pay for public transport by card?
Yes. With TAPni sa you tap a contactless bank card, phone or watch on the validator in DPB buses, trams and trolleybuses, and daily charges never exceed the price of a one-day ticket.
The red ticket machines, at places such as the main station and the airport, also accept bank cards. City drivers do not sell tickets.
Money in Bratislava: frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Bratislava?
The euro, legal tender in Slovakia since 1 January 2009.
Should I choose euros or my home currency at a card terminal?
Euros. EU rules let you refuse the conversion offered at the terminal or cash machine and pay in the local currency.
Do EU banks charge extra for euro payments in Slovakia?
They must charge the same as for an equivalent payment or withdrawal in euro at home, though conversion fees can apply to accounts in other currencies.
Can I pay by card on Bratislava buses and trams?
Yes, with TAPni sa: tap a contactless bank card or phone on the validator.
Sources
Next steps
Researched and written by
Gastón Marcilese
UX/UI designer. Every timetable, rule and route in this guide is cross-checked against official operators and tourism sources before publication, and the check date is shown on each page.