Ljubljana, Slovenia Report of what it's like to live there - 03/03/26
Personal Experiences from Ljubljana, Slovenia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I've lived overseas for decades, as a kid, a single adult, and with my own family. I've lived everywhere from North and South America, Australia, SE Asia, Western and SE Europe, and in cities big and small.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
From DC to Ljubljana, it takes 2-3 flights including a connection in Zurich, Paris, or similar.
3. What years did you live here?
Currently here!
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing varies from nice but very small apartments downtown for a short commute (as short as 10 minute walk), to larger houses for a longer commute (up to 30 minutes drive). Ljubljana is a small city, and nature is close by; downtown to skiing in 40 minutes!
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Similar cost, and most things are easily available. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are plentiful. Grocery stores are small and local, or huge in malls on either side of the city and range from Lidl to French grocery store E.Leclerc.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing really. If you're desperate for something new, driving to Austria or Italy is easy.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Almost every kind of food is available here in some form, though not necessarily in great quantity. For example, there are a few ramen places but remember it's a small city so you may be eating in those repeatedly. Luckily, there's quite a lot of other options. And a lot deliver through apps.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Nope, not that I've seen. Though places by water have mosquitos in summer, like anywhere.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO can be slow, but it's reliable. And local mail works well particularly for sending/receiving things from across the EU.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Availability is not great; it's hard to find housekeepers. Cost is similar to rest of EU (15-20 euro/hour).
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Slovenia is the most outdoors-crazy place I have ever been. It's a country of hikers, cyclists, climbers, and skiers. The city is full of parks, the mountains are very close, lakes are gorgeous, and the sea is a short drive away.
Ljublana is considered extremely safe. Most single hikers I see on the trails are women, and when I pointed this out to a Slovenian friend, they didn't understand how that would not be normal.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms are available, cost is approx. 60 euro/month.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Many Slovenians speak English so well that it's kind of embarrassing to keep asking, Do you speak English? As everywhere, it's important to learn at least some basic phrases and use those when greeting or thanking people. Everyone acknowledges Slovenian is a difficult language, and appreciates the effort. Local classes and tutors are available at reasonable prices, as are online tutors.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It is more accessible than some European cities, but some places have stairs only. Some pedestrian crossings have lights and sound signals. Some buses have wheelchair accessibility, but I've never seen it used.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, pubic transport is easy, reliable, cheap. You pay by app.
Taxis in town are available, and Uber is new but growing.
Transport is common and easy to nearby airports, so flying into Trieste or Zagreb is also an option that makes travel even easier.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
It's the EU, so almost everything is available but cars tend to be smaller than in the U.S.
Roads are great, even in snow and even across the mountains. There are electric vehicle charging stations in some locations across the city.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, very fast and reliable internet was already installed when we arrived.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local provider is good, easy, not expensive.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work dress code is similar to the U.S.: suits/ties, formal work clothes.
Slovenians are outdoors people, so non-work clothes are quite casual, but remember it's Europe so not flip-flops casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Slovenia is considered to be extremely safe, but it's always a good idea to be careful.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is very good, and very available.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air pollution is considered "moderate" in Ljubljana. The city is in a bowl, so air lingers here a bit although clears out by mid-afternoon, and nature is always close by. I haven't noticed any health impact, and would consider this one of the cleanest cities I've lived in.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Always ask about food in restaurants - Slovenians tend to find that normal.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Nothing specific that I know of - it is a good, supportive, easy place to live for most people. It's a small city and a small country, but easy to travel to bigger a/o different places. It's dark and gray in the winter, but winter is short and there's gorgeous snow. It's far from home and it's a difficult language, but people are friendly and speak English.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Four distinct but moderate seasons with a bit of everything.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are several international schools available, and kids can find a good place to get a good education. The 3 schools we visited are the British International School, Ljubljana International School, and the newer Vector International Academy (high school only). It's a small expat community and the schools are small-ish - that means good teacher-student ration, but fewer social opportunities for kids. Suggest reaching out to talk more in depth with kids and parents.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. Classes and clubs are aimed at local kids (and adults!), so almost all are in Slovenian. Since everyone speaks English, most instructors/leaders will accomodate, and kids will switch into English to befriend each other.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small. So much is available and close that it's not a post where the expats stick together like glue, though it's quite a friendly community.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
This is a welcoming place, and there is a lot of stuff to do for folks who like the outdoors and sport. There's hiking and climbing clubs, tennis clubs, a huge new swim center, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
For families and couples it's great! As noted, it's small and has lots to do. Single people may find it too small, but remember the Slovenians are very friendly and love to go do things.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Slovenians are very friendly and welcoming. However, some long-time expats and local friends note that old nationalistic sentiments and newish anti-immigrant sentiments linger. There are reports of discrimination against ethnic minorities including Roma, and against the LGBTQI communities. I would suggest reaching out to current residents to gather more information.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
It is beautiful here year round. Summer and winter sports are at your doorstep. We are in the mountains in minutes, so hiking and skiing/snowboarding are easy even for an afternoon. In a few hours you can drive to Austria or Italy or Croatia, so it's a great base from which to explore the region.
6. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not particularly a shopping post. There are crafts available, and quite nice art galleries downtown.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes! It's a good healthy life.
2. But don't forget your:
definitely hiking boots. Frankly, all outdoor sports gear.
3. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are a LOT of YouTube videos about the city and the country - it's picturesque and a popular tourist destination.
