Slovakia     Check Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice before travelling.       Ensure your passport is in a presentable state. The Slovak authorities can refuse you entry to Slovakia if your passport is worn or damaged or looks as if it has been tampered with. You must carry your passport with you at all times - keep it safe, eg in a zipped up pocket or secure bag, and keep the details separately in case you do lose it.       Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.       Do not get involved with drugs. The penalties for smuggling, possession and use of drugs are severe.       Bring enough money and keep it safe. Travellers' cheques are the safest way to carry money but make sure that you buy them from an organisation with agents in Slovakia. Change cash and travellers' cheques at proper banks or bureaux de change: kiosks, although legal, offer poor exchange rates and there is a risk of being robbed by thieves loitering nearby. Scottish bank notes cannot be exchanged in Slovakia.       ATM machines which accept UK bank and credit cards with a Cirrus, Maestro or Visa symbol are common in most larger towns. Shops - particularly in the main tourist areas - increasingly accept credit cards, but are sometimes reluctant to accept foreign bank cards. If you intend to pay for something by card check that they will accept it first.       Make sure you know whom to contact to cancel stolen cards and/or how to obtain replacement travellers' cheques. If your money is lost or stolen you can arrange for friends or relatives in the UK to transfer money through Western Union to the Tatrabanka. Call Western Union in the UK 0800-833 833 for information.       Beware of petty theft and pickpockets, particularly in Bratislava, Kosice and other tourist areas. Cameras, mobile phones and small electrical goods (computers, games etc) are as attractive as cash and credit cards: don't leave them in your car.       Tick-borne encephalitis is a hazard in forested areas. Avoid contact with wild or stray animals in rural areas: although cases are rare, rabies does occur. Seek medical advice about immunisation against both diseases before you travel.       Although British Citizens may receive some emergency medical treatment at a reduced rate ensure that you have your own comprehensive medical insurance including, if appropriate, cover for participation in hazardous and winter sports       Don't drink and drive: Slovakia has a 'zero-tolerance' policy and the police regularly carry out random breath checks. The penalties for drinking (any amount) and driving are severe. Make sure that you have valid motor insurance for your car.