Ukrainian woman Valeria from Kyiv moved to Bratislava and during her four-month stay she managed to appreciate life in the Slovak capital. Her experience complements the stories of other Ukrainian women who have talked about life in Slovakia. Valeria shared her impressions on Instagram, and the details of her story are provided by 24 Kanal.
What attracts Ukrainians to Bratislava
One of the main advantages of the city Valeria mentioned is its location. It is convenient to travel from the Slovak capital to neighboring European cities: the journey to Vienna takes about an hour, to Prague - two, and to Budapest - approximately three hours.
She was also pleasantly surprised by the legalization process. According to her, some documents for legal residency can be processed even for those who previously had temporary protection or shelter in another European country.
Bratislava appeared to Valeria as clean and well-kept, and the Slovak language was intuitively understandable. The feeling of loneliness, she says, is reduced by a noticeable Ukrainian community. The Ukrainian woman also finds taxi rides around the city affordable: a single ride costs about 4.60–4.90 euros.
Renting housing turned out to be reasonable for Valeria, considering its size and included services. She pays 1300–1400 euros per month for an apartment of 78 square meters with a parking space and utilities. This amount refers specifically to her accommodation, not the average rental cost in the city.
For those considering moving and simultaneously looking for work, job search websites in Slovakia may come in handy.
What disadvantages of life in Slovakia did the Ukrainian woman note
Despite the advantages, there are expenses in Bratislava that, according to Valeria, one should be prepared for. Prices in restaurants and beauty salons seem high to her. She also spends about 200 euros a month on taxes and insurance.
The most challenging aspect for Valeria remains the distance from her loved ones. She noted that she misses the close ones who stayed at home.
Expenses for rent and everyday life can vary significantly depending on the city, housing, and income. A benchmark for comparison can be salaries and rent in Slovakia, but the personal budget depends on specific circumstances.