Food in Slovak Stores Before Payment

For many people, it’s common to open a bottle of water or snack bar before reaching the checkout, but in Slovakia, this can lead to unpleasant consequences. Until the moment of purchase, the product remains the property of the store, and using it without permission is considered illegal. If the item is not paid for, it is treated as theft. Damages up to €700 can result in an administrative fine, while anything above that amount leads to criminal liability. Some supermarkets may tolerate this practice, but it’s always better to ask staff first. Opening packaging before paying might result in security — or even the police — being called.

How to avoid trouble?

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