The Abroad Edit| Life Abroad, Migration& Expat Stories

Introduction In January 2024, I experienced something I wasn’t prepared for at all. Over five banks rejected my attempt to open a bank account in Slovenia—simply because I am Nigerian. What You Need to Open a Bank Account in Slovenia T o open a bank account in Slovenia, you typically need: • A valid residence permit • A Slovenian tax number • A registered address • Either a job contract or a registered business On paper, it sounds simple. In reality, it wasn’t. Revolut Was Not Enough I already had an account with Revolut, but I quickly realized it was not always accepted for salary payments by most employers in Slovenia. Many companies still require a traditional bank account with a physical presence. So I needed a local bank account. The First Rejection After getting a job, I went to my first bank to open an account. Everything was fine—until they saw my passport. Then I was told I could not open an account because Nigeria is on a flagged list. I was shocked. Five Bank...

When I left Lagos for Slovenia, I wasn’t just changing countries—I was changing the rhythm of my entire life. Lagos raised me with noise, colour, community, and chaos. Slovenia welcomed me with silence, mountains, and a pace so slow it felt like time had stretched itself out just for me. I didn’t know it then, but this move would become the beginning of my soft life. 🇸🇮✨A New World: From Lagos Energy to Ljubljana Calm Slovenia shocked me at first. Not because it was strange, but because it was quiet . No honking. No street vendors calling out. No neighbours blasting Afrobeats on a Saturday morning. Instead, I found: postcard‑perfect mountains clean, walkable streets fresh food from local markets and silence—real silence At first, I missed the noise. But slowly, I realised peace is also a kind of music. Slovenia taught me that slow doesn’t mean boring. Slow can mean beautiful 🧕🏾Standing Out: Being a Black Woman in a Small European Country Let’s be honest—I stand out here. Sometimes ...

Moving to Slovenia was never part of my original life plan—but life has a way of surprising you. In October, I packed my bags and relocated to Slovenia to join my partner, who is Slovenian. It was a huge step into the unknown: a new country, a new culture, and a completely different system to navigate. But I kept asking myself one question: What happens if I don’t take this chance? Why I Decided to Move to Slovenia The decision wasn’t easy. Leaving behind familiarity, comfort, and routine is never simple. But sometimes, growth requires stepping outside of everything you’ve ever known. For me, it was about love, curiosity, and the desire to experience life from a completely new perspective. 👉 Have you ever made a big life decision that completely changed your path? My First Impressions of Slovenia Slovenia is peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly calm. The landscapes are stunning, and there’s a quiet rhythm to life here that feels very different from what I was used to. But adjusting h...