Some common gestures and behaviors that should be observed in Slovakia to avoid causing offense are:

• Men walk to the left of women or on the curbside. If two women walk together, the younger woman takes the left or curb side. If two women and one man walk together, the man walks between the two women. The same applies to two men and one woman, with the woman taking the middle position.
• Do not wave or beckon to get someone's attention; instead raise your hand, palm facing out, with one finger extended.
• It is impolite to keep your hands in your pockets when conversing with someone, or to chew gum.
• When sitting, crossing one knee over the other is acceptable; but it is not acceptable to rest your ankle on the other knee. Propping your feet up is also to be avoided unless there is a footstool.
• When entering a room, allow the eldest or highest-ranking member of the group to enter first; and if age and rank are equal, men enter before women.

 Source:  Living Abroad’s Slovakia Report: Social Customs /Gestures and Body Language 

Written by Michael Cadden, SGMS-T, VP International Operations