Latvia Travel Tips

Crime in Riga is normally non-violent. Most cases of non-violent crime are acts of pick-pocketing, identity theft and personal scams. However, it is important that you use common sense while travelling.

In any public area, you should always be watchful of your belongings, particularly when being approached by two or more people at once. It is not unusual for groups of pick-pockets to attempt to overwhelm their victim. Gangs of professional pick-pockets are specifically targeting foreigners, particularly those carrying backpacks. In addition, Riga has one of the highest rates of car theft in the world.

Latvia has one of the highest rates of automobile accidents and fatalities in Europe. While recent reports show a decrease in the number of traffic accident fatalities, there are still numerous dangers to watch out for. Drivers should be wary of pedestrians and slow moving vehicles in traffic. Additionally, breach of traffic rules is common and drivers typically overtake other automobiles at high speeds, even in crowded urban areas. Drivers do not always give way to pedestrians, even at marked intersections. 

Emergency: 112

The currency in Latvia is the Lat (LVL), which is divided into 100 santims. Notes come in denominations of Ls500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Ls2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 santims.

Bureaux de change can be found all over main towns including inside shops, hotels, post offices and train stations. These tend to close at 19:00. Currency may also be obtained at ATMs in towns and cities. The most convenient currencies to exchange are euros and the US dollars. Money can also be exchanged at the main airport in Riga.

There are no restrictions in place on importing or exporting the local currency. However, the cash declaration law stipulates that any person crossing the Latvian border and either importing into or exporting from the customs territory of the European Union cash or bank notes, financial instruments, checks or bonds equivalent to or exceeding 10,000 euros, is required to declare the money to a customs officer or a border guard.

Latvian customs allow visitors to import and export a reasonable amount of tobacco and alcohol. Firearms, cold steel weapons and pets are subject to special permits.

Electricity: 220 volts, alternating at 50Hz

Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Latvians are somewhat reserved and formal, but nevertheless very hospitable. They are proud of their culture and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity. It is very common to give up your seat for an elderly passenger on the public transport in Latvia. Always let women board train and buses first. There are lots of dust bins on the streets and near shops. Throwing garbage on the street is unacceptable and is punishable. Also, pedestrians crossing against a red light are liable to be fined.

No health certificates or vaccinations are required to enter Latvia, but visitors are advised to have an immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis if planning to hike in the country and forests or stay in rural areas, as the disease is a problem, especially during the months of March to October. Rabies and hepatitis A vaccinations are also recommended. Influenza shots are recommended for all travellers from November through April.

Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Medicines are usually available, but it is best to bring a supply of personal medication. Health insurance is necessary. A reciprocal agreement with the UK entitles UK citizens to emergency treatment on the same terms as Latvian nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The official language of Latvia is Latvian. Russian is by far the most widespread minority language and is also available in schools.

Entering or leaving Latvia from non-EU countries, individuals can bring in goods for private use without paying VAT and they can also purchase tax-free or duty-free goods at selected shops. Tax reclaimed on goods bought at tax-free shops in Latvia (marked with the respective stickers) is available in the customs zone at the airport (past passport control) as well as at several customs points in the country itself. 

There's an 18 per cent value-added tax (VAT) in Latvia, so be sure to check prices to see if it's been included. While tipping isn't compulsory, it's common to tip waiters 5 to 10 per cent by rounding up the bill. Taxi fares and restaurant bills usually include a tip. It is customary to give a little extra for good service.

The country code for Latvia is +371. Broadband internet is available in some upmarket hotels and internet cafés in the larger towns and cities.

Latvia is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Like most states in Europe, daylight-saving is observed in Latvia, when the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).

Visas are not required for the citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Salvador, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, the USA, Vatican City State (Holy See) and Venezuela. 

Citizens of these countries may stay for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of countries not mentioned above need a visa to enter Latvia.