Facts about Latvia
TIPPING
Tips is not included in prices. It will be appreciated if you show you are satisfied by giving some extra.
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DRICKING WATER
The tap water in cities is of good quality, safe to drink. This doesn't mean it always tastes good. Water from wells in the country-side is generally also of good quality, but we recommend caution and if you are in doubt you can easily find bottled water in a local store.
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ELECTRICITY
Latvian electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Plugs are standard European 2-pin plugs.
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LATVIAN EMBASSIES
You will find a list of Latvian Embassies on the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
click here to view the list
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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT LATVIA
Capital: Riga
Inhabitants: Approx. 2,34 million, out of which approx. 700.000 in Riga
Language: Latvian, which is similar to Lithuanian. Knowledge of Russian is widely spread among the older people. Younger people usually have a good command of English.
Currency: Latvian lats (LVL), 1 lats = 100 santims. The lats is fixed to the Euro. Euro is generally not accepted.
Religion: Lutheran Protestants, Catholics and Russian Orthodox.
Population: 58% latvians, 29% russians, 4% byelorussians and others
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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2008
1 January - New Year's Day
21 April - Good Friday
23 April - Easter Sunday
24 April – 2nd Easter Day
1 May - International Labour Day
4 May - Day of Restoration of Independence
23 June - Ligo Day (Midsummer solstice) (A most important local holiday)
24 June – Janis Day (Midsummer Day)
2nd Saturday of July - in coastal areas - "Festival of the Sea and Fishermen"
18 November - Independence Day
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
31 December – New Year’s eve
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INTERNET
Internet cafés are easy to find. Please ask a tourist information centre in Latvia where to find them.
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CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cars, especially Visa and Mastercard, can be used in all larger stores and restaurants. American Express can only be used in a few stores. But always check before you make a purchase. ATMs where you can make a cash withdrawal are available all over Latvia, but it is always wise to carry some cash (Latvian currency).
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PASSPORT AND VISA
For most European nationals, no visa is required. At the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs you will find a complete list of which citizenships do not require a visa: click here to view the list.
A valid passport is always required for entry into Latvia.
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TRAVEL WITH YOUR OWN CAR
In general, the following documents are required when you bring your car to Latvia. You should also carry these documents with you whenever driving the car:
a) Registration certificate (original)
b) International Green Card for insurance (non-EU nationals)
c) If the car's owner is not traveling with the car, you need a power of attorney showing that the user of the car is entitled to use it by the rightful owner. This also applies to company cars and rental cars. The power of attorney may be in English.
In Latvia you drive on the right side of the street. Traffic rules and signs are mainly in accordance with European standards. There is a heavy presence of traffic police in towns and on major roads and the consequences of being caught speeding, breaking other traffic rules or not carrying the proper documents are unpleasant. You are strongly recommended to behave well when driving in Latvia.
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FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN LATVIA
At the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs you will find a list of Latvian embassies abroad.
Click here to view the list.
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TAXI
In Riga there are plenty of Taxis. They are cheap in a European perspective. We recommend newer cars from Riga Taxi and Taksi.LV as problems have been reported with independent taxi drivers.
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TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Tourist information centres are found in major towns (and villages). For instance in Ratslaukums in Riga's old town.
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IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Police, fire fighting and ambulance: 112
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OPENING HOURS
Stores and shops are usually open 1000-1900 in weekdays and 1000-1600 on Saturdays. Most department stores, shopping malls and supermarkets are open later and also on Sundays. There are gas stations and convenience stores open 24/7 in Riga.
Museums are usually closed Mondays.
Facts about Estonia
