Before You Book

PREPARING TO GO TO LATVIA

Latvia is part of The Baltic states, also known as the Baltic countries, Baltic republics, Baltic nations or simply the Baltics. It is a geopolitical term used for grouping the three sovereign states in Northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

CAPITAL

Riga

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Latvian. As far as language goes, both Lithuanians and Latvians share some similarities of language, though the two are not mutually intelligible; Lithuanian is the more conservative of the two.

RELIGION

The peoples of the Baltic countries also belong to different Christian denominations. Believers in Latvia are mostly Lutheran (except for Eastern part of Latvia, which is Catholic).

ELECTRICITY

The power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and  the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Your appliances with plug C and plug F fit.

TIME ZONES:

The Baltic States are on Greenwich Mean Time +2 time making them 11 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. When on daylight saving time (GMT +2) they are 10 hours behind Australia. When on daylight saving time (GMT +2) they are 9 hours behind Australia. Daylight Saving starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.  To obtain the current local time and date in cities and countries in all time zones.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

A valid passport is required by all nationals. All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Please ensure that passport/s are valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of return and contain between 2-6 blank “Visa” pages. You should have at least two free pages in your passport. Please access our link to the Travel & Visa Requirements Section in our Before You Go page available in each itinerary web page for the latest visa entry requirements for the country/ies you are visiting.

Passports are required; in addition, travelers are also advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is the sole responsibility of the traveler.

CURRENCY INFORMATION:

The Euro is the national currency in Latvia. The symbol is €. The code is EUR. The euro is divided into 100 cents and are issued in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and tiny 1c denominations. Banknotes are issued in €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 domination. Coins feature designs from each of the member countries, and banknotes picture typically charming European doors, window, and bridges as well as a map of Europe.

CREDIT CARDS & ATM:

ATMs are the easiest way to access your money. They are common in all tourist towns and cities. Most accept Visa, MasterCard, Electron, Cirrus, Maestro, and InterBank cards. ATMs sometimes run dry on weekends in smaller towns.

Please note that using a credit card in a growing number of foreign countries usually requires a new “chip-and-pin” credit card with an embedded microchip and an associated PIN number (the PIN is specific to each credit card). If you have questions about using your credit card in a foreign country, please contact your bank prior to departure from Australia. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Currency exchange can be made in most banks and post offices as well as in some large stores, train stations, airports, and exchange offices near major tourist sites. Look for a sign indicating "Change". Remember that even though exchange rates are fixed, agent commissions vary; they must be clearly displayed. Exchange rates vary from bank to bank in the U.S. and France. Large cities in the U.S. generally have banks specialized in foreign exchange with lower exchange rates. The same applies in France. In general, it is best to find a larger bank or exchange office in the center of town or in a financial area. If only a small amount of money is being exchanged, the hotel's money exchange rate may be adequate. Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars should be exchanged in banks or exchange offices because very few businesses will accept them.

COMMUNICATION & EMAIL

Telephone

European Emergency Number is 112

Mobile Phones / Phonecards

Pre-paid local SIM cards are available and compatible with most foreign phones.

INTERNET

Internet use has developed at a staggering pace in the Baltic, outstripping much of Western Europe. With the introduction of wireless technology and more affordable laptops and smartphones, an ever-increasing number of locals are becoming internet-savvy. What this means for travellers is a decrease in the number of internet cafes and an increase in wi-fi hotspots – Estonia is virtually blanketed in wi-fi. Most major cities still sport a cafe or two with computers for internet access, but in rural areas you’ll be hard-pressed to find one. In these parts tourist offices or libraries are your best bet. Public libraries are also a reliable source of free wi-fi.

Almost all top-end hotels, an ever-expanding number of midrange places and even many budget options have internet access in the rooms. However, the speed varies wildly.

A cheap way to ensure you have internet access at all times is to procure a local SIM card that provides mobile internet access. You can then use your smartphone to create a personal hotspot and get your other gadgets connected.

WEATHER & CLIMATE

Best period to visit Baltics: May, June, July, August, and September

High Season (Jun–Aug)

Beds in the capitals get booked out – plan ahead!

Endless daylight and warm weather encourage alfresco dining.

Midsummer festivities during the summer solstice are not to be missed.

Shoulder Season (May & Sep)

Airfare drops significantly outside of the summer rush.

Weather is relatively mild.

Many attractions reduce their hours of operation.

Low Season (Oct–Apr)

Expect frigid temperatures and limited daylight.

Coastal towns are almost completely shut down.

Crowds converge on the capitals and cross-country ski areas during the holiday season.

MEAL COSTS

Restaurant                                                                                         Cost

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant                                                            12.00 €

Meal for 2 people, mid-range Restaurant Three-course                         35.00 €

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)                             7.00 €

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)                                                       4 €

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)                                                        4 €

Cappuccino (regular)                                                                        4 €

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)                                                             1 €

Water (1 liter bottle)                                                                    1 €

FOOD & DRINKS

Specialities:

Dumplings: Originally a Russian dish, dumplings of all varieties are popular in Estonia (where they’re known as pelmeenid).

Pickles: Vegetables such as mushrooms, beans, cabbage, peppers, and beets are commonly available pickled. Even pickled garlic, which is surprisingly delicious, makes the list.

Beaver: Without a doubt, one of the most unfamiliar foods is the beaver stew.

National drinks:

In the Baltics, the land and the short growing season often aren’t too hospitable for grapes. As a result, you will probably find that many of the local wines are made from things you’ve never heard of like bilberries, chokeberries, and birch sap. More common fruits like apple are also used in wines and ciders.

Skabputra: A sour porridge beverage made from barley and milk.

Maizes Kvass: Kvass is a traditional Slavic and Baltic fermented beverage commonly made from black or regular rye bread. The color of the bread used contributes to the color of the resulting drink. Generally, the alcohol content is low (0.5–1.0%). It may be flavored with fruits such as strawberries and raisins, or with herbs such as mint.

Riga Black Balsam: We already dedicated a whole article to this drink, which is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur made with many different natural ingredients mixed in pure vodka that you can only love or hate after trying.

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE

Tipping is uncommon in Latvia: until just a few years ago. Tourists who visit usually have tipping habits from their own culture, which the locals adopted.

Tipping at restaurants and bars: Some restaurants are now including service in their bills, so check it first. It is recommended to tip 10% of your total billing amount.

Tipping tour guides: Tipping for the guide is recommended at 10% of the tour cost. Tip the guide €10 for a half-day tour and €20 for a whole-day tour. (Not sure about this cost for half day and full day guide. Updated this from different recommendations available online)

Tipping taxi drivers: Taxi drivers expect around 10% tip, although you are not obliged to. You may also round up the fare.

Tipping hotel staff: Tip porters €2 per luggage. If the concierge staff or housekeeping staff goes out of his way to serve you, consider giving €6. (Updated this from different recommendations available online)

HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

As a general recommendation, it is advisable to check with your family doctor or travel clinic for latest health information.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Your home country health plan may only provide limited coverage while traveling outside of the country. Indus Travels can offer you a complete travel insurance package. Some credit cards do offer travel insurance; however, they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased. Most insurance companies do have exclusions in their coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are not insurable.