PRACTICALITIES

Currency

Lats (LVL)

Official languages

Latvian

Time

GMT + 2

Calling code

+371

Area codes

Riga: 2

Internet TLD

.lv

Shopping

Generally shops are open Monday–Friday from 9am to 7pm, on Saturdays from 9 or 10am to 4 or 5pm. Smaller shops have a lunch break between 12 and 3pm.

National holidays

New Year’s Day	January 1
Easter	movable feast
Labour Day	May 1
Independence Day	May 4
Ligo	June 23
Jani	June 24
Latvian National Day	November 18
Christmas	December 25 & 26

National dish

maizes zupa – sweet soup made from rye bread
bubert – egg and semolina pudding
piragi – small dumplings filled with minced meat, bacon, cottage cheese or cabbage

Electricity

Latvia’s electricity runs on 220V/50Hz. Type F and type C plugs are used. Converters can be bought in local shops.

Passport/Visa

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need visa for entry into Latvia (for stays of up to 90 days). Only a valid passport is required. Citizens of Schengen states need only an identity card.

Useful numbers

Ambulance: 03
Fire Brigade: 01
Police: 02