Latvia Essentials
TIME
Latvia is in the - GMT + 2 time zone. If you arrive from London, put the clock back for two hours, from Moscow - forward one hour. For precise time call 154 (in Latvian) or 174 (in Russian).
The supermarkets usually open at 8 AM and close at 11-12 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays grocery stores are usually open. Banks and museums close at 4-5 PM. Most large cafes are open unti 2 AM. Most service enterprises work without a lunch break.
MONEY AND PAYMENT CARDS IN LATVIA
The currency in Latvia is Lat (Ls), one Lat is equal to 100 santims. The Lat exchange rate is stable. One Lat is equal to app. 1,5 Euro or 1,8 Dollars. There are no legal limitations in currency transfer across the borders of Latvia. You do not have to show your passport to change currency.
There is no problems with gettings cash from your payment cards as there is a broad network of cash dispensers that lets you getting cash in almost any town of Latvia. Most stores, restaurants accept debt and credit cards.
TELEPHONE
Latvian telephone connection is almost totally digital and for that reason of very high quality. You can call any place in the world from phone booths located all around Latvia. You can use a 2, 3 and 5 La call card, sold in all press boots, or with a credit card. There are instructions in every phone booth. You should remember that a call to Europe ar USA cost less than a call to Russia or CIS countries.
MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Mobile connection in Latvia is very well developed. Almost all territory of Latvia has cell coverage. Tourists are recommended to buy pre-payment cards - "O karte" or "Zelta Zivtina" that provide you with a temporary number and call opportunity for local prices.
Mail in Latvia works well. Letters are usually delivered on the next day (across Riga) and in one-two days across Latvia. International letters are usually delivered in under a week. To send a letter you have to buy post stamps in post offices or Narvessen shops and stick them on evelopes. Across Latvia - 15 santims, European countries and Russia - app.30 santims, to other countries - app. 40 santims.
TRANSPORT
Riga has no subway but there are trams, trolleybuses, buses and route taxis or minibuses. Public transport fee is 40-50 santims, taxi-buses - 40-50 santims. You pay the conductor as you enter. There is no problem with finding a taxi in Riga. Taxis are available at taxi stops and via phone.
INFORMATION SERVICE
Main information telephone number is 1188 - paid. A call cost app. 10 santims. Service quality is very high, operators are able to answer even the most unexpected questions. Operators speak Latvian, Russian and English.
