ON THE GO
On the way by car / bus
All parts of the country are connected by the good road network. Unleaded petrol is widely available at international petrol stations. The green insurance card must be carried when entering the country by car. Towing service on Tel: 800 00 00 (24 hours), emergency number: 188. Bus: The central bus station in Riga is located at Pragas iela 1 (Internet: www.autoosta.lv). Buses are the best means of transport for traveling in the country and every place, no matter how small, has at least one daily bus connection. Rental cars: Booking possible through hotels, advance booking is recommended. Western brands of all classes are also offered with chauffeur service. One-way rentals also on offer. Documents: According to youremailverifier, the EU driving license is recognized in Latvia. Holders of older German driving licenses should have an international driving license with them. For nationals of EU and EFTA countries, the car registration number is used as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are advised to take the international green insurance card with them in order to benefit from full insurance cover in the event of damage and to make it easier to record accidents.
Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance cover applies. The National Automobile Club: Automobile Association Auto – Moto Society (LAMB), Internet: www.lamb.lv.
Traffic regulations:
seatbelts required.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5â?? °.
Dipped headlights must be switched on around the clock while driving.
The use of cell phones while driving is prohibited.
Winter tires are from 01.12.-01.03. mandatory for all vehicles under 3.5 tons, but in the period from 01.05.-01.10. winter tires are prohibited.
The traffic light switching is different than in Germany: Green – flashing green – yellow – red. The flashing green corresponds to yellow in Germany. When the traffic light is yellow, you are no longer allowed to drive.
Speed limits:
within built-up areas 50 km / h,
speed limit on country roads 90 km / h.
Traveling in the city
Trams, trolleybuses, buses and taxis operate in Riga. Tickets can be bought in the vehicles. Public transport in Riga (Internet: www.rigassatiksme.lv/) operates from 5.30 a.m. to midnight. Taxis (Internet: www.rtp.lv) are relatively cheap in Riga. All have taximeters, but it is advisable to negotiate the price before you set off. 25% surcharge at night. The bus network is good. Tickets for buses, trams and trolleybuses are sold in kiosks and shops or can be purchased directly from the driver.
On the go by train
The well-developed route network regularly connects Riga with all other major cities in the country. The main train station is Stacijas laukums (further information on the Internet: www.ldz.lv).
Latvia’s only functioning narrow-gauge railway runs from Gulbene to Aluksne (www.banitis.lv).
On the way by ship
Along the coast there are several small ports with yacht berths: Riga, Roja, Salacgriva, Pavilosta, Ventspils, Skulte, Engure, Mersrags, Liepaja and Lielupe.
MONEY
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Credit cards
MasterCard, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Club are accepted by many hotels and petrol stations in major cities. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question. At the numerous ATMs in all smaller and larger cities, money can often be withdrawn using a credit card with a PIN number.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
With an ec / Maestro card and pin number, cash in the local currency can be withdrawn from ATMs. ATMs can be found in all cities. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with the ec / Maestro card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted in Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes. The same applies to the German Sparcard, the successor to the postal savings book as a means of procuring currency in other European countries. Cash can be withdrawn from European ATMs with the plus logo using a Sparcard and PIN number.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 am-5pm; some banks also Sat 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers inside and outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare cash from the equivalent of € 10,000 (including travelers checks, other currencies or checks made out to third parties).
Currency Exchange
Exchange offices (Valutas maiņa) can be found in every city. The fees for currency exchange vary greatly, so it is advisable to inquire about the fee before changing.
