Travel Essentials › Latvia
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and F (European two-pin), 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112. Tipping: Not obligatory; leaving about 10% in restaurants for good service is common. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in cities.
Types C and F (European two-pin), 230 V
| One number for everything | 112 |
Not obligatory; leaving about 10% in restaurants for good service is common.
Greetings. A firm handshake is standard; Latvians tend to be reserved with strangers at first but hospitable once you know them.
Shoes indoors. Remove shoes when entering someone's home, as is common across the Baltics.
Punctuality. Being on time for meetings and social plans is expected and valued.
Latvia is a safe country with low violent crime; the main risks for tourists are petty theft, nightlife scams, and occasional impersonation of police.
Nightlife overcharging. Friendly strangers lure tourists into bars with inflated, unclear prices; stick to venues with visible menus and prices.
Unofficial taxis. Unmarked taxis may overcharge; use a licensed taxi or ride app like Bolt.
Fake plainclothes police. Scammers posing as undercover officers ask to inspect passports and wallets, then steal cash; ask for ID and insist on going to a police station if unsure.
Women travelers. Solo female travelers are generally safe, but should be cautious in nightlife areas at night, watch drinks at bars and clubs, and avoid walking alone or using ATMs late at night.
Legal · Mostly Safe
Same-sex relations are legal, and since July 2024 registered civil partnerships give same-sex couples most of the rights of marriage (excluding adoption and the marriage title itself); same-sex marriage remains constitutionally banned and attitudes are more conservative than in Western Europe.
| Coffee (café) | €3.00 | $3.30 |
| Local bus or metro ride | €1.50 | $1.65 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | €15 | $16 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | €18 | $20 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | €75 | $82 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | €90 | $98 |
2026-09
June through August is peak season with the warmest weather and longest days; September brings fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures for hiking, while winter (December-March) is cold but atmospheric with a chance of snow sports.