Practical Information

MONEY

Currency:
Latvian currency, the Lat (1 Lat = 100 santims) was fully introduced in October 1993. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 santims, and 1 and 2 Lats. The paper notes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Lats. The current rate is 1 USD = 0.614 Ls (07.02.2001.). Check with the Embassy for the latest currency information before traveling.

Currency exchange:
The banking system is well developed. There are numerous bureaus of exchange (Valutas maina) in hotels, shops, post offices and train stations. These tend to close at 19:00. The most convenient currencies to change are German DM and the US dollar.

Credit cards:
EUROCARD, MASTERCARD, VISA, JCB, DINER'S CLUB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, EUROCHEQUE, and TRAVELER'S CHEQUE are accepted by most mayor banks. Check with each credit card company for details on merchant acceptability and other available services.

Banking hours:
Most banking hours are from 9.00 to 17.00 Monday through Friday, and some banks are open Saturdays from 9.00 until 13.00.

BANKS:

Bank of the Republic of Latvia
K.Valdemara iela 2a, Riga, tel. 371 7022300, fax. 371 7022420,  Internet: http://www.bank.lv

Parex-Bank
Smilðu iela 3, Riga, tel.371 7010000, fax. 371 7010001, Internet: http://www.parex.lv E-mail:inquiry@parex.lv

Hansabank
Kalku iela 26, Riga, tel. 371 7024444, fax. 371 7024400, Internet: http://www.hansabanka.lv E-mail:info@hansabanka.lv

Unibanka
Pils iela 23, Riga, tel. 371 7215555, fax. 371 7215566 Internet: http://www.unibanka.lv E-mail:atsauksmes@unibanka.lv

Latvian Savings Bank
Palasta iela 1, Riga, tel. 371 7092020, fax. 371 7212083, Internet: http://www.lkb.lv

ENTERING LATVIA:

Upon entering Latvia, one individual, paying no customs duty or value added tax, is allowed to bring in goods and other articles for non-commercial purposes in an amount of Ls 300, -; personal use items (clothes, toiletry) will be excused of the customs duty amount; foodstuffs (except products requiring thermal processing) in an amount of Ls 15, -; alcoholic beverages (for individuals 18 years of age) either 1 litre, or 1 unit in original packaging and not larger than 3 litres; cigarettes 200 pcs. or 12 cigars or 200 g of tobacco (for individuals 18 years of age); currency import is not restricted.
Leaving Latvia: for the export of furs and trophies of hunted animals, a license is required to be issued by the State forestry department (tel. 371 7227057); for the export of cultural objects, art items, etc., a license is required to be issued by the State Inspection for Heritage Protection (tel. 371 7229272).

HEALTH:

No health certificates are required when entering the country. Health insurance is advised. Medicine is widely available, though it is wise to purchase these before traveling.

FIRST AID IS OFFERED BY:

The first aid post in Riga Outpatient hospital No. 1
Bruninieku iela 5, Riga, tel. 371 7270136

Immediate dental help is offered to you by
Children's dentist clinic No. 1
Stabu iela 9, Riga, tel. 371 7274546

Outpatient treatment to foreigners is offered by
outpatient hospital - to the adults.
Skolas iela 5, Riga, tel. 371 7201008, E-mail:ars@parks.lv

 

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