Latvia — Shopping
Shopping
Amber is of high quality and a good buy. Cheap imitations are also widely available. Other typical souvenirs include folk art, linen, wickerwork and ceramics. Other good gifts include Latvian beer, Riga Black Balsam drinks and folk music.
Passengers flying to a country outside the EU can claim a tax refund at the airport. Only shops displaying ‘Tax-Free' stickers participate in the scheme. These will (if asked) give you a Global Refund check. A minimum spend of Ls29.50 in one shop in a single day is required, in addition you need to keep the original receipt and goods should be unopened.
Shopping hours: Opening hours are typically Mon-Fri 0900/1000-1800/1900 and Sat 0900/1000-1600/1700. Some smaller shops may close for an hour or two between 1200 and 1500 for lunch. Food shops tend to open Mon-Sat 0800/0900-2000/2100. Some shops are open 24 hours.
Currency
Latvian Lat (LVL; symbol Ls) = 100 santims. Notes are in denominations of Ls500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Ls2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 santims.
Currency Exchange
Bureaux de change are found all over main towns, including inside shops, hotels, post offices and train stations. These tend to close at 1900. The most convenient currencies to exchange are the Euro and the US Dollar.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
American Express, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in towns and cities.
Travelers Checks
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1300.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 0.89 LVL |
| 1.00 USD = 0.55 LVL |
| 1.00 EUR = 0.78 LVL |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
