Latvia Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 15
Home Country: latvia
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 Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 6:13 am Post subject: SHOPPING IN LATVIA / LATVIA SHOPPING GUIDE |
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SHOPPING IN LATVIA
General
If there were only two words to sum up the shopping experience in Latvia, they would have to be ‘really expensive.’ Prices of imported goods tend to be inexplicably high, with simple things like a pair of Nike trainers costing in lats what they would in euro most anywhere else in Europe. Local crafts, food and alcohol, however, are still relatively cheap. Shops are scattered throughout Riga, with the highest number being concentrated around the Old Town and near the centre. Several shiny new malls have also opened on the outskirts of Riga.
Amber is of high quality and a good buy. Other interesting purchases would include wicker work and earthenware.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0900/1000-1800/1900, Sat 0900/1000-1600/1700. Some smaller shops may be closed for an hour or two between 1200 and 1500 for lunch. Food shops open 0800/0900-2000/2100. Some shops are open 24 hours.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1300.
Currency
Latvian Lat (LVL) = 100 santims. Notes are in denominations of LVL500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of LVL2 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. Currency may also be obtained at ATMs in towns and cities. The most convenient currencies to exchange are the Euro and the US Dollar.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, JCB, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Some shops in Riga also [spam word detected]. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller's cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency. |
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