Lithuania Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 16
Home Country: lithuania
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 Posted: Fri May 11, 2007 5:50 am Post subject: SHOPPING IN LITHUANIA / LITHUANIA SHOPPING GUIDE |
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SHOPPING IN LITHUANIA
General
You can’t visit Lithuania and not bring back some gintaras, or amber. This fossilized tree sap has adorned thrones of kings and tombs of pharaohs for thousands of years. You can find amber with insects inside, though this type of amber is relatively rare and more expensive if you do find it. Amber jewellery, from bracelets to watches, are among the most popular souvenirs from Lithuania.
Also wildly popular are Lithuanian wood-carvings. Wood craftsmanship in Lithuania is spectacular. There are assorted favourites, ranging from living figures (serious, humorous or even macabre) to Lithuanian-style crosses. Linen items are an excellent buy too.
A great place to do some comparative shopping is on Pilies street, where artisans, pensioners and others hock their finest works: including woodwork, paintings of Vilnius and Lithuania, hand-crafted knickknacks and, of course, things made with amber that would stretch the imagination. There are some true bargains here, and some poking around and patience can lead to some real gems.
You can also bring home some alcoholic beverages. A few bottles of Utenos or Kalnapilis beer would make things interesting at home, as would a bottle of Kvietino vodka. It’s also hard to beat a good bottle of krupnikas, or honey liqueur. Other liqueurs, like Palanga, Dainava, or Sokoladinis, are also popular and make a nice after-dinner drink.
Shopping hours
Grocery shops open Mon-Fri 0800-2000.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks also open Sat 0900-1300.
Currency
Lithuanian Litas (LTL) = 100 centas. Notes are in denominations of LTL500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of LTL5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centas. The Litas is pegged to the Euro.
Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. ATMs are available in most cities. There are 24-hour exchange bureaux at Gelezinkelio 6, near the main railway station and at Lietuvos Taupomasis Bankas, Savanoriu 15A in Vilnius.
Credit & debit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in the main hotels, restaurants, shops and in some petrol stations. Check with your credit and debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller's cheques
These are not accepted by retailers and can only be exchanged at a few outlets. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Currency restrictions
The import of local and foreign currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is limited to LTL5000. The export of foreign currency is unlimited. Any amount exceeding LTL40,000 or equivalent must be declared. |
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