Welcome to Lithuania 😊

Quick Facts About Lithuania

Money and Finances

The currency in Lithuania is Euro. The coins available are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euro coins. Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Lithuania, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Lithuania, especially Visa and Mastercard. American Express may not be as widely accepted and it's always better to check beforehand.

Internet and Phones

In Lithuania, the average internet speed for downloads is 36.2 Mbps and for uploads is 17.9 Mbps. The government does not interfere with internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Lithuania has three major telco companies: Telia, Bitė, and Tele2. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around €12 per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Lithuania

To call Lithuania from another country, dial +370 followed by the area code and local number. The area code for Vilnius, the capital city, is 5.

Transport Around Lithuania

Air Travel

Lithuania has one major international airport - Vilnius International Airport, which is located in the capital city of Vilnius. There are also smaller regional airports in Kaunas and Palanga.

Train Travel

Lithuania has a well-developed inter-city train network, operated by Lithuanian Railways. For example, a ticket from Vilnius to Kaunas costs around €7 and takes approximately 1 hour.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro system in Lithuania.

Buses

Lithuania has a widespread bus network, operated by various companies such as Kautra, Toks and Lux Express. A bus journey from Vilnius to Riga costs around €10 and takes approximately 4 hours.

Rideshare

There are rideshare companies in Lithuania such as Uber and Bolt, with average prices varying depending on the distance and time of day.

Driving by Car

Driving in Lithuania is relatively easy, with a maximum speed limit of 130 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas. Lithuania uses right hand drive.

Local Customs

In Lithuania, tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated. Locals greet each other with either a handshake or a nod. When speaking with strangers, it's common to use formal language and avoid direct eye contact. Men and women typically address each other using their first names.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

In Lithuania, the healthcare system is primarily funded by the government and provides universal coverage. There are also private healthcare providers available. An appointment with a general practitioner can cost around €20-30, and a specialist appointment can cost around €40-50. It is recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Lithuania to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

COVID Situation

Lithuania implemented strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, such as closing borders, imposing a mask mandate, and limiting public gatherings. As of October 2021, there have been over 500,000 confirmed cases and over 6,000 deaths due to COVID-19 in Lithuania. The vaccination rate is currently around 50% of the population.

Common Health Risks

Health risks in Lithuania include tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, as well as air pollution in some urban areas. In addition, it is recommended to take precautions against food and water-borne illnesses, such as washing produce and drinking bottled water when traveling to rural areas.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Lithuania, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase or consume alcohol. Drunk driving is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and license suspension. Alcohol sales are prohibited between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am. Additionally, the sale and consumption of alcohol are banned in certain public places, such as schools, hospitals, and sport venues.

Recreational Drugs

The use, possession, and sale of any recreational drugs are illegal in Lithuania. This includes soft drugs such as cannabis and other party drugs. Anyone found guilty of drug offenses can face severe punishments, including imprisonment. Lithuania has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no laws in Lithuania affecting pre-marital relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Lithuania has enacted several laws that affect the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex marriage and registered partnerships are not recognized and openly same-sex couples may face discrimination. Hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community is also prohibited under Lithuanian law.

Firearms / Guns

Lithuania has strict laws regarding firearms. Only individuals with a valid license are allowed to possess firearms, and licenses are only granted for specific purposes, such as hunting or self-defense. The use or possession of firearms without a license can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. The purchase and ownership of automatic and semi-automatic firearms are generally prohibited.