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Good to Know
Climate
Latvia’s weather features a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers, moderate winters.
• Summer: June – early September
• Winter: December - February
• The warmest month: July
• The coldest month: January
Currency
Latvia joined the euro area on 1 January 2014. Fixed conversion rate:€1 = 0.702804 Latvian lat.
Language
Latvian is the official language of Latvia.
Useful Words and Phrases
Expressions of politeness
Thank you - Paldies
Please/you’re welcome- Lūdzu
Good morning- Labrīt
Good day/afternoon- Labdien
Good evening- Labvakar
Hello/greetings- Sveicināti
Good-bye/see you again- Uz redzēšanos
Good night- Ar labu nakti
Cheers!- Priekā!
Useful words
Yes- Jā
No- Nē
Taxi- Taksometrs
Bus/coach- Autobuss
Shop- Veikals
Police- Policija
Currency exchange- Valūtas maiņa
Hotel- Viesnīca
Public Transportation
Riga has four methods of public transportation – tram, trolleybus, bus and rail.
Public transport in Riga starts running at 05:30 and ends at 23:30. Public transportation timetables can be found on the "Rigas satiksme" public transport company’s web-site – www.rigassatiksme.lv (Latvian, Russian, English). The web-site also provides information on the price of tickets and where they can be purchased. Even though tickets can be purchased from the driver (LVL 0,70), it is cheaper to purchase an e-ticket at street kiosks and select shops. It is possible to purchase an e-tickets for one ride (LVL 0,50), five rides (LVL 2,50), ten rides (LVL 4,75) and twenty rides (LVL 9,00). It is also possible to purchase a 24-hour ticket (LVL 1,90), a three-day ticket (LVL 5,70), or a five-day ticket - (LVL 9,50).
Where to find help?
An official tourist information line Tourist Hotline 1188 has been set up for tourists convenience. As in every European Union Member State, safety in Latvia is ensured by several services that you can call 24-hours a day. You should call 112 (free of charge) in any unusual or extreme situation. You can also seek help at the Tourism Police +371 67181818.