Practical information

Currency 

The national currency is Lithuanian Litas (LTL) which comes in denominations of 10 Lt, 20 Lt, 50 Lt, 100 Lt, 200 Lt and 500 Lt notes, 1 Lt, 2 Lt and 5 Lt coins and centas coins (1 Litas is made up of 100 centas). Litas is pegged to Euro. The exchange rate is €1 = 3.45 LTL. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged in banks. ATMs can be found in all parts of the city. Cash withdrawals may be made using your credit card. The logos of accepted cards are shown besides the machine. Most internationally recognised bank credit cards are accepted and widely used in all hotels, restaurants and shopping malls where such methods of payment are indicated by the entrance. More information on the local currency can be found on the Bank of Lithuania website at www.lbank.lt

Electricity 

 The voltage in Lithuania is 220V AC, 50 Hz. Plugs are of the European two–pin variety.

Working hours 

Governmental institutions work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Shops are usually open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. on weekdays and until 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Saturdays. All shopping malls and some of smaller stores are open on Sundays as well. Some supermarkets are open around the clock.

Country Code and Important Telephone Numbers 

• Country Code: +370
• Emergency Services: 112
• Information Hotline: 118

Visas

Lithuania is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. Visitors from the EU as well as from 30 or so other countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States don't require a visa to stay for up to 90 days within a six month period. A visa issued for any Schengen country is also valid in Lithuania. For more information look at www.urm.lt

Public Holidays   

•  January 1 (New Year’s Day)
• February 16 (Restoration of the State Day (Independence Day, 1918))
• March 11 (Restoration of Independence Day (from the Soviet Union, 1990))
• April 8-9 (Easter)
• May 1 (International Labour Day)
• June 24 (St. John‘s Day)
• July 6 (Day of Statehood (Crowning of Lithuanian King Mindaugas))
• August 15 (Assumption)
• November 1 (All Saints‘ Day)
• December 24 (Christmas Eve)
• December 25-26 (Christmas 

Public transport 

Vilnius has an effective and cheap network of trolleybuses, buses and minibuses. They start running at around four in the morning and stop at midnight. There are single journey tickets, tickets valid for 1, 3 or 10 days as well as monthly passes that can be used on all city buses and trolleybuses. Tickets are available at each press kiosk (2 Litas) or from the bus driver (2.5 Litas). More information and pubic transport schedule at www.vilniustransport.lt.

Taxi 

Numerous taxis operate in Vilnius. Taxis can be hailed in the street or found at ranks at strategic spots in the Old Town and city centre. They can also be ordered at a cheaper price by telephone. Taxis hailed in the street can be expensive and not always of the best quality. Fares are displayed on meters and include service. Tips are paid at the passenger’s discretion. The average cost within the city is up to €15. It is recommended to ask for the reciept in advance. More information at www.etaxi.lt

Safety

In an international survey Vilnius is rated as the safest capital in the Baltic States and also safer than many European capitals. Take care of your money and other valuable things and remember that not all people you meet are what they pretend to be.