Live in Latvia

Good-to Know!

Business hours

Business hours

Shops are usually open Monday to Friday 8/10am-6/8pm. Some have reduced working hours on weekend. Stores located in shopping centres are open on weekends. Most food shops stay open until 10pm and are also open on Sunday. Central offices of banks are open 9am to 5pm.

Student cards accepted in Latvia

Student cards accepted in Latvia

ISIC (International Student Identity Card) and student identity cards provided by education institutions.

Smoking and drinking

Smoking and drinking

Smoking is prohibited within 10 m from the entrances of institutions of national and local government, as well as at the public transport stops. Sale of alcoholic drinks is prohibited in all the territory of Latvia from 22:00 to 8:00 o’clock. It is prohibited to carry open bottles or cans of alcoholic drinks in public places. The legal age for drinking and smoking age is 18.

Driving in Latvia

Driving in Latvia

A driver's licence issued by any of the EU member states is valid also in Latvia. The maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km per hour and outside of built-up areas, 90 km per hour. Dipped headlights during the day are compulsory all year long! Winter tires are compulsory from 1 Dec until 1 March, but spiked tires are prohibited from 1 May until 1 Oct. Drivers are prohibited from speaking on the phone while driving, except when using a hands-free system.

Student Cities