The medical care does not correspond to German standards. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The EHIC regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. In the event of illness, EHIC holders contact a general practitioner who is a contract doctor under the Latvian Health Insurance Fund (Veselibas obligatas apdrosinasanas valsts agentura – VOAVA). Information on panel doctors is available in Latvia by calling the toll-free number 800 12 34. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. It is therefore recommended that you take out health insurance abroad for the duration of your stay, which covers risks that are not covered by statutory health insurance companies. Check directoryaah for more information.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci, poliomyelitis and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Latvia is the only EU country where diphtheria is endemic. Vaccination is possible and recommended. Across the country, there is a risk of transmission of Lyme disease from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Main transmission time is April to October. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is also transmitted by ticks from April to October. They are particularly found in rural areas around Riga. In individual cases, transmission of TBE viruses through unpasteurized sheep’s and goat’s milk has been reported. Vaccination is possible. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: unprotected sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Rabies occurs locally. The main carriers are stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tuberculosis occurs nationwide. Infection occurs from person to person via droplet infection. Vaccination should be considered in case of particular exposure.
Health certificate
In Latvia and other EU countries, proof of the COVID vaccination status with the paper vaccination card is valid in addition to the digital COVID-19 vaccination card (EU Digital COVID Certificate). Latvia accepts Swiss COVID certificate.
Money
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency code: €, EUR (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Credit cards
Mastercard, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Club are accepted by many hotels and petrol stations in the larger cities. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. Money can often be withdrawn with a credit card and PIN number at the numerous ATMs in all smaller and larger cities.
ATMs
Girocard With the Girocard (formerly EC card) such as the Maestro card, V Pay or Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in the national currency throughout Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with a debit card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus, V-Pay or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are no longer accepted in Latvia.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00; some banks also Sat 09.00-12.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers within and from outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare funds from an equivalent value of €10,000 (in addition to cash, cash also includes travelers cheques, savings accounts, other currencies, to third parties checks drawn, the true value of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum (gold coins containing at least 90 percent gold grade, uncoined gold in the form of bars, nuggets or nuggets containing at least 99.5 percent gold grade), precious stones (but not jewelry). )).
Currency Exchange
Exchange offices (Valutas maiņa) can be found in every city. Currency exchange fees vary widely, so it is advisable to inquire about the applicable fee before making the change.
