Lithuania Country Guide
Lithuania's history chart once placed it as one of the most powerful forces in Medieval Europe. Its empire earlier extended way across the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. But, a German invasion during World War II and about sixty years of failed Communist rule made its power slide considerably. It was with the collapse of the former Soviet Union that Lithuania finally got its independence. It now boasts of a NATO and EU membership that is helping it go up the ladder of economic development. However, in spite of adapting modern western economic policies, its main economy still thrives and depends on agriculture.
With unmatched natural beauty and friendly locals, you will fall in love with Lithuania!
Our Lithuania country guide will give you all the travel information you need to know to start planning your trip. The Lithuanian Destination guide will give you an idea of things to see and do, and you can book some great tours and activities through our Lithuanian Tour Guide.
We recommend you read about travel in Lithuania on GoNOMAD.
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Lithuania Country Guide
+370 is the international dialling code for Lithuania.
The city codes for Lithuania are:
+370 37 - Kaunas
+370 46 - Klaipeda
+370 41 - Siauliai
+370 52 - Vilnius
Emergency Telephone Number: 112
Lithuania has a unique facility wherein people can call this number from any of the public telephone connections located all over the country. This number is specifically used to report crimes, safety or environmental hazards, health emergencies or any other life-threatening situations.
Numbers used for major emergencies:
011 - Fire Brigade
022 - Police
033 - Medical emergencies
112 - All other emergencies
Mobile GSM Networks
Omnitel, Tele2, and Bite GSM are the main mobile service providers in the country. They work well not only in Lithuania but connect Lithuania effectively with other countries as well.
Fixed Telephone Lines
Do remember to use an appropriate area code when you are calling another town or district from a fixed telephone line. Get information on area codes for calling towns or districts from fixed telephone lines on the following site:
http://www.telecom.It/It/klientams/kodai
Internet
All Internet connected places are highlighted with an @ sign. Lithuania is brimming with Internet cafes in the cities while over 500 public Internet access points are available in libraries, post offices, tourist information centres and other public utility offices in smaller towns and villages.
Information Hotline: 118
Check out the current and upcoming weather conditions in Vinius on our Lithuania weather page. We have a handy six-day Vilnius weather forecast, along with some useful details about the climate in Lithuania.
Lithuania observes Summer (Daylight Saving) Time like most states in Europe, shifting time ahead by I hour, which is actually 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3). In the same manner, in the winter months, Lithuania shifts time back by 1 hour to Eastern European Time (EET) or (GMT +2).
The currency of Lithuania is Litas (Lt.).
I Lt. = 100 Centas.
Coins are in the denomination of Lt. 2 and 1, with the smaller ones being Centas 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. The currency notes come in denominations of Lt. 500, 200, 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Currency Exchange
Banks and Bureaux de change do the necessary currency exchange. 24-hour exchange bureaux function at Gelezinikelio 6 (near the main railway station) Savanorui 15A in Vilnius, and at Lietuvos Taupomasis Banks. ATMs are accessible in almost all cities.
Credit Debit Cards
Most international credit cards can be used in hotels, shops, petrol stations and restaurants. For more details on merchant acceptability and other miscellaneous services, check with your credit and debit cards company.
Traveller's Cheques
Very few retailers accept traveller's cheques. They are usually not accepted by retailers. Travellers are advised to carry cheques in US dollars in order to avoid extra exchange rate charges.
Currency restrictions
The export of foreign currency is not restricted while export of local currency is limited to Lt. 5000. Currency exceeding Lt. 40, 000 has to be declared. The import of both foreign and local currency is unrestricted.
To check out the current Lithuanian exchange rate, visit OANDA.com - The Currency Site.
Lithuania runs 220V/ 50Hz electrical system. European two-pin plugs are in use.
To view a complete list of Lithuanian embassies around the world, as well as foreign embassies within Lithuania, click on this link to EmbassyWorld.com.
Population: 3,575,439 (July 2007 est.)
Total Area: 65,200 sq km
Capital: Vilnius (553,200 people)
Click here to view the current time in Vilnius.
Interestingly, the official language, Lithuanian, still retains Indo-European language forms and shows amazing similarities with the Sanskrit language. Its Roman alphabet has many special symbols like the dot, hacek, and cedilla. It has rising, falling and short intonations like Latvian. A majority of the people in Lithuania speak Lithuanian as their first language. Of course there are others who speak Russian, Polish and English.
Follow the link to view a current list of Lithuania public holidays.
Lithuania is predominantly, Roman Catholic (approximately 80% of the total population). Other confessions include Orthodox, Old Believers, Lutheran, Reformat, Judaist, Sunni, Karaite and other communities.
British, Australian, Canadian and USA citizens are required to hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay. All other EU citizens holding a valid national ID card are not required to hold a passport.
Visas are not required for British, Australian, Canadian,USA and other EU citizens for tourists stays up to 90 days.
For all Nationals not referred to above should contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Lithuania is located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. At present, Lithuania covers an area of about 65,200 sq. km. Its boundaries have been re-drawn several times since 1918. It was only in the year 1945 that the current form came into shape. It is currently almost the size of West Virginia and larger than Denmark, Belgium, Latvia, the Netherlands or Switzerland.
Lithuania shares its borders with Latvia in the north, Belarus in the east, Poland in the south and shares a 227 km border with Russia that is next to Kaliningrad Coast, which is the northern part of former German East Prussia. Lithuania also has a 108 km stretch of Baltic seashore, which includes an ice-free harbour at Klaipeda. The Baltic shores with its sandy beaches and pine forests attract innumerable people who are vacationing.
To view a map of Lithuania, click on this link to WorldAtlas.com.
Food and Drink
Water is consumable although it possesses a high mineral content, so it is best to use filtered or bottled water. The same applies for rural areas too. Pasteurised milk and dairy products are quite safe for use. You can also safely eat seafood, fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry. Do be careful about hygiene in food and drink in the rural areas though.
Other Risks
For all the fun and scenic beauty you get to enjoy in Lithuania, you do need to exercise caution as far as your health is concerned.
Be wary of Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, tick-borne encephalitis and rabies. Vaccination before arrival is an absolute must.
Health Care
European travellers are guaranteed a free or low-cost treatment in case of a sudden ailment or accident. You will need to produce your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for that of course. Other citizens are advised to have comprehensive insurance.
Hospitals
- Kaunas University Hospital - Kaunas
- Kaunas Red Cross Hospital - Kaunas
- Republican Children's Hospital- Vilnius
- Vilnius Red Cross Hospital - Vilnius
- Vilnius University Hospital - Vilnius
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