GENERAL INFORMATION

Visas:
When going to Lithuania you must have a valid passport. Most of the European and Nordic countries, as well as the US and Canada do not need visa for coming to Lithuania, but you should contact your local consulate for further information.
For more information about visa in Lithuania go to this website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania www.urm.lt

Currency:
The national currency in Lithuania since 1993 has been Litas (Lt). There are the denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 notes. Coins come in two categories: significant 1, 2,and 5 Lt coins; and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents coins.
Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATM machines, which can be found in most banks, hotels, restaurants and shops. There are numerous currency exchange kiosks in Vilnius and traveller's cheques can be cashed at some banks.

The value of the Litas is locked to that of the euro (EUR) at 3,4528 Lt to 1 EUR.

Weather in Vilnius in May:
In the summertime the climate is quite moderate. For May 2006 you can see what the average temperature was in Vilnius, and how much precipitation was in that month.
Average temperature high: 18 C
Average temperature low: 8 C
Average precipitation: 363 mm
Please note that it rains quite often in Lithuania. The name of Lithuania (Lietuva in Lithuanian) comes from the word "lietus" (rain).

Electricity:
220 volts AC all over Lithuania (A European adaptor will be suitable).

Tap water:
The supplied water is safe and of a high quality so it is safe to drink. Drinking water quality control is performed by the Drinking Water Laboratory, who performs over 11 thousand water tests a year.

Good buys:
Amber, jewellery, linen, carpets, suede and leather goods, copper and brass vessels, pottery, etc.

Local dishes:
There are many restaurants and cafés where you can find a great variety of different foods, from Lithuanian to East European or North American dishes.

National specialities:

• Cepelinai (made from grated potatoes with a minced meat filling).
• Vedarai (potato sausage).
• Bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes).
• Saltibarsciai (cold beetroot soup).
• Skilandis (smoked meat).

Tipping:
Taxi fares and restaurant bills include a tip. Otherwise, tips are discretionary.

Smoking:
From the 1st of January 2007 you won't be able to smoke in restaurants, cafes, clubs or pubs.

Visiting:
What to see when in Vilnius? Here is a little guide to sites you have to see when in Vilnius.

• The Old Town (Senamiestis)
• The Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)
• Gediminas´ tower (Gedimino pilies bokštas)
• Gates of Dawn (Aušros vartai)
• St. Ann's Church (Šv. Onos bažnyčia)

Want to speak Lithuanian?:

• Hello - Labas (unformal) or Laba diena (formal)
• Good morning - Labas rytas
• Good evening - Labas vakaras
• How are you? - Kaip sekasi?
• Very well - Puikiai
• Yes - Taip
• No - Ne
• Please - Prašau / Prašom
• What, Who - Kas?
• Thank you - Ačiū
• Sorry / Excuse me - Atsiprašau
• How much is it? - Kiek kainuoja?
• I don't understand - Nesuprantu
• I don't know - Nežinau
• My name is ... - Mano vardas ...
• And you are ...? - O tu esi ...?
• Goodbye - Viso gero / Iki
• I'm sorry, I don't speak Lithuanian - Atsiprašau, aš nekalbu lietuviškai
• Where is ...? - Kur yra...?