Practical advice – Introduction | True Lithuania
True Lithuania

Practical advice – Introduction

Lithuania is a country of balance. It is easy to get into and yet, it is not overwhelmed by tourists. Prices (and salaries) are below those of the Western nations, but the quality of amenities is similar. The climate varies severely among seasons, offering a choice. Lithuania offers foods and goods from all over the world - but the local culture still prevails as immigration is relatively minor.

Here are the main issues one needs to learn about to have a great time in Lithuania:

Visas: Most American and European nationalities may enter Lithuania visa-free, whereas most Asian and African nationalities need a visa. Lithuania is in the Schengen area, meaning there is no customs control with many other European countries and the same visa applies.

Getting in: Direct passenger flights connect Lithuanian airports to many major European cities but a transfer will be needed from other continents. Ferries leave for the opposite shore of the Baltic sea. Access from outside by rail is limited.

Getting around: Public transport network (buses) is extensive, although getting to off-the-beaten-path towns may be time-consuming. Roads are better than average in Northern/Eastern Europe.

Eating: Local Lithuanian cuisine is unpretentious and acceptable to many. Italian, Chinese, and Caucasian cuisines have a major presence, while pizzas and kebabs are the favorite fast foods. International restaurant chains are relatively limited in size but some local chains are massive.

Communications: Lithuania is among the global leaders in cell phone prevalence, prices, and internet speeds.

Accommodation: Hotels can be somewhat (but not extremely) cheap by European standards. The main cities and main resorts are the best locations to anchor your trip for their accommodation and eating opportunities.

Warnings and dangers: Natural disasters and terrorism are non-existent, while crime is on-par with US levels but the general egalitarianism of cities mean there are no unsafe "ghettos".

Languages: Lithuanian is the national language. Most young people also speak English while most older people also speak Russian. ~10-20% speak German and Polish. English signs are common in tourist areas.

Climate: Lithuanian climate is temperate with 4 distinct seasons. Winters are somewhat snowy, daylight is short. Summers are green and can get hot.

Shopping: New massive malls offer the best shopping opportunities. High-street shopping is limited to the major cities and resorts, while bazaar-like open-air morning markets offer a more exotic alternative.

Entertainment: The malls double as the prime entertainment hubs in cities but the traditional entertainment (e.g. theaters) is located in downtowns. Countryside (natural) tourism is a popular form of summer entertainment.

Healthcare: Public healthcare is well equipped and free in many cases, but marred by bureaucracy and corruption. Some private healthcare is cheaper than in the West and offer better attitudes toward customers.

Education: Education is state-funded thus cheap (especially for locals) but quality is good. Private education is rare.

Article written by Augustinas Žemaitis

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  1. ‘Advice’ is uncountable in English, so it has no plural. You should say ‘some advice’. 🙂 Or simply ‘advice’.

  2. My name is Machiko Takahashi ,a Japanese living in Amsterdam.
    I would like to contact Mr.Augustinas Zemaitis, asking him the permission of using one of your photo on the internet site. Other details I would like further to inform you later on.
    Thank you in advance ,I hope to receive your reply.
    Sincerely,
    M.Takahashi


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