LIVING IN LATVIA

A toll-free emergency number, the operator will connect with the necessary emergency service, also serves as the number for fire brigade – 112

*the country code for Latvia is +371

Public transport

Riga Satiksme is the main provider of public transport services in Riga. This includes: buses, trams, trolleybuses, minibuses, express buses and night transport. Tickets (e-talons) can be purchased at ticket vending machines (located at various points and on some vehicles/from the driver), as well as at kiosks.

Students with a valid student-ID are entitled to public transport discounts that can be applied for at a Riga Satiksme client service centre. A valid student card or confirmation of student status are necessary requirements to apply (from the Department of Study Services). This discount needs to be renewed yearly, and can be done through the UL LUIS system or at a Riga Satiksme directly.

Prices, routes, and timetables are available at Riga satiksme: www.rigassatiksme.lv/en

Taxi services and shared-mobility

Taxis:

There are a number of taxi services in Riga with varying prices. Payments are either composed of a starting fee and price per kilometre, or a fixed price determined prior to the ride, for example, through a taxi app. Some options for taxis include, but are not limited to*:

• Bolt: www.bolt.eu/en/cities/riga

• Forus taxi: www.forus.eu/en

• BalticTaxi: www.baltictaxi.com

Shared mobility services

Car-share

Car-share services are an easy-to-use way to get around the city. A number of cars and vans around Riga (and surroundings) are accessed by the use of an app. There is also a designated parking space at Riga International Airport, which makes these car services a good option for travel to-and-from the airport.

The minimum age to use these services is usually 21 years. Some options include, but are not limited to*:

• CityBee: www.citybee.lv/en

• Bolt: www.bolt.eu/en/cities/riga

• CarGuru: www.carguru.lv

• Fiqsy: www.fiqsy.com/en

Electric scooters

Multiple companies offer renting electric scooters in the warmer months. There are many more providers with new ones appearing every year. The prices vary slightly, but commonly there is an unlock fee and an additional fee per minute. Examples include, but are not limited to*: Bolt, taxi app, and fiqsy.

Postal services

Latvijas Pasts is the national postal service. There are a number of post offices and yellow post boxes situated around the city. Stamps can be purchased at post office branches as well as kiosks and some bookstores.

Latvijas Pasts: www.pasts.lv/en/

Opening a bank account

If a student wishes to open a bank account they should contact the International Student Coordinator for assistance. Most banking services are offered in English.