Latvian national currency unit is 1 lat (100 santims). 1 lat is approximately 1.82 US dollars (August 1996, the rate has been stable for several years).

July and August are the two most suitable months for tourism in Latvia.

Winters, especially in coastal regions, under the influence of maritime climate, are not cold either. Temperature seldom falls below -5°C and is usually around zero. If in winter time you come from a country with hot and dry weather, bring all warm clothes you have, probably you will have to buy something on arrival.

Smoked foods - particularly fish - are popular in Latvia, and also dairy products, eggs, potatoes and grains. Smoked flounder, eel, herring and pilchards are staples of the country's diet, while specially preserved lampreys are a Latvian delicacy. Soups and sausage are also popular.

In summer and autumn, fresh berry pies and tarts are abundant. Latvia's leading beer is Aldaris, but the concoction that prompts the most curiosity is Riga Black Balsam, a thick, jet-black, 45-proof mixture that tastes downright revolting. It's been produced only in Latvia since 1755.

It is possible to enter Latvia directly through the ports, airports or one of the neighbouring countries. The capital of Latvia is Riga, which has the largest seaport with passenger facilities, railway terminal and international airport in the Baltics. The Airport of Riga is situated about 7 km from the city. One can get there by taxi or by bus number 22. There are local airports suitable for small planes only in several other towns but regular domestic connections by air have not developed to date.

You can fly directly to Riga by some of the world's major airlines such as Lufthansa, SAS, British Airways, Finnair, LOT, CSA, Hamburg Airlines, Riair, or Air Baltic.

Since there is no direct flight from Hong Kong to Latvia, we can only get indirect flight. We can change our flight at London, Paris, Berlin or Vienna, etc.

If you prefer to suck in the sea air, there are direct ferries to Riga from Travemunde in Germany, Stockholm and Slite in Sweden, and Roomassaare on the Estonian island of Saaremaa.

There are hotels in Riga to satisfy every budget. Prices range from US$ 1,062 for Radisson SAS presidential suite to just 4 at "roach motels".

(names of hotels and rank of stars)

There are some 20 amber stalls behind St.Peter's church and even more private persons will hassle any tourist on his stroll through Old Riga to buy amber beats. We recommend 'amber free' souvenirs from our friend Aldis Tilens. The Australian born artist designs postcards, posters, mugs and T-shirts. He recently opened a shop where he also sells hand-made wool sweaters, hats and gloves:

Grecinieku 1 (entrance from Skarnu)

Open 09:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 18:00.

And also this:

Jauniela 17. Open 11:00 - 18:00.

The owner, Egons Steinboks, designed an amber necklace for Hillary Clinton, a Madonna for the Pope and an amber piece with Chinese flowers for the Chinese president. Here you can find the widest and most beautiful selection of amber.

The most reliable way is to obtain visa in advance from a Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country. Visa for one of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania) is valid for both other countries.

A passport valid for at least six months is required. No visa is required for travelers remaining up to 90 days in a one-year period.

Any traveler going to Russia, even in transit, is advised to obtain a Russian visa prior to entry into Latvia. The process of obtaining such a visa at the Russian Embassy in Riga can be lengthy, and involve surrender of the passport for an undetermined period of time. Travelers who plan to remain in Latvia for more than 90 days must apply in-country for temporary residence.

Citizens of the following countries do not need visa to enter Latvia for up to 90 days:

Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Island, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, UK, UNO, USA, Vatikan.

If you have obtained visa for entering Estonia or Lithuania, it is valid in Latvia also, if you are a citizen of one of the following countries:

Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Vatican city.

Citizens of the following countries can obtain visa without an invitation: