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Riga, Latvia

Safety

  • Riga is a very safe place. 

Safety in Riga, Latvia
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

  1. Although I did not personally experience this, pick pocketing is known to occur in Riga. Be aware of your belongings at all times in public places. Do not leave your things unattended, as your stuff can “grow legs”. Don’t use electronics or other expensive belongings exessively in public. Be discrete if you must use devices in public.

Ministry Summary

  • Street type evangelism, youth events, and Sunday services.
  • Riga is a lot like America, so it really helps discipline one to be unashamed of the gospel in a culture and spiritual atmosphere that is a lot like home.

Ministry Summary in Riga, Latvia
Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?

People’s Opinions

  1. Comment

Lodging

  • Contacts arranged apartments for us; nice with one toilet, one hot shower, a complete kitchen, two big bedrooms, and a living room.
  • Cost: 6.50 USD pp/pn.

Lodging in Riga, Latvia
Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.

People’s Opinions

  1. Hostel – Cinnamon Sally’s (www.cinnamonsally.com)Contrally located in Riga across the street from Origo (Central Station) above the McDonalds. Lodging around 10 Euros pp pd (~$13USD). Complimentary waffles for breakfast. Friendly staff. Clean beds, kitchen, 2 toilets, 2 bath sinks, 4 showers, washer, ironing board, free wi-fi.
  2. Hostels are generally “expensive” and can cost upwards of 10-12 Euros per person, per day. It is usually not in a team’s budget to do this for extended periods of time.

Food / Meals

  • Meals were team prepared.
  • Great supermarket called Rimi just a 10 minute walk away.
  • $5 USD pppd.

Food / Meals in Riga, Latvia
What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).

People’s Opinions

  1. We ate from the super markets because it was significantly cheaper than eating out. The whole team of 6 ate breakfast for under 6e, lunch for under 6e, and dinner for under 12e. We used Rimi, but there are many other options of stores all over the city. We recommend you bring your own bag to the store because they have started charging for bags to carry your things in.Kimberlite also HIGHLY recommends trying the small yogurt squares from the markets. They are super cheap and quite tasty. #weightgain

Transportation

  • We flew in to Latvia from Kenya. Contacts sometimes had a van, but if not then the local tram system was used.
  • Transportation costs: $1USD/pp.

Transportation in Riga, Latvia
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

  1. Tram cost 1.40e on if you buy the ticket on the tram and 1.15e in Narvesen store.Bus ticket from Riga to Liepaja with a bag to store under the bust cost 10.26e per person.

Medical

  • Local Hospital:
  • Riga, Rīgas pilsēta
  • Latvia
  • +3716753 6091

Medical in Riga, Latvia
Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).

People’s Opinions

  1. Polyclinic ARS was a nice facility. Doctors speak English. Cost $35e copay.
  2. Clinics are available and usually there is one close to your location. Expect to pay in the ballpark of 20-50 Euros for an appointment. Prescription medications are extra, if applicable. It is a good idea to have a Latvian with you to help with translating, if you can. Some doctors will speak English, but it just depends.

Communication

  • Cell reception was fine.
  • Services: Tele2 for sim cards. It was a bit pricey but it lasted a while.
  • Internet is everywhere in Latvia.

Communication in Riga, Latvia
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

  1. Lmt for sim cards cost 3.00e each for two weeks of service. We renewed half way through. Country code +371Internet is easy to find.
  2. You can get LMT Internet-only SIM cards (for tablet or smartphone) with 50Gb of data, lasting 7 days for less than 6 Euro. In my experience, download speeds are 6-7Mb/s. This is practically unlimited internet for less than $10USD a week. Most places in Riga have free wi-fi, but in the case of my team, we were moving around a lot (Unsung Heroes) and having a mobile hotspot is nice. Just be careful to not let it distract you from God and ministry.

Financial

Financial in Riga, Latvia
Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.

People’s Opinions

  1. Swedbank was the cheapest fee we could find.

Translators

Translators in Riga, Latvia
List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken

People’s Opinions

  1. In our experience, most churches we went to would have and friendly person willing to translate whatever the speaker is saying in loose English. Most translators like the practice. When you are out in public, younger people generally know English more than older generations. When approaching people, politely ask for English before rambling something off.

Off Days / Fun Activities

  • Sigulada, Latvia is a cool place.
  • There are alpine slides which is inexpensive. There are also some old cool castles and caves to explore. 
  • Riga itself is also a really cool city filled with adventures; bike rentals for a day and ride around Riga. 

Off Days / Fun Activities in Riga, Latvia
What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?

People’s Opinions

  1. Old Riga has lots of English guidesCastlesManorsLithuania is cheap to travel toLocals were quick to tour us around.

Other Important Contacts

Other Important Contacts in Riga, Latvia
Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions

People’s Opinions

  1. Methodist Church of Riga.

Tips

People’s Opinions

  1. Comment

Additional Info

Additional Info in Riga, Latvia
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?

People’s Opinions

  1. If you have dreads and you need your hair maintenanced I found a really awesome guy to do them. My teammate and I also got to witness to him and his girlfriend, although they didn’t make a decision for Christ we could see Him softening their hearts to Him.His name is Mattis and his phone number is 27578365. At the time I went to him, he would do maintenance in his flat which is located at Valdemara 40, City Center, Riga, Latvia. If you know where St. Gertrude’s Lutheran Church is, it is very close to there.I am also friends with him on Facebook. His Facebook name is Matt Livmanis. He has been doing dreads for over 10 years and even used to have them himself. His service was GREAT and I paid 40 euros. I tipped him, so if you do get your dreads worked on, I would also tip him and remember to show him who Christ is!The picture is of him, my teammate, and his girlfriend, and I.
    Dread Maintenance Friend