Lithuania
Last checked:
- Capital
- Vilnius
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Lithuanian
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Vilnius Old Town · Vilnius
One of Europe's largest baroque old towns, UNESCO-listed, with the Cathedral and Gate of Dawn.
- Trakai Island Castle · Trakai
Red-brick castle on a lake, an easy day trip from Vilnius.
- Curonian Spit · Nida
UNESCO-listed sand spit with high dunes, pine forest and fishing villages.
- Hill of Crosses · Near Šiauliai
Pilgrimage site covered with over 100,000 crosses.
- Kaunas · Kaunas
Interwar modernist architecture (UNESCO-listed), old town and museums.
Getting around
Public transport
Trafi / m.Ticket
Apps for Vilnius buses and trolleybuses. Trafi works in English with foreign cards; m.Ticket needs a local phone number (varies).
Ride-hailing app
Bolt
Cheap and widely used in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. Uber and eTAKSI also operate. Street taxis may charge about twice the app price.
Taxi
Licensed taxis
Order by app or phone and make sure the meter is on.
Trains
LTG Link trains
Reliable trains between Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda and Trakai; Vilnius-Kaunas takes about an hour.
Buses
Intercity buses (autobusubilietai.lt)
Buses reach most towns, including Nida via Klaipėda; buy tickets online.
E-scooters
Bolt scooters / CityBee
Shared e-scooters and bikes in Vilnius and Kaunas; CityBee also offers car sharing (varies).
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards and phone payments are standard in cities. Keep a little cash for rural areas, markets and small cafes. Always choose to pay in EUR.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but optional. Around 5-10% at restaurants for good service is common, and rounding up for taxis.
| Restaurants | 5-10% for good service; check first that a service charge is not already on the bill. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up or leave small change. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Rounding up or 0.50-1 EUR is customary but optional. |
| Hotels | Not expected. |
| Tours and guides | Optional; tip free walking tour guides. |
| Food delivery | Optional; can be added in the app. |
Service charge: what’s true
Some restaurants already include a service charge of about 5-10% on the bill (varies). If it is shown, no extra tip is needed.
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics. Check the bill for an included service charge before tipping.
Useful phrases
- Prašom sąskaitą. The bill, please.
- Ar galiu mokėti kortele? Can I pay by card?
- Ačiū, grąžos nereikia. Thank you, no change needed.
Etiquette
- Shake hands when meeting; Lithuanians can be reserved with strangers.
- Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
- Give flowers in odd numbers; even numbers are for funerals.
- Dress modestly in churches, especially the Gate of Dawn chapel.
- Drinking alcohol in public places is illegal and fined.
- Bargaining is not normal in shops.
Scams and how to handle them
Street taxi overcharging
Where: Vilnius airport, train and bus station, Old Town
How it works: Street taxis charge about double the app price or do not turn on the meter.
How to avoid it: Use Bolt, Uber or eTAKSI, or call a registered company and check that the meter is on.
Drink spiking
Where: Vilnius bars and clubs, events
How it works: Drinks are spiked to rob victims.
How to avoid it: Never leave drinks unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers.
Theft in bars and clubs
Where: Vilnius Old Town nightlife
How it works: Coats, bags and phones left on chairs are stolen.
How to avoid it: Keep belongings with you.
Pickpocketing
Where: Crowded areas, buses, trolleybuses, markets
How it works: Thieves target wallets and phones in crowds.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables zipped and in front.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: ATMs and card terminals
How it works: You are offered your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Always choose EUR.
Safety
- Lithuania is generally safe, but petty crime is common in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Avoid unlit streets at night and walking alone after drinking.
- Drink spiking has been reported in Vilnius.
- Use app taxis or registered companies with the meter on.
- For non-urgent medical advice call 113 (varies by source).
How widely English is spoken
Widely spoken by younger people and in tourist businesses; limited among older people. Russian and Polish are also spoken by some.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Lithuania, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Vilnius
- Wikivoyage: Lithuania
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.