Riga Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Riga.
Latvia funds public hospitals. Yet travelers usually pay upfront at private clinics. EU citizens flashing an EHIC or GHIC may pay less or nothing. But private care is faster.
Any hospital takes emergencies. For minor issues tourists pick ARS or Veselības centrs 4. Children go to the Children's Clinical University Hospital.
Look for aptieka signs. Pharmacies are everywhere. Common drugs elsewhere may need prescriptions here. Bring enough of your own.
No law demands insurance. Yet complete medical cover is strongly advised for private bills and evacuation.
- ✓ Carry your insurance details and policy number with you at all times.
- ✓ Pharmacists give solid advice for small ailments.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpockets and bag-snatchers favor distraction tricks.
Bars and clubs can overcharge, spike drinks, or spark fights.
Drunk driving persists despite strict laws.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Friendly strangers invite you for a drink. The bill arrives inflated. Intimidation follows.
Unlicensed cabs or long routes pump the meter.
One distracts, the other lifts your wallet.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Carry a passport copy. Lock the real thing away.
- • Stay alert at ATMs. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- • Public transport is generally safe. But keep your bag closed and in your lap.
- • Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.
- • Use a money belt or neck wallet for significant cash and spare cards.
- • Cards work almost everywhere. Keep some euros for markets.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women travel solo here without drama. Walk tall. Book licensed rides. Say Nē to creeps.
- → In bars or clubs, be mindful of your drink and consider going with a companion.
- → If you experience harassment, a firm 'no' (Nē - pronounced 'neh') is understood. Don't feel obliged to be polite.
- → Hotel staff know safe routes and honest taxis.
Check your government's latest legal advice before departure.
- → Discretion is advisable. While violence is rare, holding hands or kissing in public could attract unwanted attention. Stay alert. Skip grand gestures.
- → The few LGBTQ+ venues in Riga are considered safe spaces. But be mindful of your surroundings when entering or leaving. Check the street. Walk in pairs.
- → As it happens, attitudes can vary significantly, so gauging the social context of where you are is a good practice. Watch the room. Adjust quickly.
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Given the potential cost of private healthcare and the recommendation to use private clinics for non-emergencies, insurance is important. It also covers trip cancellation, lost baggage, and the activities you might do. Buy it. Read every clause.
Ready to plan your trip to Riga?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.