How to Stay Safe in Latvia

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Traveling to Latvia is an exciting, rewarding experience if you are properly prepared, so don't let safety concerns ruin your trip. With some careful research and preparation, you can enjoy a safe, secure stay in this Baltic country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Day planner or wallet-size card with emergency phone numbers

Step 1

Write key information in your day planner or on a wallet-sized card to take with you for easy reference. Make sure you include important phone numbers and other contact information, like those of the local U.S. Embassy, your bank, credit card company or traveler's check provider and friends or relatives you might need to reach. Keep this information handy at all times so you can access it in case of an emergency. If you need to call Latvian police in the event of an emergency, dial 112 or 02.
Step 2

Keep your cash and credit cards securely in your pocket or in a purse slung over your shoulder and kept close to the body. While there is little violent crime in most of Latvia, petty street crimes like pickpocketing, identity theft and personal scams occur more often. Criminals have been caught scamming foreign tourists in bars and restaurants, so limit lengthy conversations with strangers during your stay.
Step 3

Report a lost or stolen passport to local police and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Keep an extra copy of your passport with you when you travel, as it will simplify the replacement process.
Step 4

Do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself when touring Latvia. According to Latvian police, attracting the attention of locals or flaunting valuables could compromise your safety.
Step 5

Keep track of your tab. If you visit a bar or nightclub, make sure you know how much you're paying for each drink. There have been isolated cases where Latvian tourists have received inflated bar tabs and were forced to pay exorbitant amounts for drinks they did not order. While this can happen anywhere, it is especially important to keep track of your money when you're using an unfamiliar currency.
Step 6

Take simple vehicle safety steps. Lock your automobile rental, and arm the alarm if the vehicle is equipped with one. Do not leave valuables in plain sight on your car seat, and park in guarded, secure lots when possible. Riga, Latvia's capital, has one of the highest incidents of auto theft in the world.
Step 7

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more Latvia-specific security information (see Resources below). The site is designed to help tourists prepare for safe travel by detailing road conditions, crime statistics and health facility information.
Step 8

Remember that, like the rest of Europe, Latvia could be at risk for a terrorist attack. Be observant of your surroundings, do not leave purses or bags unattended and report any suspicious behavior to authorities.

Comments

activetravellat said

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on 5/24/2009 Not to worry about Latvia. There are more secure than a dark night with us. I visited tours and no cheating from me www.activetravellatvia.com