On this and the connecting pages we endeavor to present information, tips and recommendations to make your trip and stay in Lithuania an enjoyable experience. Tips and recommendations are based on personal experience of our American staff during their visits to Lithuania. All travel associated ads for services appearing on these pages are thoroughly checked out and recommended by our Lithuanian associates.
GENERAL
There are two English language publications that we highly recommend for those intending to travel to Lithuania or just interested in Lithuania. "Lithuania - an outline" is a comprehensive book containing much general information about Lithuania, including its history, govermment, culture and major cities. The other publication is a bimonthly magazine "Lithuania in the World, published for the Lithuanian Airlines: Both publications are available from its publishers Akreta UAB, T.Vrublevskio g. 6, 2600 Vilnius, Lithuania. (E-mail: lw@agvila.lt). Yearly subscription for the magazine is $48.00 (US).
When traveling in Lithuania, you might as well leave your American Express card at home. It is generally not accepted by most establishments. However, Visa and MasterCard are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and gas stations. Tip: As the establishments often experience problems with their authorization links, always double check if payment by credit card is accepted prior to ordering or purchasing, or carry adequate amount in Litas to cover the bill.
Dollars can be changed freely into Litas at any banking facility, which can be found in just about every town in the country. In 2002-3 the exchange rate has dropped from the previous 4 Litas to a Dollar to only about 3 Litas. Tip: As all transactions in Lithuania have to be made in Litas, travel checks in Dollars or Dollars themselves can not be used legally to pay for purchases or services, carry adequate amount in Litas to cover your overnight , or weekend needs Note: Taxi drivers at Vilnius airport will take payment in dollars. Fare to downtown hotels is about $10-12.
The crime rate in Lithuania is rather high so it advisable not to carry and especially flash large amounts of money. In daytime it is generally safe to wander about the cities and countryside, but at night one should take same precautions as you would take in certain sections of New York, Washington, or other U.S. cities. At night, do not take any available taxi. Have your hotel or restaurant call a cab company to send one for you. Tip: If you are planning to stay in the country for a prolonged period of time, or are a frequent visitor, consider opening a Dollar account with Vilnius bank. The bank has branches throughout Lithuania where you can readily withdraw funds as needed by providing your account number and your passport.
There are a number of car rental agencies operating in Lithuania. Rentals rates are $30 per day and up. You can also rent chauffeur a driven car for another $20. If your time in the country is limited, sightseeing by car may be the best option. Roads are generally good and the country is small. Any place in the country, especially if staying in Kaunas, is no more than a day-trip away. U.S driver licenses are valid. Tip: Watch the speed limits and especially for sudden changes in posted limits. The police are equipped with radar guns and set up speed-traps in unsuspected locations. Fines are high and payable on the spot. .
Average monthly air temperature in Vilnius (Suburbs)
Tired of Palanga? Relax in Sventoji !
Only short drive away North of Palanga is the seaside town of Sventoji. There you can relax on the beach among the dunes in a much quieter and less crowded environment. The accommodations there may be not as luxurious, but much more affordable. In the evening enjoy the friendly and entertaining atmosphere of "Parseliu Rojus" ("Piglet Heaven"). or an outstanding meal and wine at the "Akmene", a wine cellar next door.
While vacationing at the seashore take time to explore the unspoiled Semogitian countryside.
About a half an hour away from Palanga. or Sventoji is a small town of Skuodas. By taking time to drive to Skuodas and exploring it's environs you will gain a better knowledge of Lithuania's countryside, country life and lifestyle. Recommend taking the road from Sventoji. It is the scenic road through the coastal forest and the plains. Approaching town of Darbenai on the left hand side of the road you'll pass one of the very few remaining old windmills.
Plan to spend a day or more exploring Skuodas, it's parks, museum, churches and the surrounding area. A visit to nearby (10 km) town of Mosedis and its stone museum is a must. Hotel "Apuole" (tel.#8-440-73229) in Skuodas has adequate accommodations with individual bathrooms and hot water from 26 to 90 litas for one night. In addition to an excellent cafe and bar in the hotel, there are couple of other restaurants in town serving mainly local cuisine..
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