Yunus.life | Personal blog

Riga Guide for International Students and Tourists

Hey there! I'm Yunus, a 22-year-old software engineer who recently relocated to Riga. If you're coming to Riga without a friend here, you might end up spending more than you need to. This guide will give you some hacks on how to save money on things like tickets, experiences, hotels, and even your phone plan. (By the way, all I get out of this are some referral bonuses – win-win!)

Arrival

Phone and Data:

If you have an iPhone with a SIM card slot, bring it with you! After border control, there's a small shop on your right that sells SIM cards for around €3.
Alternative: Download Airalo or Revolut for using eSIM packages if you don't want to buy a physical SIM card.

Transportation:

Taxi: For the most affordable taxi option, download the Bolt app before you arrive. Avoid airport taxis – they can charge up to €50 for a ride to the city center.
Bus: If you don't have much luggage and prefer a cheaper option, take the bus. You'll need a ticket, so put your new SIM card in and download the "Rigas Satiksme" app to buy one online. Consider a weekly pass, as it takes 5-7 days to get a student card. Bus #23 goes to the city center.

Maps:

In Europe, Google Maps is the most popular navigation app. If you're from Central Asia and it's not showing in your App Store, try changing your App Store region to your new Latvian phone number.

Money

Latvia uses the Euro (€). While Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank cards are widely accepted, it's still a good idea to have some cash on hand (around €20). There are ATMs at the airport, but they might charge fees.

Renting Apartments

Most people in Latvia use ss.lv and Facebook Marketplace for finding apartments. However, if you're just arriving, consider staying in a hostel for a week while you explore rental options. If you're a student, DuckRepublic is a popular student accommodation option.

Groceries

There are many grocery stores in Riga. Popular options include Rimi and Maxima. Rimi offers a cashback program through their app, so download it if you plan to shop there frequently. Keep in mind that you'll need a loyalty card to get discounts at most stores. If you live near the city center, consider checking out the local market – prices can be significantly lower than supermarkets.

Places to Visit in Your First Week

Old Riga: This historic area is a must-see. Explore the beautiful buildings and soak in the atmosphere.
University: If you're a student, head to your university and get settled in.
Latvian National Library: This impressive building is worth a visit for its architecture and views.
Central Market: Find anything from local produce to international foods at this bustling market.
- For Muslims: There's a good selection of halal meat available at the market.
Student Discounts: Once you have your student card, you can get a discounted monthly public transportation pass.

Day Trips

Jurmala Beach: Take a train for just €2 and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.
Sigulda: Explore this green and historic town. Visit castles, go hiking, or try some outdoor activities (all for around €40). There's also a great Uzbek restaurant in Sigulda if you're feeling nostalgic.

Documents

If you're not a citizen of an EU country, you'll need a residency card to stay in Latvia. Your university's international office will be able to help you with the application process. They'll provide you with a list of required documents. Once you've gathered everything, you can send them either by post (there are many post offices in Riga – use Google Maps to find the closest one) or through your university (depending on their preferred method). The central post office is located inside the Origo shopping center.

I hope this guide helps you have a smooth and enjoyable stay in Riga!