Lithuania Basic Guide For Business Travel

Time: Local time is GMT +2.

Electricity: European style two-pin sockets at 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Language: Lithuanian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken.

Health: The only health risks associated with visiting Lithuania are for those intending to visit forested areas, who are advised to have inoculations against rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Travellers are advised to obtain a Hepatitus A vaccine. EU citizens are entitled to emergency medical treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their country of origin. Medical facilities are fair and there are plenty of doctors, but equipment and resources are lacking. There are a few private clinics of high standard. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for services. Travel medical insurance is highly recommended.

Tipping: Tipping is not required as a matter of course, but is appreciated for exceptionally good service. Rounding up the bill to avoid accumulating small change is customary.

Safety: Lithuania is devoid of civil unrest and the terrorism threat is low. Car theft is rife, and there is a risk of mugging, pick-pocketing and bag snatching especially on public transport. Visitors should exercise due care and avoid carrying valuables. It is advisable to carry a copy of your passport for identification purposes. Traffic accidents are common, so extra vigilance is required for driving, especially at night.

Business: Business in Lithuania is usually conducted formally, though the younger generation is less conservative. Face-to-face meetings are key, with good eye contact and a firm handshake upon greeting. Business cards are usually exchanged and it is important to be punctual. Use titles and surnames, unless otherwise indicated. Suits and ties are the norm. Lithuanians are hospitable and friendly and any invitation should be accepted, as this is a good opportunity to forge better business relations and build trust. Meetings tend to start with some small talk and can sometimes end with a summary of the discussions, though decision making and results can be slow. Business hours are usually from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international dialling code for Lithuania is +370. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK) and the country has three-digit area codes. Vilnius has six different area codes: 521 and 523-527. Local calls can be dialled without the area codes. There are three major mobile GSM network service providers and connections are excellent. The Internet is well established in Lithuania and cities teem with Internet cafes. Small towns and villages have public Internet access points in libraries, post offices and tourist information centres.

Duty Free: Non-EU citizens entering Lithuania may bring in 1 litre of spirits over 22% alcohol content or 2 litres of spirits or apertifs or sparkling wines with less than 22% alcohol content and 2 litres table wine; 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco. Also permitted duty-free is 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette, and goods of up to 600 Lt per adult or 310 Lt for children under 15 years . Forbidden imports include plants, meat, milk and live birds.