Timetable

Administrations open from 9am to 5pm, or even 6pm. Numerous cash dispensers and exchange offices, sometimes open 24 hours a day. Stores are open Monday to Friday, generally from 10am to 7pm, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, sometimes also on Sundays. Some grocery stores and pharmacies are open 24 hours a day. Supermarkets are open from 8am to 10pm, or even midnight, throughout the week, and some are open 24 hours a day.

Budget & Tips

For amber, we prefer, if we can, the Neringa peninsula in Lithuania, where it is abundantly harvested. If you can, avoid buying it in Estonia.
Credit cards are widely accepted in the capital cities, but don't forget to bring cash for the countryside.

Sales

In Estonia, there are no regulated sales periods, usually halfway through and/or at the end of the season.

In Latvia, the same applies.

In Lithuania, summer sales are generally held throughout July, and winter sales in January, but can be extended to the end of the season.

What's very local

Lithuania. There are two major Lithuanian retail chains, Maxima and Iki (hypermarket version, Iki Express for convenience stores). Maxima is undoubtedly the country's most popular retail brand. Iki was the first supermarket chain to enter the Lithuanian market.

Latvia. The Rimi group (of Swedish origin) is based in Riga. You'll find its hypermarkets, supermarkets and mini-markets all over the Baltic States, but especially in Latvia and Estonia.

Tourist traps

To find out whether you're being sold real or fake amber (plastic or resin), it's easy: wave the flame of a lighter under the piece, then wipe it clean. There's no trace left, and amber cools very quickly. The plastic or resin will be marked and remain hot. Ask for the certificate of authenticity.