Taxi fries in latvia by car. TAX FREE in Latvia

For many travelers, the term Tax Free is associated with the possibility of shopping while traveling in a free economic zone, usually in shops at the border or at the airport. But in fact, if you are not a permanent resident of the EU, then when shopping in a number of stores in the Baltic countries, you are entitled to a VAT refund. In the Baltics, many stores work with the well-known Global Blue Tax Free system.
How to use it for you:
1) Look for the Global Blue TAX FREE Shopping logo on store windows or ask sellers about the service.

When purchasing the product you need, do not forget to ask the store employee to issue you a TAX FREE FORM. You need to enter your personal data in the document. Fill in the required fields in capital letters of the Latin alphabet. The goods must be exported by the person indicated in the TAX FREE form.

3) Allow enough time for the tax refund process before your flight at the airport.
Before checking in for your flight, go to the customs desk with your completed Tax Free Form, passport, checks and purchases in order to have your receipt stamped. Make sure all items have price tags and tags. Do not put your purchases in your luggage, as you will need to show them to the customs officer. The customs officer will stamp your Tax Free forms, after which the purchases can be checked in. The tax refund will be made after passport control in the international departure hall at the Global Blue Tax Free refund points.


When leaving the country by train, a representative of the Latvian customs passing through the carriages will put a stamp on your Tax Free forms. Prepare your passport, checks and sealed purchases to present to the customs officer. Upon arrival in your country of residence, please contact the nearest payout point to receive your tax refund.
When leaving the country by car, contact the representative of the Latvian customs at the border point to have your Tax Free forms stamped. It is also necessary to prepare a passport, checks and sealed purchases for presentation to the customs officer. Upon arrival in your country of residence, please contact the nearest payout point to receive your tax refund.

It is also possible to mail your completed receipt stamped in a special Global Blue envelope and receive a tax refund on your credit card.

The minimum purchase amount in one store for issuing a check is 30.25 Ls. If you make small purchases in different departments of the same store, you can get a check for the total amount of such purchases. Using the TAX FREE Shopping service, you can return up to 15% of total cost purchases.

There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency into the country. If the imported amount exceeds 10,000 €, it must be declared.

Import to Latvia

Tourists over 17 years old are allowed to bring:

• 1 liter of strong alcohol (more than 22%)
• 2 liters of liquor, wine or beer
• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 gr. tobacco

It is forbidden to import:

• Meat and meat products (lard, canned food, sausages, etc.)
• Milk and dairy products
• Animal feed containing meat or milk

Export from Latvia

The customs of Latvia restricts the export of:

• Amber (raw material)
• Artwork over 50 years old

Importing pets into Latvia

If you plan to take a pet on a trip, you need to remember that you need to issue an international animal passport, which must contain marks on vaccination against rabies and other vaccinations.

You can get the necessary advice and prepare a document at any major veterinary clinic.

Taxi-free in Latvia

You can save about 18% of the money spent on tax refunds for goods purchased in Latvia.

In order to file a tax refund without haste, it is better to have two hours before departure and follow simple rules:

• Make a purchase in the amount of 44 € or more in stores that support the Tax Free system (usually this is indicated by logos at the entrance to the store, check with the seller).
• Get a tax-free check at the store. Please note that cash receipt is not a tax-free check. Both receipts will be required to process the return.
• Fill in the required fields in the tax-free check in Latin letters. In some cases, the seller can do it himself, for this you need to present a passport.
• Put a stamp on the tax-free check at customs. To do this, you need to have with you the goods, a completed tax-free check, a cash receipt and a passport. The packaging of the product must not be damaged.
• Present a stamped receipt, passport and credit card (if the purchase was paid by card) at the Global Blue or CITYrefund point.

Tax Free registration points can be found on the map of Riga Airport or at the information desk.

Return in Russia Money can be issued through banks that service Tax Free checks in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. List of banks and addresses.

Also, checks can be sent by mail to the address of the company, in this case, crediting money to a credit card can take 40-60 days.

The stamp on the tax-free check must be stamped by the customs office of the airport through which you leave the European Union. This must be done within three months from the date of purchase. Refunds can be made within six months.

Latvia is part of the Schengen area and is the closest country to us. That is why the flow of tourists through it is significant. However, in Latvia itself there is something to buy as part of inexpensive shopping.

There are no problems with currency exchange in Latvia. Russian money is accepted without restrictions at any exchange office. These points are called here "Valutas Maina". They are available in all places where a tourist can get: in hotels, in the station building, at the post office, in many large shopping centers and shops.
Banks are open all days except Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm, on Saturday - until 1 pm. Exchange offices are open until 7 pm. MasterCard and Visa credit cards circulate freely in banks, traveler's checks are accepted.

How shops and malls work

There is a large category of 24-hour grocery stores in Latvia, but we must remember that alcoholic products after 22 hours you will not be sold.
IN weekdays the bulk of grocery stores are open until 22 or 23 hours, starting at 8 am. Many generally work until midnight. On weekends and holidays, their work time becomes shorter, but markets are connected. And in Riga it is just customary to buy provisions in the markets.

Large shopping centers operate from 10 am to 10 pm, and industrial goods stores - until 20 pm. Many people go to Latvia to buy amber products. Souvenirs with amber are sold almost everywhere. There are few shops where amber is not for sale. Apparently, in order to get rid of the annoying question, they identify themselves with signs with a short upsetting inscription: “Amber free”.

Duty free shopping in EU airports

Citizens of EU countries do not have the privilege to use duty free shops. This right is granted only to citizens of non-EU countries when they visit countries that are members of the European Union.
When you arrive in a European country from a non-EU country, you will find Travel shops at the airport, that is, “Shops for Travelers”. Items are sold here at discounted prices. These shops are marked with the appropriate signs, on which there is an inscription: "travel value shopping". It means "good buys for travelers". There are such shops in all EU airports, and in Latvia too.

In shops for passengers arriving in the EU, taxes are levied, unlike duty free shops, where you can boil while departing from an EU country for your homeland. It is important to understand the situation correctly and not to confuse the righteous with the sinful. But after the first trip, everything becomes clear.

If any stores within the country advertise their goods as tax-exempt, then this is probably just a one-time promotion or discount. However, tourists are not interested in such financial nuances, the main thing is that there is a discount. Duty free Latvia
It is not necessary to fly to Latvia by plane, because there is a convenient railway connection. However, many choose to fly in order to have the opportunity to visit the store " duty free". These are great shops that have had no duties and taxes because they are considered to be located in no man's land - neutral.

The largest state taxes are levied on tobacco and alcohol products, therefore, if these taxes are canceled, then the price of such products will be reduced by half at once. Hence the demand for cigarettes, wine and whiskey in duty free shops. Also, significant savings are obtained if you buy perfumes and cosmetics, souvenirs and children's toys in these stores. There are also clothes of branded European brands on sale in duty free stores.
In order to be allowed into the duty free shop, you must present your boarding pass for the plane along with your passport.

You can get to Latvia through one of the airports:
– Riga International Airport;
— Air Baltic;
– Liepaja airport;
— Ventspils airport.

Each of them has own store duty free Tax free in Latvia
It is, however, possible to buy goods in an EU country without value added tax (VAT). In this case, the buyer pays the full price in the store, including tax, and then, leaving the country, receives a tax refund in the amount of VAT or slightly less.

Russia is not a member of the EU, therefore its citizens, traveling within the EU countries, are entitled to a VAT refund. In order for this right to be exercised, a number of conditions must be met.

1. The store where the purchase was made must be covered by the tax free system. In Latvia, such stores have a sign with the name of the company responsible for this - "Global Blue Tax Free Shopping". If there is no plate, check with the seller.
You can buy goods in a store that is not covered by the tax free system, you cannot only get a refund for such a purchase. In any case, in Riga, Jurmala and other cities there are more than 800 tax free shops.

2. When making a purchase, make sure that a special “tax free” receipt is issued based on your passport. Information from the passport is transferred to the check, it must be verified. With a minimum discrepancy, the check will cease to be valid.

3. The purchase price, which entitles you to a VAT refund, must be at least 52 dollars, or 30.26 lats. If you bought in one store for small amounts miscellaneous goods, then the “tax free” check is issued for the amount of purchases, common for all goods purchased in this store. It should exceed the lower limit of $52 in value.
If you bought some goods in a shopping center, and even visited a hairdresser and a restaurant, then you won’t be able to add the amount for these services to the general check - services are not subject to tax free.

4. Having received packaged purchases in the store, in addition to the “tax free” check, put off the fitting until you get home. If you break the packaging, you will not receive a refund. You can open the package even at the airport, after you pass customs control, where you will check both the check and the integrity of the package. As soon as the customs officers put the stamp, you can unpack. But for this you need to go beyond the borders of the EU.

5. On point customs control you must present your passport, receipts and purchases. Keep in mind that all personal details on checks must match those on your passport. If the check is issued in another name, it will not be returned to your passport. Only on the one for which it is designed.

6. Refunds can be received either directly to a bank account, or to a card, or in cash. It is accepted that at the airport you will receive cash in the amount of 16% of the purchase price.
If for some reason you did not do this, then there is an opportunity to receive this amount, also in cash, at special points on the territory of Russia - in Moscow, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg. For details, please visit global-blue.com.

A set of basic rules for the safe receipt of compensation:
– purchases must leave the EU no later than 3 months after the date of purchase; if this period passes, you will not be able to receive a VAT refund;
- while you are in the EU, purchases are not supposed to be unpacked and you cannot use them;
- the validity of the tax free check is 6 months from the date of purchase of the goods; if during this time it is not cashed out, you will no longer be able to receive a VAT refund;
- the presence of a customs stamp of the country from whose territory you are leaving for your homeland is mandatory.

If you are a permanent resident outside the European Union, you have the option to claim a VAT refund. At the same time, up to 17% of the total purchase price can be returned.

VAT refund steps

• At the very beginning, you need to find stores with a Tax free shopping sticker on their windows. The possibility of providing this service should be checked with the sellers.
• The total purchase amount should be from 43 euros. Keep in mind that making small purchases in various departments of the same shopping center allows you to receive a check for the total amount, as a result of which a VAT refund becomes possible. Tax free does not apply to services.
• The seller of the store needs to present a passport in order to receive a special check and issue it. The document will need to enter relevant personal data, avoiding any typos, errors.
• Store employees will pack and seal the purchased goods. The package must not be opened before passing the border and receiving a mark.
• At customs, when leaving the EU, you must present a receipt, passport and packed, sealed goods. As a result, a customs export mark will be placed.
• Without obtaining a customs mark, it will not be possible to return VAT. In this case, the receipt procedure can only be completed if the goods are exported by the person indicated on the check.
• You have the opportunity to choose the best way to return the funds: cash, bank check, transfer to a credit card.

What rules to follow

When using the tax free system in Latvia, you need to remember a few rules:

• Purchases must be taken out of the European Union within three months after they were made.
• You need to get a customs stamp not in Latvia, but in the last country of the European Union where you will visit.
• The check can be used for one year, during which it must be cashed or sent by mail.

Compliance with these rules and understanding the specifics of the procedure will ensure that the VAT refund will take place, and you will be able to appreciate all the advantages of this system. Giving preference to shopping in Latvia, you will be able to appreciate the diversity of the offered assortment and the perfect quality of all goods.

Since Latvia joined the European Union, shopping here has become very attractive for Russian tourists. Many travel agencies organize special shopping tours linked in time to promotions of discounts and sales, the practice of which, like European trade, has been actively introduced by large and small trading enterprises in Latvia.

Discounts and sales in Riga

In addition to the fact that the clothes of world-famous brands in Riga are almost 2 times cheaper than in similar boutiques in Moscow, traditional sales are held annually in the capital of Latvia, called pārdošana. Discounts in this city are a common thing, so shopping in Riga is rich in tempting offers and mega sales. To shop well and profitably in Latvia, remember just 2 words, and look for these inscriptions on shop windows: “Atlaides” (discounts) and “Izpardosana” (sales).

Of course, the stores of the Latvian capital cannot boast of such generosity in cheap clothes as trade enterprises Europe that produce these things. And the prices in Riga are not the lowest among the EU countries. However, the prices of Moscow stores, fortunately, are very far away. In addition, when buying goods in stores in Riga, the buyer can be sure of the excellent quality of both things and service, which has always been of a high level. It's also nice that the shop assistants, helping and advising you in choosing, will speak Russian with you.

Large sales in Riga shopping centers and stores take place twice a year - approximately in the middle of the winter and summer seasons. Winter discounts begin to operate after the New Year holidays, around mid-January. Many department stores and stores, such as Stockmann, start a sale as early as the beginning of January, others in the middle. lasts seasonal discounts on average up to 1.5 months.

Summer sales in Riga start after the Ligo holiday in June/beginning of July. If in European shopping centers almost all goods are subject to a single markdown, then in Riga most trade establishments make a rather flexible system of discounts for each specific group of things. Thus, when you get to the sale, for example, of clothes or shoes, you can save 50-70% of the original purchase price.

Some popular shopping centers, in addition to the standard seasonal sales, also arrange their own special promotions. So, shopping center Spice organizes a shopping shopping festival that takes place twice a year. During this event, all boutiques and trade departments This center sells goods discounted up to 70%. The Trade Festival takes place in autumn (early November) and summer (early June). It is by this time that lovers of shop tours are trying to tie their trip to Latvia.

Huge discounts, up to 90%, are offered by the Domina shopping center, where a special Bazar promotion is organized for buyers. This sale runs in February and August. Such big discounts, when the goods are given away for only 10% of the cost, are very rare for Riga, therefore, on the days of the sale in Domina, the center is full of buyers - both locals and visitors.

Stockmann also hosts sales twice a year called Trakas dienas (Crazy Days) that last for four days. This shopping center organizes discounts in October and April. Each of the four days there are new discounts on different products.

The shops

Shops of Old Riga: st. Valnya

If you like walking around Old Riga, go shopping on Valnu street (Valnu iela). Walking from the Powder Tower to the Hotel De Rome, you will come across a whole bunch of branded clothing stores, shoes and jewelry: A huge number of luxury boutiques will not leave indifferent lovers of world famous brands: Frey Wille, Carrusele Mode, Escada and many others. Basteja Passaza lane, which is also the center of fashion stores, is adjacent to Valnu Street. well-known firms.

Shops on the street. Terbatas in Riga

The Riga authorities intend to make this street a pedestrian shopping area. A variety of clothing stores, shoes, other goods, as well as restaurants and cafes in huge number focused on Terbatas. By the way, prices in Riga are very diverse, for every budget. Goods from very expensive to quite cheap are sold by boutiques representing the brands Hugo Boss, Gerry Weber, a large Zara store, consisting of 2 floors, as well as whole line shoe stores various manufacturers.

Shops on the street. Crown Baron in Riga

This is one of the most attractive streets in Riga. A huge number of clothing and footwear stores are spread along it - mostly inexpensive democratic brands, although there are also more elite ones: Max Mara, Brundston and others. Here you can also visit the conceptual bohemian gallery-boutique Istaba, where exhibitions of designers and artists are held, in addition, hand-made jewelry, bijouterie, accessories, art history books and fashion magazines are also sold here.

Shops on the street. Elizabetes in Riga

This street stretches from Marijas to Kr. Valdemar. There are shops of famous world brands: Mont Blanc, Armani and others. The Reval-Hotel-Latvia has a shopping arcade with clothing and footwear departments, Gastronome gourmet delicacies, an interior goods store, etc.

Berga Bazaar stores in Riga

This is a famous shopping district, which is a city within a city. Berga Bazars is a cozy, quiet place, with its own charm, forming architectural ensemble built in the late 19th - early 20th century. Within this quarter, many different shops and boutiques were combined, mixed with residential buildings and other buildings. Here are collected clothing boutiques, furniture stores, restaurants, cafes for every taste - from a French bakery to a fashionable Gourmet restaurant. A couple of times a month, fairs of eco-products are held here, which attract the peasants of Latvia, demonstrating organically grown vegetables, fruits, etc.
This "trading city" is located at Elizabetes 83/85.

Shops on the street. A. Chaka in Riga

This street is in the past the local "red light district". But today it is a great place for leisurely walks and, of course, for shopping. Along the street is full of numerous shops - shops of democratic clothing brands, branded boutiques, old antiques, beautiful fabrics, etc.

Shopping at the Riga Central Market

The Central Market of Riga, located at Negyu Street 7, is one of the places without which shopping in Riga is unthinkable and which a visitor should definitely visit. And this is quite justified, because this is one of the largest and oldest markets in Europe. So there really is something to buy and something to see. In addition to long food stalls with fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts and spices, huge pavilions attract attention: meat, dairy, fish, bread and vegetables. In the fish department you can see a huge selection of Latvian river and sea fish. A popular Latvian delicacy - smoked fish - is sold here at quite loyal prices, which Russian tourist may even seem low.

Be vigilant, the underground passage connecting the bus station and Old Riga, as well as markets and bazaars, was chosen by scammers and gypsies who trade in theft. Close bags and do not leave valuables in easily accessible places.

Shopping at the Riga Vidzeme Market

A very interesting place in terms of shopping is the Vidzeme market, or, as it is called by the people, Matveychik. Even before the war, this market passed into the ownership of the city from one of the local wealthy merchants, with the condition of protecting it as a commercial historical object. Since then, the market has already managed to become legendary - for almost a hundred years, family dynasties of sellers and buyers have been coming here. Trade here mainly peasants from nearby villages.

Tax Free in Riga. Value Added Tax Refund

When shopping in Riga, tourists have the opportunity to use the Tax Free system, which allows citizens who are not EU residents to refund VAT on purchased goods. Refunds are made upon departure from the country. Today, more than 1,200 different stores participate in the Tax Free system in Latvia, which can be easily recognized by the Tax Free sign on the door, in the window or at the checkout.

To return VAT, you should issue a special check upon presentation of your passport during purchases in the store. Then the check and the purchase must be presented at the customs when returning from Latvia. Tax Free money is returned to tourists both at the airport and at special points in their country.

At the same time, purchases must leave the EU within three months, and checks for Tax Free do not lose validity for another 6 months after the purchase.

The organization dealing with VAT refunds in Latvia is called Global Blue Latvia and is located in Riga at Pulkveza Brieza street 15 k2. Also in Latvia, you can get information about the Tax Free system by calling: +371 67212591, +371 67212590.

Prices for some goods and services in Riga

Latvia, although not the cheapest country in Europe, however, a trip here for tourism or shopping will not hit your budget. Today, travel agencies offer all kinds of tourist trips to Riga, as one of the cheapest and most interesting cities to visit.

According to a study by the British from the City Costs Barometer in the spring of 2011, Riga was the cheapest city to spend a weekend with the family.

Prices in restaurants and cafes in Riga:
Beer at the bar - ? 2.1 euros, in the supermarket - ? one;
A cup of coffee - ? 1.5;
Pizza - ? 6;
Bun - ? 0.70.

Prices for public transport in Riga and Jurmala:
Transfer to the city center from the airport – by public transport (in advance) – ? 0.70 per passenger or? 1 if pay directly to the driver.

A ticket purchased for a bus, trolleybus, tram is valid for 24 hours and does it cost? 2.7 per passenger. How much will it cost to travel by train from Riga to Jurmala (round-trip)? 2.60 per person.

And here are a few more possible "wastes" of your budget in the capital of Latvia:
– Can I rent a car, what will it cost? 40-50 for 1 day;
– thus it is necessary to pay for liter of gasoline about? 1.05;
Is it worth it to sit in an Internet cafe to send messages and photos to relatives? 1.7 for 1 hour spent online;
- if you are a supporter of traditional postal items, then your letter (or postcard) will go to Russia for? 0.75-1.5;
- Can I go to the cinema? 5 per person;
- Can I buy a familiar Big Mac at a McDonald's restaurant in Riga for? 2.3.