Riga, Latvia
Moving to Riga, Latvia
Last updated on Apr 22, 2023
Summary: Riga, Latvia is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and affordable cost of living. The city is known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Additionally, Riga is a great place to explore the outdoors, with plenty of parks, forests, and beaches to explore. Before moving to Riga, it is important to know that the city is home to a large Russian-speaking population, so it is important to learn some basic Russian before arriving. Additionally, the city is known for its cold winters, so it is important to be prepared with warm clothing and a good heating system. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and customs, as well as the cost of living, before making the move.
What do I need to know before moving to Riga?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Riga, they said:
"Riga is the capital of Latvia and is a vibrant and diverse city. It is a great place to live for expats, with a low cost of living and a high quality of life. The city is well connected to the rest of Europe, with an international airport and excellent public transport. English is widely spoken in Riga, making it easy for expats to communicate. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of museums, galleries, and other attractions. The climate in Riga is temperate, with cold winters and warm summers. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Riga is lower than in many other European cities, so it is important to budget accordingly. Finally, expats should make sure to research the local laws and regulations before moving to Riga, as they may differ from those in their home country," said one expat who made the move to Riga.
How do I find a place to live in Riga?
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Riga?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Riga?
- Will I be able to find a job in Riga?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Riga appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Riga?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Riga accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Riga like?
- How are healthcare services in Riga?
- What are medical services in Riga like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Riga?
- What are emergency services like in Riga?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Riga?
- How are local medical facilities in Riga?
- As a foreigner living in Riga, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
