Some emergency services can also be reached directly by dialing:

• 110 for police
• 113 for ambulance
• 114 for gas emergencies

Police number for tourists: 67181818

24h hotline for blocking credit cards: 67092555

Safety in Riga

Latvia and its capital Riga are generally safe. A few things to remember:

Petty theft can be an issue, particularly in urban areas. Do not to leave valuable things in your car, at least not in a visible place. Also bicycle theft is common, even from locked stairways of apartment buildings.

Latvia has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in the EU: exercise caution when driving, cycling, and using pedestrian crossings.

If you are male and planning to go for a night out in Riga you should be aware of bar scams. The typical scam involves a stranger convincing you to come with them to a bar where, after having a drink or two, you are presented with a few hundred euro bill and prohibited to leave unless it is paid. Stay safe and only visit bar recommended by people you trust or check the online reviews beforehand.

Natural Precautions in Latvia

If you are visiting forest or brushwood areas, make sure to check your clothes and skin for ticks: they may carry tick-born encephalitis and, less commonly, Lyme disease. If you find a tick on your skin, you should contact a doctor.