Page 370 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

368 SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health problem, but visitors should take
care of wallets and handbags.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are generally safe countries, with In Rīga, avoid using the
relatively rare instances of theft and mugging. However, tunnels around Central Station
visitors should remain vigilant in the capitals, particu larly in at night; use the traffic light
and around the Old Towns. Generally, Tallinn, Rīga and Vilnius crossings instead. It is also a
good idea to avoid using
are far safer than many other Western capitals, although the ATMs in quiet spots at night.
same precautions should be exercised as in any other major Also, never carry large
city in the world. The quality of medical care is improving and amounts of cash around with
is mostly level with that of Western European countries. you while visiting popular
Pharmacies in bigger cities are open all day and all three tourist destinations.
countries provide free emergency care.
Personal Safety
As you would do anywhere,
limited powers of arrest. In an using common sense is the best
emer gency, it is best to call the way to ensure your personal
state police. safety. Never accept drinks from
In Lithuania, the policija (police) strangers, no matter how affable
uniform consists of a dark green they might seem, and never
jacket and trousers, black boots accept invitations from people
and a cap. They drive white cars to go with them to another bar
with a green stripe along the side or nightclub. Be vigilant and
and “police” written in large avoid disreputable-looking
letters across the car’s bonnet. clubs, as a number of scams can
happen in such places. It is
advisable to carry a mobile
General Precautions
phone, with a record of all
Although the vast majority emergency numbers.
of visitors to the Baltic States do Avoid drinking excessively.
Busy western end of Basanavičiaus Street in not have any problems with There are a handful of thugs in
Palanga, Lithuania theft, it always helps to take each of the Baltic capitals who
some basic precautions to make a point of preying on
Police
safeguard valuables. Car theft inebriated foreigners as they
The Estonian politsei (police) remains a persistent problem in stumble out of bars in the early
usually wear a dark blue jacket all three Baltic States, so park in hours and head back to their
and trousers, black boots and a central and well-lit areas, and hotels, although they normally
baseball-like cap. They drive keep expensive objects hidden target solitary people. Also,
white cars with a blue stripe and from view. Using a guarded refrain from ostentatious
the word politsei written on the parking lot is safer still. behaviour, such as carrying
side doors and bonnet. In Pickpocketing is a minor luxury items.
Tallinn, the police have a
significant street presence,
especially in the Old Town,
during summer. The muni cipal
police force wear dark green
uniforms and have limited
powers. Therefore, the state
police should be contacted to
report a crime.
In Latvia, the policija (police)
wear dark blue uniforms Estonian police car
consisting of a suit-like jacket
with epaulets and a maroon tie,
although when on patrol they
mostly wear dark blue overalls
with a luminous yellow vest and
a broad cap. The Latvian police
drive white cars with a grey
stripe along the side. The Rīga
municipal police usually wear
all-black uniforms and patrol the
Old Town, although they have Latvian police car