Manners in Latvia

Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country

Europe / Eastern Europe

Greetings

  • Handshake
  • Hug (among close friends)
  • Sveiki! (Hello)

Etiquette

  • Thoroughly wipe mud off coats and shoes when entering indoors
  • Punctuality is valued, arriving 5 minutes early is preferable
  • Odd numbers of flowers are preferred over even numbers for gifts
  • Many households require removing shoes when visiting homes
  • Be quiet and relaxed in saunas (pirts) as etiquette
  • "Make eye contact and say "Prozit" when toasting"
  • Offering seats to elderly on public transport is common
  • Attempting to greet in Latvian creates a favorable impression
  • Keeping hats on indoors is considered rude
  • Avoid bringing up politics or ethnic issues in conversations

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