Lithuania Safety Tips: What Travelers Should Know

Is Lithuania safe to visit?

Lithuania is one of the safest countries in Europe, with low rates of violent crime. Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda are comfortable to explore on foot, and solo and female travelers generally report feeling secure, even at night in central areas. Still, like anywhere, a little awareness goes a long way.

Common scams and petty crime

The biggest risks are minor and easy to avoid:

• Taxi overcharging. Some drivers at the airport or near Vilnius Old Town inflate fares. Use apps like Bolt or eTaksi where the price is fixed in advance.
• Pickpocketing. Watch your phone and wallet in crowded spots: Gedimino Avenue, Halės Market, the Vilnius and Kaunas train and bus stations, and on busy buses.
• ATM skimming. Use machines inside banks (Swedbank, SEB, Luminor) rather than standalone street units.
• Bar overcharging. Avoid venues where touts invite you in from the street; confirm prices before ordering.
• Fake charity or petition clipboards near tourist sights can be a distraction for pickpocketing.

Areas to be careful

There are no genuinely dangerous neighborhoods for tourists. Use ordinary caution late at night around the bus and train station district in Vilnius (Stoties area) and Naujininkas. Beware of slippery cobblestones in the Old Town after rain, and take care near the Neris and Nemunas rivers, which run high and cold in spring.

Practical safety

• Drinking water from the tap is safe across Lithuania.
• Winters are harsh (often below -10C); dress in proper layers and watch for ice on pavements.
• Tick-borne encephalitis is a real risk in forests and grassland from spring to autumn; use repellent and check for ticks after hikes.
• Cross only at marked crossings. Drivers stop, but jaywalking can earn a fine.
• Carry some cash; small kiosks and rural spots may not take cards.

Emergency numbers

• 112 is the single emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire. Operators speak Lithuanian, English, and Russian.
• There is a 112 app that shares your location with dispatchers.
• Pharmacies (vaistinė) are widespread; look for Eurovaistinė or Gintarinė vaistinė, some open 24 hours in cities.

Stay connected in Lithuania

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can pull up maps, translate signs, book a Bolt taxi, and call 112 if needed without hunting for Wi-Fi or paying roaming fees.