James
@jaxxed
Canadian expat in Latvia
Forum posts
65
Contacts
6
About me
Canadian
Lives in Riga
Speaks English, French, very limited Latvian
Registration: 20 July 2012
Buying a car in Latvia by Kenjee
Hi, To be able to move in Latvia, a lot of expatriates think of buying a car, whether new or second-hand. What are the formalities to buy a vehicle in Latvia: car registration, insurance, etc.? What are the relevant authorities or ...
Here is the government approved OCTA site: https://www.octa.lv/ Read More
Buying a car in Latvia by Kenjee
Hi, To be able to move in Latvia, a lot of expatriates think of buying a car, whether new or second-hand. What are the formalities to buy a vehicle in Latvia: car registration, insurance, etc.? What are the relevant authorities or ...
When I bought my car, I bought it used off of ss.lv. After negotiation, all we did was go into the Dep. of Motor Vehicles together. 1. they checked to see if there were any tickets open on the car (he had a couple of parking tickets that he had to ... Read More
Anyone care to meet up (2012-10-22) for fast-food or a drink by jaxxed
Would anybody be interested meeting up this weekend? I finally have some downtime, and could use a little more English. Options: 1. Thai-Food at the little fast-food place (Kungu Iela, near St. Peter's)? 2. Beer and a card-game at a pub (there are ...
I just read my french message above and realized how bad my typing is. I really gotta check my posts before I submit them :P Read More
Anyone care to meet up (2012-10-22) for fast-food or a drink by jaxxed
Would anybody be interested meeting up this weekend? I finally have some downtime, and could use a little more English. Options: 1. Thai-Food at the little fast-food place (Kungu Iela, near St. Peter's)? 2. Beer and a card-game at a pub (there are ...
This weekend is the Rīga festival. It's yet another cultural festival here, where they shut down the streets, and have concerts and food everywhere. There is even an airshow, with a stunt competition. http://www.riga.com/riga-festival I'll ... Read More
Anyone care to meet up (2012-10-22) for fast-food or a drink by jaxxed
Would anybody be interested meeting up this weekend? I finally have some downtime, and could use a little more English. Options: 1. Thai-Food at the little fast-food place (Kungu Iela, near St. Peter's)? 2. Beer and a card-game at a pub (there are ...
Oui he parole franca is, et oui ca m'interese. I think that English is required on this forum. I will try for a new rendezvous again, but I am busy overt the next few weeks, so Septemberis more likely. Read More
hi all... I am wanting to move to Riga asap, can you help?
I would recommend that you start by looking at teaching English in Rīga. It's a good place to start, with a modest salary, that is generally in need. There is a company with a job posting in the jobs section of this ... Read More
Driver's license in Latvia
Your Chinese D.L. will probably not be equivalent to the E.U. license. If you moved to Latvia with an accepted Europeans Union driver's license, then it would allow you to legally drive here. If your foreign license is accepted, then you will be ... Read More
Is this salary enough to live in Riga? by Oni_zeta
Hi there I received a job proposal from an European Agency in Riga. The job seems interesting but I don't know if the salary will be enough to live there and pay my monthly flights (a couple of flights a month to and from Rome). My salary should ...
35% doesn't seem that bad to me. I pay about the same. As for being the only person around you who actually pays ... all of my colleagues and family pay, foreigners and citizens alike. Not sure where you work, but I take it they didn't take your ... Read More
Bank recommendations in Latvia by GuestPoster8274
Does anybody have any recommendations on opening an account in LV? Is there any advantage of going with one bank over another? Branch locations etc? Is one bank known for English speaking staff more than another? Thanks! Alex.
I got wrapped up my amateur economics theory that I ignored a few of your questions: - all of the major banks have office all over the place. - all of the major downtown offices have staff that speak English (at least well enough to handlle ... Read More
Bank recommendations in Latvia by GuestPoster8274
Does anybody have any recommendations on opening an account in LV? Is there any advantage of going with one bank over another? Branch locations etc? Is one bank known for English speaking staff more than another? Thanks! Alex.
Banking in LV is the standard European free market model. There are a small number of domestic banks, none if which is wholly Latvian. The domestic banks are secure for small volumes of currency (millionaires be concerned.) There has been some ... Read More
Moving to Riga in September by Sticky Vicky
Hi guys, I've just accepted a teaching job in Riga, and will be moving there in September. Any advice for a newbie? A friend and I will be there for a weekend at the beginning of June, too. Any bar/club/restaurant recommendations? Vicky x
I guess that really the options depend on your taste. I would skip the sushi joints, as they seemed to be just a passing fad (and I haven't had great sushi in the city.) There are lots of great restaurants, in different price ranges, and great ... Read More
Moving to Riga in September by Sticky Vicky
Hi guys, I've just accepted a teaching job in Riga, and will be moving there in September. Any advice for a newbie? A friend and I will be there for a weekend at the beginning of June, too. Any bar/club/restaurant recommendations? Vicky x
As the weather has been fantastic over the weekend, I have to recommend all of the downtown patios. Read More
Getting married in Latvia by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Latvia or who are about to get married in Latvia to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Latvia? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a mixed ...
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/pakalpojumi/uzturesanas.html Do your research. Not mentioned here is that you will of course need to find someone to marry. Read More
Getting married in Latvia by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Latvia or who are about to get married in Latvia to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Latvia? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a mixed ...
zaza, (I am not a citizen, nor an expert in immigration. Do your reasearch.) Moving to Latvia should be easier considering you have Latvian family; you're required apply for a VISA, but it should be ... Read More
Freelance Photographer moving to Riga 2013 by expatphotographer
Hello all!- I scoured this board and didn't see anything similar so am starting a new thread. My plan is to move to Riga by the end of the year, hopefully around Sept/Oct. I want to go and work but need to have a job offer extended to me to apply ...
Hey Boston, I have no idea how you're going to find straight photography jobs, although that I am sure that there are some here. Try this to start: http://www.cv.lv/darba-sludinajumi/q-fotogr%C4%81fiju/ If you have a media/marketing focus, then ... Read More
Visting Latvia
As luck would have it, there are two people on the site who also lived in Cyprus. I myself lived in Limassol for about 5 years as a youth. On this site there are more english speakers than Latvian speakers (but there are a few natives here.) ... Read More
Moving To Riga - Advice And Opinion by GuestPoster8274
Hi all. After replying to a couple of threads, I figured I should start one - makes more sense. My name's Alex and I'm a 29 year old Scotsman, with a plan to relocate to Riga in the next few months. My girlfriend is from Riga, and although she ...
I hear you. It's not the easiest thing to move to LV. It's such a mix of strong culture, and weak economic position, it's confusing at times. The good news is that business is speeding up, albeit not rocketing up. I was in a very similar position ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
Grafyte, I'm a Canadian, living in Rīga, marrying this August, and also a Web Developer (about 10 years experience.) If you'd like, I can meet up with you this weekend and talk about my experience here, and about the job market. James Read More
Getting married in Latvia by Armand
Hi all, We invite all the ones who got married in Latvia or who are about to get married in Latvia to participate in this thread :) What are the formalities to get married in Latvia? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a mixed ...
Marhaban Ayawmo, y Moubarak. There are a couple of good posts here and on another marriage thread that have all of the steps required to obtain a marriage license. If you make it to Rīga contact me. It would be my pleasure to take you for ... Read More
Working in Latvia
Hi Yana, I don't know much about your field, but I don't think that it will be easy for you to work here unless you can communicate in LV and RU. There are two reasons that I would say this: 1. Communication is an obvious req. In Your field; 2. ... Read More
Will be in Latvia for 11months! by LethalJ
Hello guys and girls. I'm a student from Ireland but I'm unsure of what career path to take so I've decided on doing volunteer work in Latvia(Cēsis). I don't speak Latvian except for the general phrases but I'll have a tutor over in Latvia for ...
About social life in Česis: It's not much that I am familiar with, but there is a decent amount of English there, especially with the youth and in the downtown restaurants. Once a year they have a good music festival with lot's of ... Read More
Will be in Latvia for 11months! by LethalJ
Hello guys and girls. I'm a student from Ireland but I'm unsure of what career path to take so I've decided on doing volunteer work in Latvia(Cēsis). I don't speak Latvian except for the general phrases but I'll have a tutor over in Latvia for ...
Hey Justin, I'm not in Česis, rather in Rīga, but Česis is pretty cool. I can't confirm, but it is rare for any decent sized town to not have a gym. Česis has a pretty strong outdoor sports emphasis, but in the cold people ... Read More
Cable tv-english premier league football
it sounds to me like we're going to have to organize some pub visits for important games. Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
Mezi, Here is something that might help your search: pirmsskola angliski vidusskola angliski These would roughly translate to primary school and secondary/middle school in Latvian. Angliski is the adverb related to 'English'. Googling with these ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
I would have to agree with Patrick. I know a Turkish guy who just opened a school outside of Rīga, with an emphasis on multiple language, but I don't think that I could afford to send my kids there. If I have kids here, they'll go to a local ... Read More
Happy Independence day
Sunday November 18th is the Republic of Latvia day of independence. Please get out there and join the celebration. If you are in Rīga, there will be a concert downtown at noon, and a march/parade at 6PM. Read More
Language Books by Steveremf
Hi, Been living in Latvia (Liepaja) since June, my wife is Latvian and our children are bi-lingual. I have been coming to Latvia for the last 15 years, but we remained firmly settled in London. Finally my wife yearned for home and I thought "why ...
OK guys, here is some help: "Latvian" from the "teach yourself" series: This is a good comprehenive book from a native speaker. It has a good introduction with lot's of simple words to learn, and a complete grammar collection, with quick notes at ... Read More
Help with relocating from the Uk to Riga to live and work by Scott1975
Hello, Im a 36 year old working Telesales professional who works from home in Wales. I actually work for an English company and could work from anywhere in the world as long as I have a desk, A Phone, Phone line and Internet. I am a British Citizan ...
ahh - good point. I didn't have that luxury. Read More
Help with relocating from the Uk to Riga to live and work by Scott1975
Hello, Im a 36 year old working Telesales professional who works from home in Wales. I actually work for an English company and could work from anywhere in the world as long as I have a desk, A Phone, Phone line and Internet. I am a British Citizan ...
I read that if you want to apply for a residence permit on a 'self-employed basis, that you have to submit a "business plan". Check with PMLP (.gov.lv) for the details (which aren't that easy to find.) Read More
Buying a house in Latvia
It's been in the plans for a while now, and is generally accepted. Most people don't expect much change in lifestyle, as the Lat tends to follow the Euro anyway. My company survives on Euro contracts, so for us it would simplify business and save ... Read More
Sabbatical in Riga by Mistypie
Hi, I am new here - and will move to Riga early next year. Taking a break from my ICT job in S'pore. Main things would be to indulge in writing, learning music, language and learning dance. My puppy will be with me and we are looking forward to ...
Mis, The LV versus RU language question is a sensitive one. There is still some cultural tension about the topic. I learn LV as the family here speaks Latvian, but there are very few LV speakers who don't also speak RU. In Riga it is rare to ... Read More
Sabbatical in Riga by Mistypie
Hi, I am new here - and will move to Riga early next year. Taking a break from my ICT job in S'pore. Main things would be to indulge in writing, learning music, language and learning dance. My puppy will be with me and we are looking forward to ...
Hey there. Welcome. I'm in Riga too. We haven't been organizing too much, but shout out when you get here and see what's going on. Are you ready for winter here? Read More
Anyone care to meet up (2012-10-22) for fast-food or a drink by jaxxed
Would anybody be interested meeting up this weekend? I finally have some downtime, and could use a little more English. Options: 1. Thai-Food at the little fast-food place (Kungu Iela, near St. Peter's)? 2. Beer and a card-game at a pub (there are ...
I actually got an email from the expat-blog people, gently motivating me to try again. I feel so supported :P Scott, I am a bit busy to handle something right now, but I'll come back next week, and try again. I think that the casual meal or ... Read More
Is Latvia dog/ pet friendly? by Mistypie
Hello, I am new here. I am from Singapore and have lived in Malta for 4 years before moving back to Singapore for the past 2 years. As I will be moving to Latvia next year, am hoping that someone who is already living there can help me with some ...
There are dogs everywhere. I often see dogs left outside the grocery (so it is safe) and dogs in restaurants etc. You will never see a dog in a fancy evening restaurant, but everywhere else they're common. Dogs are common in the woods and the ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
It's definitely understandable to take time and effort on such a serious decision. Read More
Anyone care to meet up (2012-10-22) for fast-food or a drink
Would anybody be interested meeting up this weekend? I finally have some downtime, and could use a little more English. Options: 1. Thai-Food at the little fast-food place (Kungu Iela, near St. Peter's)? 2. Beer and a card-game at a pub (there are ... Read More
Best place to live in Riga? by Bellionaire
Hi everyone, I'm studying in Riga for 6 months next year and firstly I'd like to say thankyou as this forum has really helped me in deciding that Latvia will be a great place to live and study. Just a couple of questions. 1) Which is the best part ...
It's not hard living outside of the downtown area. It takes a bit to get used to public transit, but living up-town, or on the other side of the river isn't bad. I live way out in the suburbs in 'Imanata' and I get by, for super-cheap - with easy ... Read More
interested to study in Latvia by Nepali Sandeep Karki
I m from Nepal & interested to study in Latvia.
http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en Read More
Canadian living in Latvia
I have no kids, but I'm also a Canadian, living in Riga. I'd like to try to get some English speakers together for a meal. Perhaps a quick Sunday evening dinner? There is a cheap and easy Thai-food place right between the Domas square and the St ... Read More
study in latvia and making friends by amirparthianshot
i am an iranian engineer.i wanna go to latvia for furthur studying and ineed some info and friends to get know that country better
Here is the Office of Citizenship and Residency website: Check here: http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/ There site has the information required, but sometimes doesn't have all of the details. Look at VISA information and Residence-Permit ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
Ooops. Sorry. Maybe it was one of the other big guys :( Good luck thought. Read More
working as a English teacher in Latvia by paddymanu
Hi there,are there any members on this forum who are teaching/or who have taught English in Latvia.I'm hoping to move to Latvia in October and would love some info on teaching English there.
I met a guy here who teaches at an english school, but doesn't speak the local language. Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
I have to run, but I can reply more tomorrow. Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
Your professional and cultural experience are definitely an advantage, especially as your English is strong. the fact that you worked for in a German office says a lot about your work ethic, which is in need here. Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
Ah - in your field there should be opportunities. Most of the big firms in your business have representative here. I met someone who worked at an HP office here, but in a more administrative capacity. Look up the big names and reach out to their ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
W.R.T Lifestyle: Lower salary means only less high-price tech-toys. the rest of my quality of life is as high or higher. For me, because I spend so much less, I am still easily able to save money. My rent is impossibly cheap, and my transit and ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
With regards to contacting firms: I simply directly contacted HR deparments through their public contact information. There are not a lot of IT recruitiers here (that I'm aware of.) What IT field are you in? Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
I have to say that I seriously doubt that you'll find a job that is competitive with Frankfurt. If you are qualified though, then you can easily land in one of the larger firms. You really should contact some of the larger firms to see who bites. ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
Cēsis is fantastic. Lot's of sporty types out there. Valmeira is know for tech firms as well, and it's close to Cēsis. Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
One more comment, just about the career side of things: I am currently working for a smaller company back home, but I much prefer it. There are plenty of technology companies here, that are young, exciting and trying to push the envelope. There ... Read More
Move to Latvia? Advice Needed! by fred83
Hi All, I'm new here. I'm Italian and my (future) wife is Latvian. We have been living together for 2 years now and are going to get married in the next year. We lived for a short while in Italy, waiting for my transfer to Germany (as I requested) ...
Frederico, There has been some discussion about the impact of moving to Latvia for people in your/our circumstances. I myself moved here as a web developer just recently. I moved here, from Canada, for my partner, however we're not married. Your ... Read More
jobs in latvia
Overall in Latvia, one could consider the job market depressed, but growing slowly. There is a demand for skilled labour, I found an IT job quite quickly, but there was not a lot of other jobs out there. It would definitely help if you spoke LV or ... Read More
Healthcare in Latvia by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Latvia ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Latvia? Thanks in advance for sharing your ...
I would disagree with Scott. In Riga health care is not a problem for foreigners. There is plenty of private care, some of which is available in English (the ARS center on Skolas Iela has english reception and doctors, and provides care, and ... Read More
anyone living near tukums,smarde ,jurmala area?
Hey Paddy, I'm at the edge of Imanta, and a short train ride to Jurmala. I can get access to a car to get out to Tukums. Do you need something done out there? Read More
Health Insurance
Wanted to bring this up again. There is a link at the bottom of the page for help with health insurance, but I am hesitant to fill in a web-form that may lead to heaps of spam. https://www.expat.com/en/insurance/europe/latvia/ Does anybody have ... Read More
Public transportation in Latvia by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Latvia ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
This is an old topic, but one that is likely going to be seen a lot, so maybe it can be expanded on: Public Transport in Riga: Some of the busses and trolleys may seem old (they are) but things usually run on time, and work well. First off there ... Read More
Moving to Riga in August 2012 by casinoscum
Hello, I am moving to Riga shortly and thought I would introduce myself and say hi.
If you lads would care to share a beer with a Canadian upon arrival, then please send me an invite. Read More
How much money to bring for 1 week travel by makeulol
Hello - I'm visiting for a week in October, and am just interested to know what amount of money (USD or LVL) I should bring. I will not be doing too much activities, but for food, normal everyday expenses and a little fun. I already have hotel and ...
Mike, General expenses in LV can be quite low. Meals can be had easily for 5-10LVL (often even with a beer involved.) Some of the great tourist options may cost you up to 15LVL per person, and some of the nicer restaurants outside of the tourist ... Read More