Dear community members,
In this blog post, I will try to lay down some of the key aspects one should keep in mind before starting their mobility in Lithuania. While sharing many similarities with other European countries, Lithuania also has some country specific circumstances, which are a good to know before starting your exchange.
Below you will find the overview of five issues related to life in Lithuania, but in case you would need guidance on any other question, please share it Living Abroad forum!
Finding accommodation
One of the key things to consider before moving to Lithuania for mobility is the place where you will live during your stay.
If you are an incoming study mobility student or planning to do your internship or research directly at the educational institution, in such case most of the universities are collegiums are offering rooms in dormitories. However, places in these rooms are usually taken quickly, so you should always follow the information from the International Office coordinators at each school before your exchange and make necessary registrations in time.
It might be more complicated to find a place to stay if you are planning to go for an internship in a private company, as they do rarely offer any solution for accommodation.
In case you would not be able to stay at the dormitory, you may rent a flat or a room. Usually, you will not be required to rent the place for at least a year, but some renters are more flexible and can offer shorter contracts. Recently, co-living spaces started to appear, which specifically target incoming international mobility participants and can provide more flexibility.
For renting a flat or a room, you should check such websites us aruodas.lt, skelbiu.lt or alio.lt, as well as the Facebook groups for foreign expats in Lithuania. You may also contact and discuss the possible options with International House Vilnius, state agency which is offering free consultations and assistance to incoming foreigners.
Using public transport
All major Lithuanian cities have their own public transport system. It’s a great alternative to get around places instead of using a car or taxi and international study exchange students can use the major student discount of 80% for monthly tickets, as well as the 50% discount for intercity travel by buses or trains.
In order to be able to use the discount, make sure to apply for either Lithuanian Student Identity Card or ISIC card. For information on the ISIC card, you can check the website below:
For transport schedules, check the website stops.lt, where transport schedules from all major cities could be found:
http://www.stops.lt/vilnius/index.html (For Vilnius)
http://www.stops.lt/kaunas/index.html (For Kaunas)
https://stops.lt/klaipeda/ (For Klaipeda)
https://stops.lt/siauliai/ (For Siauliai)
https://stops.lt/panevezys/ (For Panevezys)
For intercity travels, you will be able to purchase bus tickets easily on autobusubilietai.lt, while for train tickets you should use the website https://bilietas.ltglink.lt/.
Buying groceries
Lithuania has many supermarkets, including major chain stores like Maxima, Iki, and Rimi, as well as local chains and independent stores. You can find a wide range of products in supermarkets, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, bread, canned goods, and household items.
In addition to supermarkets, there are many outdoor markets where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, and other local products. Each major city has its own market or even several markets.
The cost of groceries in Lithuania can vary depending on where you shop and what you buy. Generally, prices are lower than in Western Europe, but higher than in some other within the region. Cash and card payments are widely accepted in supermarkets, but it might be a bit more tricky to use card payments when shopping in markets, as these vendors sometimes may only accept cash, so it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Supermarkets in Lithuania are usually open from early morning until late at night, while markets may have more limited hours, starting to work from an early morning and closing at around lunch time.
While some shopping places have signage in both Lithuanian and English, it's always helpful to know a few basic phrases in Lithuanian, such as "hello" ("labas"), "thank you" ("ačiū"), and "how much does it cost?" ("kokia kaina?").
Administrative issues regarding immigration
Before coming to Lithuania for your Erasmus+ mobility, make sure to learn if you need a visa (if you are not a citizen of an EU country) or other additional documents for your stay.
A citizen of a European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein (hereinafter EU citizen) may enter the Republic of Lithuania and stay in the country for a period not exceeding three months starting from the first day of entry into Lithuania. If one resides for a period longer than 3 months, she or he should apply for a document confirming the right to reside in Lithuania.
Before your mobility, it is always a good idea to discuss the administrative process of relocation with International Office coordinators at your school or by contacting a representative of the internship company. You may also contact a Lithuanian embassy at your country of residence by sending an email or scheduling a visit.
A lot of useful information may also be found on the below websites:
https://www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/ (general information about the opportunities in Lithuania, focused on international community)
https://www.migracija.lt/en/home (official website of the Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania)
Using mobile and internet services
Generally, Lithuania is considered as one of the top countries worldwide for the internet speed, making it rather convenient for working or studying. Wi-fi connections are usually available for free at most of the cafes, libraries, major shopping centers as well as intercity buses and trains.
If you are coming to Lithuania for study exchange mobility, you will be able to use Eduroam internet service, which should be available to access in all education schools within the country. For setting the connection for Eduroam properly, make sure to contact IT desk at respective school.
While you may use the foreign SIM card while staying in Lithuania, it might also be worth considering checking some local providers. Top-up services might be a good alternative for a temporary stay, as it offers flexibility and prices are generally acceptable.
List of the mobile service providers can be seen here:
In case you would like to get more information on additional issues regarding your mobility in Lithuania, let’s talk about it in the forums!
Yours,
Gytis
OLS Lithuanian language community manager