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Guide
Ventspils, Latvia π±π»
#902
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Ventspils is a picturesque city located on the west coast of Latvia, known for its maritime heritage and beautiful beaches. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population of 33,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, one of the better regions in Latvia. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR β 1.05 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable; tap water is safe to consume. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Main mobile providers include LMT and Tele2. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like Swedbank and SEB are widely used and accept various payment types. |
π Accommodation | Options include rental apartments, hotels, and short-term rentals available on Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payment is widely accepted. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer great options for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Ventspils offers affordable lodging options for travelers. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Ventspils Old Town is charming and close to most attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Ventspils encourages a community feel, making it great for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Ventspils Co-Working space, located in the city center, has reliable internet and amenities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Boulangerie is a cozy spot with good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups are available via Ventspils Business Incubator for local entrepreneurs. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Ventspils' frequently organize gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Ventspils for easy ride-hailing. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Ventspils offers bike rentals through a local company, Ventspils Bikes. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Ventspils Beach is a beautiful spot, just 10 minutes from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Baltic operates flights to and from RΔ«ga, connecting you to Ventspils. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Baltic and Ryanair offer various international connections. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access via E22 highway connects Ventspils with major cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Ventspils Train Station connects to RΔ«ga with regular services. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for local buses, ensuring economical travel. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and trains provide great connections to other Latvian cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Ventspils Hospital offers general healthcare needs. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Aline provides classes and wellness activities. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Ventspils has modern facilities and various fitness programs. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromat Ventspils offers self-service laundry options. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Wolt provide delivery services from local restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Ventspils Sklandrausis', a traditional Latvian pie. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe TΓͺte-Γ -TΓͺta offers some great vegetarian options. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Ventspils for delightful ice creams and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Ventspils Market is great for budget-friendly foods and local products. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops sell products online, but also check global platforms like Amazon. |
π Grocery Delivery | Rimi and Maxima offer grocery delivery services within the city. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | DineVillage offers a range of bars and nightlife options. |
π» Local Brewery | Ventspils Breweries produces a variety of local beers. |
π· Wine Bars | BaudroΕ‘s Wine Bar features a selection of wines from around Europe. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Ventspils Street Food Festival is a seasonal event showcasing local vendors. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Portofino' offer Italian and Mediterranean meals. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Ventspils Castle and the Seaside Open Air Museum. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Ventspils Museum offers rich insights into local history. |
π° Historical Sites | The Old Town of Ventspils showcases beautifully preserved architecture. |
π Religious Sites | Ventspils Evangelical Lutheran Church is notable for its architecture. |
π Annual Events | The Ventspils Summer Festival is a highlight every July. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old Town serves as the cultural heart of Ventspils. |
π Theater Venues | Ventspils Theatre holds regular performances throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Ventspils Market is a hub for local goods and produce. |
πΌ Music Scene | The city hosts various concerts and music festivals throughout the year. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the public art installed around Ventspils for a glimpse into local creativity. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer traditional Latvian cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Ventspils Art Gallery showcases local and international artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Old City Hall is an architectural gem. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The maritime heritage of Ventspils is celebrated throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Jurkalne Nature Reserve offers stunning coastal views. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Kemeri National Park is a short trip away, offering rich biodiversity. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Ventspils to the beach is popular among walkers and cyclists. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Ventspils Lighthouse provides scenic views of the coastline. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Fiskars Lake area is great for spotting various bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Ventspils Beach allow for bonfires during summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Omniva provides reliable parcel delivery services across Latvia. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Ventspils Tech Repair offers services for electronic devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers in Ventspils often have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Ventspils Language School offers courses for expats wanting to learn Latvian. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Ventspils Central Library provides a quiet place for study and reading. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Youth House Ventspils hosts cultural and community events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | KafejnΔ«ca RΔ«gas offers a gaming section with various consoles. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The local Casino Ventspils provides entertainment and gaming options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬72,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬56,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬96,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬72,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬120,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,100 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬88,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% applicable on dividend distributions. |
π¦ Tax System | Residence-based taxation for individuals and entities. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31.4% maximum personal income tax rate. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 21%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Latvia has some regulations in place. |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Standard transaction tax is 2%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Latvia has been exploring incentives to attract digital nomads, including simplified taxation. |