Despite all the severity of the Baltic climate, Westpils is an attractive city for a large number of travelers, but Russians among them are not so much. In many ways, the reason for a small number of tourists from Russia is stereotypes about poor relations to Russians in Latvia. They are strong, but they need to be destroyed, because not everything is as described in the media and on many forums on the Internet, with almost always those who have never been in this city, but I heard something. Let's try to destroy myths and at the same time we will talk about how to behave in Ventspils, whatever the trip would be overshadowed by trouble.
one. Contrary to popular belief that Latvians in general, and the inhabitants of Ventspils in particular are poorly related to the Russians, it is not at all. Yes, of course, as everywhere there is a small number of marginal individuals, but they are in an absolute minority and more than confident that for all the time staying in this small cozy city, you will not come across them. In the midst of its own, Ventspils are very polite people, but in moderation, without fanaticism. Everything is decent and correct. Although it is worth noting that they are smiling. No as such and language barrier. About a third of the citizens consider themselves Russian and therefore the Russian language knows perfectly, well, if someone does not know, then to explain with them in English, the level of penetration of which in Ventspils is very high, will not be difficult.
2. Tips in restaurants, cafes, hotels and taxi drivers are generally accepted norm, and as a rule, they are included in the amount of the account with a separate line. Their size never exceeds 5-10% of the total amount of the account. However, if they are not spelled out in the account, they are made separately all in the same sizes, or rounded the amount to any convenient.
3. Ventspils is a very modern city and in connection with these problems with points of access to the Internet do not exist at all. They are in many cafes and most hotels. The whole network of Internet cafes is deployed in the city. But for mobile communications, even though Russian operators began to offer profitable roaming conditions with Latvia, it is better to acquire the SIM cards of local operators. No matter how cool, but still it will be cheaper and the quality of communication is excellent.
four. During his stay in Ventspils, special attention should be paid to the rules of behavior in the city. They are quite tough, even by the standards of Europe, but at the same time very reasonable. As an example, for walking in the evening and night time, it will be necessary to buy a light reflector sticking on clothes. They are sold everywhere. This is done in order to protect pedestrians from motorists and its wearing is mandatory. For the lack of such stickers, a fine is assumed.
During walks in parks and alleys, it is strictly forbidden to enter lawns, and even more so to tear flowers. All garden plantings are under constant protection.
Despite the fact that alcohol is freely sold in stores from 8 am to 10 in the evening, and in bars and cafe all the time of their work, the appearance on the street in a drunk, or drinking alcoholic beverages, is a reason for the imposition of a fine.
Similar situation and smoking. Smoking is prohibited almost everywhere, except for specially isolated smoking areas. But this rule is quite easy to observe, as there are many such zones in the city.
five. Ventspils is a small town, where many each other know, and maybe, and maybe the good work of the police is caused by the fact that there are very few crimes against the person. However, the beaches of the city are pocket thefts. In this regard, when visiting crowded places (markets, supermarkets, etc.), as well as when moving on buses, it is necessary to be extremely attentive and looking at their own things. And if possible, it is better not to carry large amounts of money with you.
6. And finally, a pleasant news for those who came to Westpils in their car, and such as practice shows a little less than half among Russians, all parking in the city are free.