Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), and varicella (chickenpox) are recommended. Consider a flu shot if traveling in winter. Hepatitis A is suggested, especially if you plan to explore rural areas. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination is recommended if you’re hiking or camping in forested areas during late spring to early fall. Always check with a healthcare provider for the most current recommendations.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Lithuania, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for LithuaniaCulture & Customs
Respect personal space; Lithuanians value it. A firm handshake is the standard greeting. Dress modestly if visiting religious sites. Avoid discussing Soviet times unless locals bring it up. **Do** try traditional dishes; it’s polite to compliment. **Don’t** whistle indoors—considered bad luck. LGBTQ+ travelers may face occasional conservatism, especially in rural areas; be discreet. Women generally face few restrictions but should be cautious in nightlife settings.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Lithuania.
- Cepelinai: These are large potato dumplings, often filled with meat or cheese and served with a rich sour cream and bacon sauce. Named after the Zeppelin airships they resemble, they’re a hearty staple on Lithuanian tables.
- Šaltibarščiai: A vibrant pink cold beet soup, perfect for summer. Made with beets, kefir, cucumbers, and dill, it’s refreshing and tangy. It’s a cultural icon and a go-to for cooling down during warm months.
- Ruginė Duona: This dense, dark rye bread is a cornerstone of Lithuanian cuisine. Baked traditionally with natural fermentation, it’s often enjoyed with butter or as a base for open sandwiches.
- Bulviniai Blynai: Potato pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, usually served with sour cream. These are a comforting favorite that showcase Lithuania’s love for potatoes.
- Kugelis: A baked potato pudding that’s beloved for its comforting, homely flavors. Typically made with grated potatoes, eggs, and bacon, it’s often served with a dollop of sour cream.
Yes, the tap water in Lithuania is generally safe to drink, and locals typically consume it without issues. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are cautious, bottled or filtered water might be a safer bet. Always check with locals or your accommodation for the latest info on water safety in specific areas.
The main language in Lithuania is
Lithuanian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Lithuanian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Lithuania includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Lithuania,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. Most people in major cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda have a good command of English, making it relatively easy for tourists to communicate. Many Lithuanians learn English as a second language in school, and it is commonly used in business and tourism sectors.
In restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions, staff typically speak English fluently, and menus are often available in English as well. However, in rural areas or among older generations, English proficiency may be less common, and some locals might only speak Lithuanian or Russian.
Overall, while English is not the primary language, travelers will find that they can navigate Lithuania comfortably with English, especially in populated areas. It’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to use a few basic Lithuanian phrases, as locals tend to respond positively to such gestures.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Lithuania is EUR (€).
In Lithuania, the euro (€) is the currency of choice. While ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, they can be scarce in rural areas. It’s smart to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, especially in countryside spots. Most places accept credit and debit cards, but local markets and small businesses might prefer cash.
When it comes to using dollars, forget about it. Stick to euros for all transactions. As for exchanging money, the best rates are typically found at banks or official exchange offices, not at airports or tourist hotspots. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; instead, take out what you need for a few days at a time.
One last tip: Some ATMs might offer to charge in your home currency instead of euros. Always choose euros to dodge unfavorable exchange rates.
Tipping in Lithuania isn’t mandatory, but leaving around 10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants and cafes. In bars, rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is common. Taxis don’t generally expect tips, but rounding up to the nearest euro is a nice gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.