What Tourists Should Know to Get the Best Exchange Rates in Vilnius?
Lithuania is a warm and welcoming European country. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, historic cities and affordable travel experiences. It is one of the most beautiful countries in Eastern Europe that seems to get very little publicity in the UK. If you are planning to visit Lithuania in 2026, it is prudent to understand how money exchange works efficiently.
The country adopted the euro in 2015, which replaced its former national currency, the Litas. The Euros are now used all across the country. From hotels to major shopping centres and public transport, having a sufficient amount of Euros makes it easy for you to roam around the city. Other modes of payment, like credit cards, are also accepted, especially in cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda. However, many credit cards and other options come with hefty fees. Also, many small vendors do not accept credit cards, so it is prudent to carry cash to have a smooth travel experience in Lithuania.
Where to get the best exchange rates in Vilnius?
There is no dearth of options for currency exchange in Vilnius and other cities in Lithuania. However, it is important to research your options and compare them to get the best exchange rates in Vilnius. Here are some of the common options for exchanging money in Lithuania
Banks
Lithuanian banks offer secure and reliable currency exchange services. These bank branches are open during work hours and usually offer exchange services at fair rates. However, it is important to be cautious as bank charge service fees, which may increase overall price you pay for availing currency exchange services. Also, they often require more formalities and documentation than local currency exchange centres in the city
Currency Exchange Offices
Local currency exchange offices are commonly used by tourists for currency exchange in Vilnius as well as other cities in Lithuania. They can be easily found in city centres, shopping areas, and tourist zones. They often offer competitive rates and faster service than banks. Visitors must carefully check if any commission is charged by them. It is also prudent to read the displayed rates and negotiate for the best rates before exchanging money.
Airports
Currency exchange services are available at all prominent airports in Lithuania including Vilnius International Airport (VNO), the largest, along with Kaunas International Airport (KUN) and Palanga International Airport (PLQ). However, visitors should know that airports charge hefty currency exchange rates, sometimes more than 40% than banks and local exchange offices. Most wise visitors avoid exchanging money at the airport unless it is required to meet urgent needs
ATMs
Withdrawing money from ATMs is the easiest way to get money for all your needs. Fortunately, ATMs are widely available in Vilnius and other cities in Lithuania and international cards are accepted by most ATMs. However, keep in mind that many of them charge hefty transaction fees. When exchanging money, make sure you check with your bank regarding foreign transaction fees and prefer to be charged in Euros rather than your home currency to avoid extra costs.
Online currency exchange offices
Online currency exchange offices have recently emerged as a way to exchange money in Vilnius. They are an easy and convenient way to exchange money. But there are safety risks involved in the procedure, such as data theft. Also, unlike local exchange offices, they do not offer immediate cash, and you may have to wait for 24 to 48 hours to get money.
Wrapping Up
Exchanging money in Lithuania is easy and safe. There are plenty of options to exchange money in Lithuania, including banks, airports, online exchange and local exchange offices. However, not all of them offer the same quality of services and the same exchange rates. It is prudent to do extensive research and find reliable providers to get currency exchange at the lowest possible rates.