Money in Lithuania

Euro Since 2015 — One of the EU's Best-Value Destinations

Lithuania joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2015, replacing the litas (LTL). The euro is the sole currency throughout the country. No currency exchange is needed for travellers from other Eurozone countries. For visitors from outside the Eurozone (USD, GBP, CHF, etc.), exchange at Lithuanian bank branches, airport currency desks, or withdraw from ATMs. Exchange rates are competitive and transparent. Lithuania is the most affordable of the three Baltic capitals — Vilnius is notably cheaper than Riga or Tallinn while offering excellent food, Old Town heritage, and a growing arts scene.

ATMs Widely Available Across Cities and Major Towns

ATMs are abundant in all Lithuanian cities. In Vilnius, machines are particularly dense in the Old Town, around Gedimino Avenue, and at the airport. Major banks include Luminor, SEB Bank, Swedbank, and Šiaulių Bankas. Machines dispense EUR and accept international Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Cirrus cards, with standard foreign-transaction fees depending on your home bank. In Aukštaitija National Park and more rural areas, ATMs exist in nearby market towns. Contactless and card use is so widespread that most visitors need very little cash.

One of the Most Cashless Countries in the EU

Lithuania ranks among Europe's most cashless societies. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in the vast majority of shops, restaurants, bars, cafés, museums, and transport. Apple Pay and Google Pay function on all standard NFC-enabled terminals — used everywhere in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. Buses in Vilnius and Kaunas have contactless card validators. Parking in Vilnius accepts card via app. Even small market stalls and street food vendors in Vilnius Old Town commonly accept cards. A modest amount of cash is sufficient for a whole week's incidental expenses.

One of the Best-Value EU Destinations

Lithuania is one of the best-value EU destinations. Café coffee, a café lunch, and a mid-range restaurant dinner in Vilnius all sit well below equivalent Western European prices, and the gap widens further outside the capital. Budget hostel accommodation in Vilnius runs considerably cheaper than a mid-range Old Town hotel room. Trakai Island Castle and the return train from Vilnius are both inexpensive by regional standards. A comfortable day including a meal, sightseeing, and transport remains genuinely affordable relative to the rest of the EU.