The unit of currency in Lithuanian is the litas (Lt), which comes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500Lt notes. The coins can be divided into two categories: the significant 1, 2, and 5Lt coins; and the nearly weightless and worthless centas/centai/centų coins of which there are 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

The value of the litas is locked to that of the euro (€) at  3.4528Lt to €1. Lithuania was keen to adopt the euro at the start of 2007 but their application was knocked back by the EU because they missed an inflation target by 0.1 per cent. With inflation increasing, it is not clear when Lithuania will be able to adopt the euro. Keep your litas handy. 

Most places of any note in cities now happily accept credit cards, and ATMs dot the streets ensuring cash for everyone with money in their account and a card attached to the Cirrus or Visa network. Travellers’ cheques can be redeemed for cash in hotels and banks. If you’re heading out of town, cash-up before you go – it can be as hard to find an ATM.