Latvia

Tipping is customary but not obligatory in Latvia — service is rarely included in the bill, and a common gesture is rounding up or leaving about 10% at sit-down restaurants if you're happy with the service, while it's not expected at fast-food spots, cafeterias, or self-service places. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is normal rather than a large percentage tip.

• Bring a small gift like flowers or chocolates when invited to someone's home, and expect to remove your shoes at the door, especially in winter.
• If giving flowers, always give an odd number and avoid red roses, which carry romantic connotations.
• Greetings are formal at first — a firm handshake with direct eye contact is standard, and it's polite to use titles/surnames until invited to be informal.
• At a dinner, wait to be seated and don't start eating until the host/hostess begins.
• Latvians are generally reserved and quietly polite in public — loud, overly familiar behavior with strangers can come across as rude.
• Learn a few basic Latvian phrases (e.g., a simple thank you); locals appreciate the effort even though many speak English.