2 YEARS Living In Lithuania: Expat/Foreigner Opinions | What You Should Know!

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  • Опубліковано 26 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 314

  • @LithuaniaExplained
    @LithuaniaExplained  8 місяців тому +3

    Hey there! Just writing an update to say that I’ve made another channel to better focus on my personal experiences of Lithuania. This channel will focus on Lithuanian geopolitics, military, and defence/security.
    You can check out the other channel here:
    youtube.com/@lithuaniaexplainedvlog?si=8RijI-sKDzOcquZA

  • @beisiknikneimas
    @beisiknikneimas 2 роки тому +97

    Very interesting to hear your feedback and perspetive as an expat! Many lithuanians are very happy having you covering various relevant topics. Keep up the good work! :)

  • @2tctech
    @2tctech 2 роки тому +63

    Hey we moved to Lithania at like the same exact time, I just passed my two year mark two weeks ago.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +9

      Nice! Congrats! 🙌

    • @kodilodinoza
      @kodilodinoza 2 роки тому +7

      So Thomas since you have lived in Lithuania for a reasonable amount of time, what is your impresion of my country?

    • @ArenaTM
      @ArenaTM 2 роки тому +1

      Thanks for staying around ;)

  • @Edis12121
    @Edis12121 2 роки тому +55

    As an lithuanian i am proud that there is channel made in english, and by foreigner! Great and interesting information! Ačiū 😊!

    • @dakotahstr
      @dakotahstr 4 місяці тому

      Are there any Degutis in the country?

  • @beandrag9019
    @beandrag9019 2 роки тому +112

    Sounds absolutely wonderful, as someone who’s part Lithuanian and Estonian but was born in America, I feel the need to go back and connect with my original culture and peoples🇪🇪💖🇱🇹

    • @rokas1596
      @rokas1596 2 роки тому +4

      This comment made me feel happy, initially being Lithuanian, I travelled Estonia last summer a little. It really is breath-taking! Having a capital near the sea is one of the best combos imo 😄

    • @eglunasklimavicius9771
      @eglunasklimavicius9771 Рік тому +5

      Do not hesitate, do it. Better regret for not right decision, than no decision!

    • @onurozdemir1763
      @onurozdemir1763 Рік тому +3

      I’m a Turkish American, living in New York about 12 years. I just got my ome way ticket to Vilnius and remote working there 😂 lets see how it goes ))

    • @sweetvictory5643
      @sweetvictory5643 Рік тому

      @@onurozdemir1763 And how is it not speaking Lithuanian

    • @mickeyshooter5298
      @mickeyshooter5298 11 місяців тому

      Did you know you can apply for citizenship as a US citizen? It’s called citizenship by descent and I’m in the process right now.
      Soon I’ll be a Lithuanian citizen, as well American citizen.
      Look into it if you know your families history pretty well.

  • @kylianniejd
    @kylianniejd 2 роки тому +49

    I just came back in my country at the beginning of the month after 1 year living in Vilnius ; it was an incredible time in my life and Vilnius is definitely to visit. I recommend too :)

    • @ArenaTM
      @ArenaTM 2 роки тому

      Come again in a while once we have advanced a bit more ;)

  • @dantu_kose
    @dantu_kose 2 роки тому +99

    With buildings, some neighbourhoods in Vilnius like Fabijoniškės and Šeškinė ( Where I live) are quite depressing and often times give that soviet union/eastern vibe. But more and more modern homes are being build or the old ones get renovated. So it's getting better.

    • @mignas
      @mignas 2 роки тому +11

      Its not depressing because most buildings and surrounding areas are well maintained. There are towns where neither people nor local elderships take care of that, making them look depressing. It used to be especially depressing in Rukla (main hub of LT military).

    • @Mr.Whitecock
      @Mr.Whitecock 2 роки тому +2

      Some nostalgic people really want to feel the smell of soviets. They are able to do that passing along the outdoor toilets in Šeškinė.

    • @Tchato89
      @Tchato89 2 роки тому +1

      the most depressing neighbourhood is Perkūnkiemis, which was built in the 2000's

  • @TravellingTeacherOfficial
    @TravellingTeacherOfficial 2 роки тому +143

    I've visited Vilnius a number of times over the years and I'm making the permanent move to Vilnius from the UK this coming Friday.
    Thoroughly enjoyed your video and another perspective on living in Vilnius

    • @Ignash
      @Ignash 2 роки тому +5

      Welcome and have fun! Or should I say "Sekmės!"

    • @fatezepp388
      @fatezepp388 2 роки тому +1

      In Lithuania actualy getting even worst better stay in UK :D

    • @Ignash
      @Ignash 2 роки тому +7

      ​@@fatezepp388 why? :) It's great here.​

    • @DerelictusAnima
      @DerelictusAnima 2 роки тому +4

      @@fatezepp388 UK is having a massive energy price crisis. A lot of businesses are failing + the Brexit consequences issue..

    • @Liebucaite22
      @Liebucaite22 2 роки тому +3

      I’ll be going through the same process next year, I can’t wait.

  • @SirAdamUK
    @SirAdamUK 2 роки тому +23

    I started watching your videos in May/June where I gained some valuable info prior to visiting Lithuania, so thank you for that. I continue to watch as I find your content enjoyable, informative and I've no doubt I will return to LT in the near future. Keep up the great work 👏🏼

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +7

      Thank you Sir! 😊 I appreciate the words of encouragement! Hope you’ll make it back some time. 🇱🇹
      With all the views coming from political and cultural stuff, It’s a challenge to make videos that offer practical advice that are still appealing but I’m sure I’ll find a good balance.

    • @SirAdamUK
      @SirAdamUK 2 роки тому +1

      @@LithuaniaExplained your videos are definitely appreciated, no doubt your increased viewership and subscriptions reflect this. I visited in June and I'm only finding time to create my own videos, so I can appreciate it's no quick task to think up and create the content. I think it was your video on public transport that I first found and then watched the others from there. Whilst your practical advice videos will always be beneficial to prospective visitors, for me, I'm very much interested in the sociological aspect of somewhere i'm visiting (especially former Soviet states) so your 'non-advice' videos are equally as engaging to me.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +2

      Cheers! And Best wishes on the growth of your channel!

    • @tomcruise7298
      @tomcruise7298 2 роки тому

      😍😍🥰

  • @JayR-mu7it
    @JayR-mu7it 2 місяці тому +3

    I'm planning to visit & move in to Lithuania so I'll probably end up marrying a beautiful Lithuanian girl too lol so just wish me good luck. I'm so excited for this new awesome journey

  • @vaidotast
    @vaidotast 2 роки тому +35

    Walk across the city across the city in less than an hour? I would like to see you do that :) Maybe you mean Vilnius Old town district only?

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +13

      Right, I did mean old town and perhaps a little bit of naujamiestis too. I should have been more specific.

    • @weaseled4118
      @weaseled4118 2 роки тому +3

      I'd love to see you do a video on that too

    • @ufoFriend
      @ufoFriend 2 роки тому +1

      you can get with the bus in 1 hour across city. Also, with the car during off peak hours. So he was quite accurate by stating this.

    • @vaidotast
      @vaidotast 2 роки тому +3

      @@ufoFriend „walk across“

    • @BettyMareeHOHCountry
      @BettyMareeHOHCountry 2 роки тому +1

      @@LithuaniaExplained im a Australian part lithuanian and im looking to visit or move to lithuania when i can afford it and hopefully the war has died down a little. i would love for you to do a video on the difference between kaunas and Vilnius.

  • @АндрейШестаков-н6м
    @АндрейШестаков-н6м 2 роки тому +107

    Lithuania is a great country with cozy infrastructure and lovely people. I loved to ride my bycicle there before. We all must live in peace and freedom. From Russia with love.

    • @Mr.Whitecock
      @Mr.Whitecock 2 роки тому +63

      Yes, we must live in peace and freedom. U r welcome! Come with a bicycle again the next time, not by a tank. Slava Ukraini.

    • @aro6751
      @aro6751 Рік тому

      @@Mr.Whitecock dalbajobe tu, nuo kada paprasti rusijos gyventojai kalti , kad ivyko karas?

    • @RichD1
      @RichD1 Рік тому +8

      ⁠@@Mr.Whitecockthis is not the russian goverment, its just a person loving Lithuania, no need for hate and that huge passive aggressiveness

    • @Retarery
      @Retarery 6 місяців тому

      ​@@RichD1 Im from Lithuania and i wanted to see what yt thinks of us and we are a great country our passport is top 10s and we can visit arnd 158 countries and no i saw on yt russian ppl sayin Lt is bad but no its rlly good

  • @hussen_abuazza364
    @hussen_abuazza364 6 місяців тому +4

    I have been in Vilnius it's a really wonderful city and I will move there ASAP promise 🙏🏻

  • @majortom8047
    @majortom8047 Рік тому +2

    Good introduction to living in LITHUANIA . Thanks for this.

  • @StanleyOrloff
    @StanleyOrloff 2 роки тому +12

    As a local I can confirm that everything said is pretty much true except that author has lived only in Vilnius and all info is only about it, not about Lithuania in general. Life in Vilnius and outside of it is totally different. For example public transport in city is ok, but even in suburbs of Vilnius it's terrible. I'm living 500m from Vilnius sign, going to city centre with a car takes me 20-30min, with a public transport it takes ~2hrs. Also no bike lanes or even sidewalks here.

  • @draugami
    @draugami 2 роки тому +5

    I am a fellow Canadian from Edmonton, with a Lithuanian heritage. I have visited my relatives in Lithuania in 1993. Also, I visited Lithuania in 2015. I have really enjoyed your channel.

    • @draugami
      @draugami 2 роки тому

      Just curious. In Lithuania, how many eggs are sold in a package? Are there other packaging differences in Lithuania? How about milk? In Canada, we found some ice cream products imported from Lithuania.

    • @natalia18233
      @natalia18233 2 роки тому

      @@draugami you can buy butter, Lithuanian cheese, soups, bread, pickles from Lithuania in Toronto

    • @draugami
      @draugami 2 роки тому

      @@natalia18233 Please tell me where. I am visiting close to Toronto. Thank you!!

    • @natalia18233
      @natalia18233 2 роки тому

      @@draugami there are many of them , the one that I occasionally go and it’s great place for Eastern European food called Yammy market it’s Major Mac and Dufferin

  • @RidingWithGerdas
    @RidingWithGerdas 2 роки тому +29

    I love it when foreigner comes and stays here :)

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +3

      Thank you for having us!

    • @BenyNukem
      @BenyNukem 2 роки тому

      What if he's Polish?!

    • @RidingWithGerdas
      @RidingWithGerdas 2 роки тому +5

      @@BenyNukem still, if they don't demand for certain rights like Polish schools, writing street names in Polish and so own, this is our country, our culture, our language, accept it, honor it

    • @BenyNukem
      @BenyNukem 2 роки тому

      @@RidingWithGerdas Doesn't polish minority that lived there for centuries deserve right to maintain their culture? I don't know the subject as well as I wish, just have impression like there is Lithuanian hostility against anything "polish", while I don't see it at all among Poles towards Lithuanians. I personally respect all decisions of sovereign Lithuanian government - even if they don't line up with my vision of brotherly nations relationship. If you can't tolerate minorities passing their language down the generations, (is that desrepecting do Lithuanians?) maybe you should just deport them?

    • @vaidotasj7722
      @vaidotasj7722 2 роки тому

      @@BenyNukem nobody talks about rights to maintain culture. Problem with Polish schools is a little bit different, children from those schools has a big difficulties with lithuanian language. Few Polish lessons per week is fine, not all lessons in Polish. About tolerance, current LT government is second in row with some Polish members in. How many Lithuanians are in your government? 😃

  • @subtitrainet379
    @subtitrainet379 2 роки тому +2

    Very cool video editing and a lot of information!

  • @ohbedi1429
    @ohbedi1429 2 роки тому +23

    Vilnius could have gotten a metro in 2011 where 90% of the parliament agreed on it but it got cancelled sadly :(

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +12

      Interesting! Sounds like a good future video topic 😊

    • @ohbedi1429
      @ohbedi1429 2 роки тому +3

      @@LithuaniaExplained 👍

    • @S3l3ct1ve
      @S3l3ct1ve 2 роки тому +5

      Would be nice to have but I bet its too expensive considering the city size and popullation numbers.

    • @voldemaraszelkauskas559
      @voldemaraszelkauskas559 2 роки тому +2

      Tram is more suitible solution.

    • @Mr.Whitecock
      @Mr.Whitecock 2 роки тому +2

      Foreigners are always talking about our public transport. They are mostly satisfied and it's cheaper. But try to force a typical lithuanian jump from a car to a bus or new built metro.

  • @LongAwaitedBaby
    @LongAwaitedBaby 9 місяців тому +3

    Good question. I enjoy learning European languages - French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Italian. They are easier than Chinese, which is my second language. If I would like to improve my French, I would choose a non-touristy area of France. If I would like to improve my German, I would choose a non-touristy area of Germany. And so forth. If I would like to watch a show every day, I would choose London and Las Vegas. If I would like to explore underrated places, I would choose the Baltic states, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and the Eastern European countries.

  • @MultiOranuch
    @MultiOranuch Рік тому +3

    Amazing😇 I visited Lithuania the first time with my 3 friends from Bangkok - I live in Stockholm so it the best opportunity for me to take this trip. I really like the country even I was there only 3 days.
    Vilnius and Trakai are beautiful. People in Lithuania are really freindly, helpful. So I maybe try to live for 3 months after my retirement. First I have to study the language first. Next Spring 2024, May I will visit Lithuania again. 😇 Thank you for your informative video clip.
    Best Wishes from STOCKHOLM - SWEDEN💛💚❤

  • @OddElephantLTU
    @OddElephantLTU 2 роки тому +10

    I recommend going to klaipėda during the sea festival happening between 29-31 of june.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому

      Thanks! Hopefully next year!

    • @kazkaskazkas8689
      @kazkaskazkas8689 2 роки тому +3

      God help us! That's a crazy event :) Speaking as a Lithuanian. Not for everyone. It's like recommending somebody to go to Oktoberfest in Germany - some may enjoy it, but not others.

    • @OddElephantLTU
      @OddElephantLTU 2 роки тому

      @@kazkaskazkas8689 as irgi lietuvis

  • @arnaslapenas9041
    @arnaslapenas9041 2 роки тому +4

    To anyone curious. If you decide to live in another city (not vilnius), trains are quite a useful tool. I have traveled all across lithuania by train, be it from kretinga to vilnius, from vilnius to lentvaris and from lentvaris to trakai and vice versa. If you live somewhere near vilnius, usually one or two buses will probably get you straight to vilnius in a heartbeat

  • @annieseaside
    @annieseaside 2 роки тому +2

    Very helpful! Thank you, lovely content!

  • @markott3978
    @markott3978 2 роки тому +7

    I went to Estonia 3 month ago and on my way i stopped in vilnius and thought weyooo thats a nice city. Now im back in Lithuania, right now in Klaipeda and its amazing. Also all prices are 30-50% cheaper then in Germany/Netherlands were i spent most time of my life. You can pay nearly everywhere with card, good infrastructure and a good tax system. Thats why i want to live here now and recommend it to all my west european friends.

    • @wifi588
      @wifi588 Рік тому

      It's funny because a lot of lithuanians are mad, because it seems to us that prices are cheaper in Germany than here :D

    • @markott3978
      @markott3978 Рік тому +1

      @@wifi588 petrol is at least 1,70-1,80 when i was in Lithuania was everywhere around 1,50-160. When you go in a good Burgershop you be fine with 10-15€ in Germany you most pay around 20 euro. In the supermarket Maxima/IkI i paid for 800g of handmade sushi 9€ in Germany you would pay at least around 20€. Glass bottle Water like St Pellegrino was same. I think sweats and chocolate and chips was also same. What kind of products are higher in Lithuania do you may have some examples?

    • @markott3978
      @markott3978 Рік тому

      @@wifi588 in Germany the average salary is higher but i think the costs especially for living and energy are a lot higher. I think after corona the world saw how stupid the new government of germany is and after that prices went up very heavy, because we have a economy minister called Robert Habeck sitting in an interview saying there will be no insolvencies the fabrics just need to stop producing HAHHAHAAH all the world laughts about my country now and we really had a strong economy years ago. Also what you dont have in Lithuania is so many refugees who gonna stab you with no reason. In germany are already 400.000 refugees who did not get a right for asyl but they still in the country and to the same time you just have 279.000 police man. there are heavy riots sometimes but the media always says its just a single case. But the statistic says from 2015 (refugee crisis) the sex offender more then double until today. And in the End the rich germans laugh about them poor germans having all these troubles. if you want to have a rich country go to switzerland or norway or denmark. Germany is really over and im ofc sad about it. The big companies like BASF, Linde, BMW, Volkswagen now invest huge ammounts in USA and China and run down the business in Germany. I dont know what the media tells you there in Lithuania but its really like this to 100%.

    • @wifi588
      @wifi588 Рік тому

      @@markott3978 There's some discussion going on that in Germany raw produce, like meat and vegetables, also everything in Lidl is a lot cheaper. I can't confirm this as the last time I have been to Germany was 5-6 years ago

  • @kibabgaming
    @kibabgaming 2 роки тому +9

    Šaunuolis, kad kuri video apie Lietuvą. Respect, Žmogau!

  • @Sal-fn1pm
    @Sal-fn1pm 7 місяців тому +1

    Good video, calm and informative. I have been to Lithuania several times, close as it is to Sweden. I know it is nice and now have an idea to retire there, not necessarily in Vilnius. It could be in the country side or by the sea. Next film perhaps could have that kind of focus, for us a bit older.

  • @queenster_elinam2180
    @queenster_elinam2180 10 місяців тому +1

    Your video is really helpful to me
    I will coming to Lithuania soon🎉

  • @WNordic
    @WNordic 2 роки тому +6

    Vilnius is wonderful, you want to stay there and not leave, there are also many beautiful places in all of Lithuania, « Kaimo Turizmas» with Friends it is especially popular...west side.., Curonian spit” …

  • @fullgist6723
    @fullgist6723 7 місяців тому +1

    It's an amazing place ... Looking forward to visit one day

  • @aurimaslazdauskas6023
    @aurimaslazdauskas6023 2 роки тому +11

    Thanks you for your insights of my beautiful country. I think all baltic countries are a great example of post SSRS states that joined EU and flourished compared to ones that stayed in close relationship to Russia.

  • @georgiebradley6
    @georgiebradley6 2 роки тому +16

    I've just moved here from Dubai after pretty much a lifetime in the Middle East (including Bahrain). Their transport infrastructure lacks functionality not just because of how limited it is, but how little ground it covers. Neighbourhoods are so spread out. A 5km distance here versus there is majorly different! I came during the heatwave in late June, so it suited my desert climate sensibilities, but I'm reaaaally curious to see (and feel!) what the winter will be like for me. I know you're Canadian so you probably have the right blood for it, but having lived in Kuwait, do you have any tips for handling the extremities of winter here? :)

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +8

      There’s a video on this channel about winter survival :) but to summarize my own strategy: get warm clothes from a thrift store, find footwear that will prevent you from slipping on ice, watch for snow falling from rooftops, find ways to stay social during those long dark months

    • @tomcruise7298
      @tomcruise7298 2 роки тому +1

      🥰🥰

    • @exlibrisas
      @exlibrisas 2 роки тому +1

      I was always wondering: is the heat different here from Middle East? I heard Middle East has dry heat, which is much more bearable than humid and hot days here in Lithuania.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +4

      Most of the heat I experienced in Kuwait was a dry heat, and it really is a lot more bearable than heat with humidity.
      I understand that the heat in Dubai can be quite humid… at least during certain times of the year.

    • @georgiebradley6
      @georgiebradley6 2 роки тому +1

      @@exlibrisas having lived in Bahrain and Dubai, the heat there is more humid-based than dry. It is far more intolerable than the heat in Lithuania. However, what makes it intolerable here, is the lack of a/c everywhere you go and the fact that people are outdoors whereas in the Middle East, your movements are almost always inside - whether that's in a car or a mall. You have as little interaction with the outside to avoid heatstroke...

  • @LeRiderOP
    @LeRiderOP 2 роки тому +1

    As an expat working in Kuwait 🇰🇼, looking forward to move to Lithuania.. This video is resourceful 🫡👌

  • @andris404
    @andris404 2 роки тому +31

    I love Baltic States so much, wish I could visit them one day or even live there, but they don't allow people from my country in, due to recent events in the current year... Which is understandable though. I hope the situation will change and I'll be able to visit Vilnius one day

  • @bigytutoshd5146
    @bigytutoshd5146 2 роки тому +9

    As a Spaniard my biggest issue is just finding people. And when I do find someone, because social norms are different they either feel uncomfortable or don't know how to act. That doesn't mean that I haven't found good people to talk with

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +3

      Right. I was considering talking about social culture in the video too, but me being an introvert anyways I haven’t tried to hard to connect with people. It might be a video topic of its own later on.

    • @UtamagUta
      @UtamagUta 2 роки тому +2

      There's quite a community of spanish medical students in Kaunas. Saw them hanging out by Pažaislio vienuolynas beach :)
      Other than that, yes, we're introverts big time. Once warmed up we're ready to give an arm and a leg for a friend though!

    • @gee3883
      @gee3883 2 роки тому

      see my comment above

    • @bigytutoshd5146
      @bigytutoshd5146 2 роки тому

      @@UtamagUta great to know. I had a good friend but last time I visited his parents told me he hasn't gone out of his room and doesn't want to go out

  • @osmanasmazurinas
    @osmanasmazurinas 2 роки тому +6

    Love From Lithuania

  • @zilvinux1998
    @zilvinux1998 2 роки тому +9

    Loved the video! However, Vilnius is not that small. It covers 401km^2, while for comparison Paris is only 105km^2 wide with population of 2.1mil.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +1

      Right- I was more referring to population. But when I talked about being able to walk across town I was talking about the city center so it wasn’t that clear.

    • @omnizsk
      @omnizsk 2 роки тому +3

      This is misleading comment. Vilnius covers large area because of the way it is measured. Many areas around the city could be counted as individual municipalities by Western Europe standards.

  • @karlnewholmphotography3296
    @karlnewholmphotography3296 2 роки тому +1

    Great video. Nice to see that they have some good bike lanes. That's one of the things that I miss most about Vancouver. I know what you mean about walking around the older parts of cities. Such a different feel from Vancouver.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому

      Thanks Karl! Yes, there's a reason why Gastown is such a popular neighborhood to visit! Hope you're settling in nicely in the UK :)

    • @eagleowl9912
      @eagleowl9912 Рік тому +2

      As a Lithuanian, who has commuted in Vilnius, Vancouver, and now in Copenhagen, I can tell the differences. There are bicycle lanes in Vancouver, and Vancouver people are very proud of that and also are good in promoting healthy lifestyle (e.g. nice ideas to have bicycles designated parking areas at the event venues etc), however my conclusion was that people cycle there only in Downtown. For example, I was cycling between east vancouver and north burnaby - I could rarely meet 1-3 cyclists in 20-30 minutes route, while in Denmark people cycle more or less everywhere. In Vilnius is different. I lived in Naujamiestis (Savanorių), no bicycle lanes, so I cycled often in the streets with the traffic or on pathways-depends how risky is to be in traffic- so it is quite dangerous and you need to be enthusiastic about bicycles in order to enjoy it, especially in winters.
      And yes, have to admit, I didn't want to spend whole life in Vancouver and I got back to Europe, because I missed rich history, culture and great architecture in Europe :)

  • @Jestersage
    @Jestersage 2 роки тому +3

    Regard Vancouver vs Vilnius - how walkable is Vilnius? As you know, it maybe walkable in Downtown (subject to DTES... especially now), but outside of CoV, I consider walkability to be bad. Those who live outside of CoV may lament there is nothing good around their neighborhood reachable on foot.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +2

      The Vilnius city centre is very walkable. Its surrounding neighborhoods are still not too bad. There are some areas that lack curb cuts (for strollers, wheelchairs, etc), and some sidewalks could use some extensive repairs too. But I really appreciate the fact that in most parts of the city, you're never more than a 10-15 minute walk away from a supermarket or bus stop. But that's just my experience of Vilnius.

  • @ASilverMess
    @ASilverMess 2 роки тому +2

    It's really nice to hear another foreigners opinion about this truly beautiful country! While I have been there a lot of times myself (because I have lithuanian heritage) but I never got to experience a lot more about it other than one of the major cities.
    So I am really excited for my Erasmus project where I chose Lithuania to be the country I want to do it in. One full year of time to learn more about a place I already learned to love when I was young. Super excited to learn more about this awesome country!

  • @goresk8869
    @goresk8869 2 роки тому +5

    love Lithuania and would love to live there

  • @Westblocklatino
    @Westblocklatino 2 роки тому +9

    I moved to Vilnius for studying. I love Lithuania but there are also some negative sides. When I was searching for a flat, 5 Lithuanian landlords told they don‘t want foreigners in their flat and also my Lithuanian estate agent told me that a lot especially old landlords don‘t want foreigners. That was my first experience with xenophobia and my classmates told me that they made similar experiences.
    Also some people in Vilnius are very rude especially when you don‘t speak Lithuanian and I personally think xenophobia is a problem in Lithuania!
    Ok, to be fair xenophobia and racism is also a problem in Germany my home country. But sometimes I have the feeling that it is not a problem to say no I don‘t want foreigners here but it is.
    Don‘t get me wrong, I also met really open minded people here, my university is very nice and international and Lithuania is really beautiful. But I also want to share my experience with xenophobia!

    • @kazkaskazkas8689
      @kazkaskazkas8689 2 роки тому +5

      Really? In Vilnius? We should work on it some more then. But could seemingly 'rude' attitude in some cases come from not being confident with their own English and therefore refusing to speak or making a sour face? That is very common. Even more so in Latvia. People seem rude there in general, even to a Lithuanian, when they actually aren't :)

    • @Westblocklatino
      @Westblocklatino 2 роки тому

      @@kazkaskazkas8689 yes you‘re right. I also have to say that foreigners in my home country Germany made similar experiences.

    • @omnizsk
      @omnizsk 2 роки тому +1

      It must be a language problem in the first place.

    • @Westblocklatino
      @Westblocklatino 2 роки тому +2

      @@omnizsk my current Lithuanian landlord doesn‘t speak English too, but nowadays there are oppurtunities (Google translate and so on). But to say I don‘t want foreigners here in very rude way, this is xenophobia and not very hospitable!

    • @omnizsk
      @omnizsk 2 роки тому +5

      @@Westblocklatino this is also how we, lithuanians, sometimes just say things straight, but we most often don't intend to offend people.
      I agree, it is rude.

  • @kriskt4754
    @kriskt4754 2 роки тому +4

    Vilnius isn't that small in territory 401 km². Tallinn for example is 159 km²

  • @GreatCityAttractions
    @GreatCityAttractions Рік тому

    A nice look into Lithuania.

  • @Frenk33
    @Frenk33 2 роки тому +2

    I don't want this question to sound rude, but do the winters in Lithuania feel depressing? Is there really a severe lack of sunlight throughout the day and extreme cold weather, or is that just a stereotype for Baltic countries? Great video btw

    • @eagleowl9912
      @eagleowl9912 Рік тому +1

      I would reply that as long as you are involved in different activities in winter season you should be fine- no time to get depressed. As we say- winter is for gatherings/dinners with friends, concerts and other cultural attendances, cozy evenings with candles, different types of classes (ceramics, book club or singing in a choir) etc. Some people travel to southern countries (e.g. Tenerife) in winters, while others choose travel destinations with Christmas or even more wintery vibes (e.g. Christmas markets in Germany).

  • @VidasSadauskas
    @VidasSadauskas 2 роки тому +4

    You can play curling in Vilnius too. ;)

  • @markust7709
    @markust7709 2 роки тому +17

    Great video just as your channel is. Your English is super clear and understandable (yes, many native English speakers are tough to understand but not you - kudos for that).
    The size of Vilnius is deceiving. If you are one-day tourist who just have time for downtown then you may feel it is small. Vilnius possesses 401 sq km of area which is more than many European capitals with over a million people. It stretches 20 km East to West and 25 km South to North - go figure how to walk it in less than an hour :-) And yes, we are talking about the actual city property, not suburbs. I don't think you can reach Fabijoniskes from Old town in an hour and this would be just 1 (one) vector of hundreds of them you could take in Vilnius.
    Public transport. It has improved and it is improving further with more new electric buses and trolley buses on the way. Interesting fact: the is a metro (subway) planned for Vilnius. The lines with stations are available on the Internet. But...the project is frozen since 10 years ago. And it is not only about money. It is about the fact if Vilnius really does need metro or not.
    Winter in Lithuania...super cold? Last Winter we barely had snow...and it is not the first time. Foreigners will survive, for sure. Dark Winter night? The are just as dark as in UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Northern Germany. And there is never an issue...
    Belarus is a threat for Lithuania? The poorest country that is banned by Europe? It has no power or money to hurt Lithuania. Their nuclear plant is civil but not military facility. Lithuania had its own nuclear plant but gave up nuclear energy for ecology.
    :-)

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks for all of your feedback and opinions 😀
      Yes I definitely didn’t explain my opinion about size very well. I meant it in terms of population. And the walking comment was more about the city center.
      And I think cold and dark is all relative. With many international students coming from India and Africa, it’s quite a big change from those parts of the world.
      I really should look into this metro plan, it sounds quite interesting!

    • @markust7709
      @markust7709 2 роки тому +2

      @@LithuaniaExplained
      Thank you for replaying.
      Vancouver is one of my very favorite cities. I've been there a lot. And this is where I wanted to live.
      When we are in Lithuania we have to switch to a new mode and to forget about North America. Everything ia different. We have to stop looking for Soviet heritage. Because even if it is there sometimes it is not defining Lithuania. Lithuania is a 1000 year nation that happened to spend only 50 years in USSR. And now all foreigners seem to be obsessed with it. This is foul.
      Take a bike and ride it to Verkiai. Or Belmontas. Or Pilaite. And you will experience new distances of Vilnius.
      Curious fact: Vancouver city is 0.29 % as big as Vinius by area.
      Here is a link to find out:
      mapfight.xyz/map/vilnius/

  • @politicsinanutshell8267
    @politicsinanutshell8267 2 роки тому +1

    if you want better connections for flights, you have to go to Riga, Latvia, but it's not that far for North American standards, around 300 km

  • @mickeyshooter5298
    @mickeyshooter5298 11 місяців тому +1

    I’m on the path to my citizenship right now! I can’t wait to hold two passports and I may move over to Lietuva one day.

  • @viktoriiablokhnina
    @viktoriiablokhnina 2 роки тому +2

    Is Kaunas similar to Vilnius? How is life there?

    • @gee3883
      @gee3883 2 роки тому +5

      Kaunas is also stunning, less tourists but equally relaxed, artistic friendly people, has a different vibe but still really great.

  • @Iamjeeeyjeey
    @Iamjeeeyjeey Рік тому +1

    I was just searching about how's life in Lithuania and i found your video, this is so much more interesting since I think we both work/live in kuwait just your case you were. I just have a question does it hard to look for a professional job there? I am planning to go there too :)

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  Рік тому

      Sorry I can’t answer that from my own experience because I work remotely for an international company.

  • @oskarsenitko2005
    @oskarsenitko2005 2 роки тому +5

    The scene where they came to Bratislava is quite acurate. I live in Slovakia and ofc been in Bratislava. It's the so called bad part of town. Fr I've heard people get atabbed there quite frequently. But that was a long time ago. Now Bratislava is more developed soo yea... good for us 😅

  • @ArenaTM
    @ArenaTM 2 роки тому +2

    An advice or a request call it as you like. Some vilnius night life, but not vilnius street, which is a bit fake, nothing too lithuanian. Please spare a night out to visit stranger places we party at like:
    1. Lukiškės prison. We've closed it a couple of years ago and now we have city festivals, concerts, art expos and so on...
    2. Take your girl out to bazar/marketplace of halė. Not every night is golden, you can check out club young's for when is there an event with lots of interest. Trust me its weird and cool to party in between cheese and tea stands.
    3. The train station with an outside club parkas during summer. And club peronas which works all year.
    4. These are just industrial clubs, nothing during the day, but they could be cool as well if you pick the right concert: kablys and loftas.
    Lasty, thank you for your effort. Congrats on your cliche wedding ;)

  • @mikevarga6742
    @mikevarga6742 Рік тому +1

    I did the sane thing in Serbia lol. Went on vacation. Left 2 yrs later and married lol. We are still together. Pretty wild lol

  • @simonas2905
    @simonas2905 Рік тому +2

    Proud of Lithuania

  • @stephenschuit7880
    @stephenschuit7880 10 місяців тому

    Nice video. Can I ask you to explain your comment about "Eastern Europe?" I've just lived in Budapest for 2-years and Hungarians there are usually offended when it's referred to as "Eastern Europe." They consider it "Central Europe." They imply that Eastern Europe are the "other countries" that were under Russian influence at one time such as the Baltic States. So, what's the issue in Lithuania? Thanks.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  10 місяців тому +1

      I made a video about it:
      Lithuania Is In Eastern Europe...Isn't It?!
      ua-cam.com/video/BUtYH6mpNJE/v-deo.html

  • @redbear1935
    @redbear1935 2 роки тому +2

    lived 25 years in Lithuania , 25 in Canada . I Want to go back.

  • @astrida111
    @astrida111 2 роки тому +2

    You should visit Klaipėda, if you haven't already!!

  • @markkus-oliverollo2380
    @markkus-oliverollo2380 2 роки тому

    Are the alcohol sales time accurate in the video? In Estonia, alcohol cant be sold from 10pm to 10am, but in your video, the hours were in daytime, not night-time, curious if you can buy alcohol during night-time in Lithuania.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому

      I think you’re flipping the meaning of the hours around? In the video, those hours are the times where you are allowed to buy alcohol.
      Outside of those times, you are not.

  • @gordonlumer2879
    @gordonlumer2879 Рік тому

    There are lots of direct flights to England by Wizzair and Ryanair.

  • @itsonepixel
    @itsonepixel 2 роки тому +13

    If you want to recreate the experience of being in the movie Eurotrip, you can go to either Kėdainiai in Lithuania or Ugale, Latvia. Those vibes really hit there.

    • @SamogitianGaming
      @SamogitianGaming 2 роки тому +1

      Kėdainē wasn't developed by the societ union that much, so it lacks Soviet buildings. Thoose are just similar looking Lithuanian built buildings

    • @vytilostudios6110
      @vytilostudios6110 2 роки тому +3

      You should go to Visaginas, where the nuclear powerplant was, there the depression vibe rll hits, with streets being empty and all buildings being soviet.

    • @beisiknikneimas
      @beisiknikneimas 2 роки тому +2

      @@vytilostudios6110 he visited Visaginas and Ignalina PP not so much time ago, made a vid about it

    • @vytilostudios6110
      @vytilostudios6110 2 роки тому +3

      @@beisiknikneimas Ohh, didn't see it, but in my opinion that place is like going 40 years back in time.

    • @viktoriiablokhnina
      @viktoriiablokhnina 2 роки тому

      Do you know what is Kaunas like?

  • @anthelcruzada7387
    @anthelcruzada7387 Рік тому

    Good day, if i apply a tourist visa to Lithuania can i visit other schengen countries like Spain?

  • @mof523
    @mof523 Рік тому +7

    I mean no hate, but I would like to point out some things:
    1. You mostly talked about the bigger cities which is not good, because if you go to a smaller city like Panevėžys there is almost nothing to see
    2. A lot of people are not so friendly, especially younger people. They will gang up on you if you look at them funny
    3. This country is very not friendly towards the LGBTQIA+ people. The reason is that this country is full of old people which still try to make the children also homophobic
    4. The health care system is also not so good. In the big cities, yes, they can help you with a lot of things. But in smaller cities is way worst if you got a tumor, they won't find it. And a cherry on top, if you want to get taken good care in the hospital in here, you need to bribe the doctors, because they will care about you less if you won't.
    I can go on and on, but these are just some of the main problems in here.
    And if you want to ask how I know this, that's because I live here since I was a child and I still live here

    • @sweetvictory5643
      @sweetvictory5643 Рік тому

      How high a bribe for doctors should be?

    • @sweetvictory5643
      @sweetvictory5643 Рік тому

      And how do the Lithuanians see Ukrainians who fled Ukraine in 2022? Of coarse, Ukrainians are different like people everywhere...

    • @vilijamardaseviciute8615
      @vilijamardaseviciute8615 Рік тому +1

      This comment cracked me up 😂because definetely there is some truth, but the way you wrote it makes it look way worse than it is.

  • @prophetdareadeyemi2344
    @prophetdareadeyemi2344 Рік тому

    Can you help with relocating to Lithuania, even with your connection and experience? I'm currently in Nigeria... thanks

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  Рік тому

      Maybe this website will help www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/
      The UA-camr Kindness Aniogbo is a Nigerian in Lithuania. Some of her videos offer advice.

  • @Govatoestraße
    @Govatoestraße Рік тому

    I like what I see. This is one of the best countries to live in to be honest. How can I get residence to live in Lithuania

  • @Luigi-iz6hn
    @Luigi-iz6hn 6 місяців тому

    As far as I know life is about relationships … there is nothing about the people and education system or possible contacts with people as Lithuanian are welcoming or not…. Traveling and buy things everywhere is possible . Question if I want to do that there as meeting with natives ?

  • @scud553
    @scud553 Рік тому

    Question for you or anyone else who would be knowledgeable. I'm planning to attend grad school in Vilnius this upcoming school year (hoping to get accepted soon), I speak english natively and intermediate Russian. Since the start of the war, has there been a negative opinion of speaking Russian? Will it be looked down on if I try to converse in Russian right off the bat, or should I try to greet in Lithuanian? I'm really not sure, any thoughts would be great!

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  Рік тому

      I think so, at least this is the impression I get, particularly if you are speaking to someone younger than 50. I would try English first.
      If they are quite old then Russian is more likely to be a language they speak. I could be off on my assessment so maybe someone else has a different perspective on it

    • @Sandra4ka246810
      @Sandra4ka246810 Рік тому +1

      As a person who lived my whole life in Vilnius, I mean, it is always nice to try and greet people in the language of the country, which in this case is Lithuanian :-) As for using the Russian language, it really depends on the people you are going to meet at your school - of course, some people may strongly oppose the use of the Russian language due to the war or some other past historical events. But there are also many people in Lithuania who actually can speak Russian natively or at a very high level as a second language, and do not view it as something negative because what Russia is doing politically is not the fault of the language, and definitely not the fault of the Lithuanians who just happen to know how to speak Russian 🙂But you also said that you are an English native speaker, so I can assure you that majority of our youth under 30 can speak really good English, so you won't have any problems with communication :-) Hope you'll like it in Lithuania!

  • @vinay--kumar
    @vinay--kumar 2 роки тому +11

    As an Indian I found living in Kaunas for 2 years was super easy compared to China.

  • @dakotahstr
    @dakotahstr 4 місяці тому +1

    My birth fathers name is Vassilis Degutis. He told my birth mom he was from Athens Greece
    Just found put the surname is Lithuania? I'm disappointed...only because irs a shock. I always thought I he was Greek

  • @MrVainia
    @MrVainia 2 роки тому +1

    Maybe you can run across Vilnius in an hour if you are an experienced runner. But walking? I doubt that

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому

      i responded to an earlier similar comment to clarify that i meant the city center, perhaps including naujamiestis. Yes, the entirety of vilnius is quite large.

  • @Frenchbread666
    @Frenchbread666 Рік тому

    I am Lithuanian and i love my Life in Lithuania ❤

    • @sweetvictory5643
      @sweetvictory5643 Рік тому

      And how about for someone who doesn't speak Lithuanian, but English?

  • @kapitanVS
    @kapitanVS Рік тому +1

    Answer to your last question: Kaunas 😉 .. great video, btw! 👍🙂

  • @nerijusnaudzius7061
    @nerijusnaudzius7061 Рік тому +2

    I’m from Lithuania

  • @H.K.5
    @H.K.5 7 місяців тому +2

    I may move there permanently if I earn enough money.

  • @preciouz1017
    @preciouz1017 Рік тому

    How is the job situation for a non-lithuanian/russian speakers over there? :)

  • @Aligojus_rūda
    @Aligojus_rūda 2 роки тому +2

    good rewiev

  • @faterlandas
    @faterlandas Рік тому +1

    I guess "it feels safer than most of CANADIAN cities" sums up this video best. to anyone still stuck in their "eastern Europe" stereotypes.

  • @keistasakauntas5341
    @keistasakauntas5341 2 роки тому +3

    Nice video

  • @olewilliamrojahn4553
    @olewilliamrojahn4553 8 місяців тому +5

    In any case, Lithuania cannot be called the land of smiles. I have been there several times and I have never seen fewer smiles than in this country

  • @mattrushmere
    @mattrushmere 11 місяців тому +3

    Moving to Vilnius shortly from the failed society that is the UK. Having visited last summer I fell in love with the place. Wish me luck!

  • @k.klaidas
    @k.klaidas 2 роки тому

    Could you do a video about the Taromatas in Lithuania! It would be a great video :DDDD

  • @ALO-1337
    @ALO-1337 2 роки тому +2

    3:20 it's about 600k+ because of Belarusians, Ukrainians.

  • @ALIXZW
    @ALIXZW 2 роки тому

    Good video 💖

  • @galateiyakg
    @galateiyakg 2 роки тому +2

    I would love to live for a while in Incheon.

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому

      Nice! Any reason Incheon specifically and not somewhere else in South Korea?

    • @galateiyakg
      @galateiyakg 2 роки тому +1

      Somewhere else in Korea will work for me as well. :)

    • @LithuaniaExplained
      @LithuaniaExplained  2 роки тому +1

      :) I would love to visit again. But I understand that the work-life balance there isn’t as nice.

    • @jjiijji929
      @jjiijji929 2 роки тому +1

      I live in Incheon😂😂i’m from south Korea

    • @jjiijji929
      @jjiijji929 2 роки тому +1

      I was recently in Kaunas and Vilnius

  • @evaldasbutvilas
    @evaldasbutvilas 2 роки тому +1

    I am a lithuanian!

  • @kazkaskazkas8689
    @kazkaskazkas8689 2 роки тому +4

    'I came there and was surprised how developed they were - they had public transportation!' 😆
    Some just have wrong stereotypes about what post-soviet means. Some others know more, but have their info from the 90's. Things have been improving extremely fast, especially in the Baltics, while in the West, everything has been slowly going down in the same time.

  • @teamehpchannel9614
    @teamehpchannel9614 22 дні тому

    I always thought Estonia and Latvia is more modern and sophisticated though.

  • @edgarastursa2048
    @edgarastursa2048 Рік тому +2

    Vilnius is not Lithuania, actually it’s multicultural city, so you won’t understand anything about Lithuania if you spend your time in those 3 streets in old-town, that you mentioned. Lithuania is so MUCH MUCH MORE than Vilnius…

  • @birchheights6542
    @birchheights6542 2 роки тому

    I must say it’s quite an objective video .

  • @1mikismikis
    @1mikismikis 5 місяців тому

    Thanks 🇱🇹♥️🇨🇦

  • @matikramer9648
    @matikramer9648 9 місяців тому

    ❤ Thanks

  •  2 роки тому +1

    Good video quality

  • @8_o_860
    @8_o_860 2 роки тому +2

    5:47 No shit it's not like it's been occupied by Russia for 150 years

  • @SilentKiller-xo1ri
    @SilentKiller-xo1ri Рік тому

    lived and born in lithuania this is nice to hear but sometimes the cities like vilnius or kaunas isnt safe like night there is still the mafia/gangs around but not plenty so be careful and dont walk in allyways, be safe.👌

    • @convictsaab
      @convictsaab 8 місяців тому

      Nešnekėk nesąmonių, kloune.

  • @NoellaInLife
    @NoellaInLife 2 роки тому +1

    Most guys have the same story as yours but not girls 😣😁..story for another day!! I'm glad I was here During lockdown coz we had alot of freedom compared to other European cities...Xo

    • @BenyNukem
      @BenyNukem 2 роки тому

      Do you mean that girls are not as committed as guys and they simply wont move abroad just for the loved one?

    • @NoellaInLife
      @NoellaInLife 2 роки тому

      @@BenyNukem not really so Lithuanian women love being around their families. They always convince their foreign men to move here so that they are happier. That's the general ofcse some move abroad etc

  • @victoriakyivua6929
    @victoriakyivua6929 2 роки тому +6

    I moved here to Lithuania from Ukraine cause of war. I agree about public transportation and people mostly knowing English, if they dont i can speak russian too. Prices for food - higher than in Ukraine, salaries twice lower than in Ukraine. Even i found job in foreign company. Foreign companies come to Lithuania to find cheap English speaking employees , just my vision. As for safety, yep, pretty in any town in Lithuania feels safe, there is no crimes almost. And if u love bicycles - Vilnius definitely the city for u

    • @kazkaskazkas8689
      @kazkaskazkas8689 2 роки тому +6

      Salaries are two times lower than in Ukraine? Maybe in some specific fields or for you personally, but not in general (just look at statistics).
      Yes, being able to speak English is an absolute must for jobs in foreign companies, also university education, but it does not impress anyone and does not automatically translate into a higher salary.

    • @airisfinglas2628
      @airisfinglas2628 2 роки тому +4

      Wages usually in Lithuania 1729 euro,minimal wage 730 euro.In Ukraine minimal wage 190 euro,normal 500 euro.

  • @azorakupriene2795
    @azorakupriene2795 2 роки тому +1

    As a Lithuanian, Lithuania is kinda off underrated.

  • @tomaspangonis2440
    @tomaspangonis2440 2 роки тому

    Sorry for cherry picking but it's going to take you a whole lot more than 1 hour to walk across Vilnius :D

  • @POLMAZURKA
    @POLMAZURKA 2 роки тому

    how do you make a living?

  • @ABOVETHECLOUDS007
    @ABOVETHECLOUDS007 Рік тому

    Hi do you think it’s possible for me to move here with NO job since I’m now retired yet have ALOT OF MONEY behind me say from $150,000 thousand to $2,000,000 million US dollars well in America MONEY TALKS 😂 but will it talk in this country? I’m not sure if it’s harder to move here like Germany and other European countries with NO job but if I have at least a decent amount of money behind me do you person see this as a problem for a American citizen to move here?
    Thanks so much