£1 €1.16
Today
6:01 am
+2h from you
Weather in Latvia
Latvia
12°
Light drizzle
Wed
7
12
Thu
5
10
Fri
2
11
Sat
0
11
Sun
0
9
SPF level in Latvia
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Latvia
Tipping in Latvia
Tipping is appreciated for good service but not obligatory in Latvia. A small tip shows your appreciation.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
A few euros for good service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or 5-10% for good service
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night of stay, left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR for a good tour
Safety in Latvia
Tips for British travellers
Latvia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Petty crime like bag snatching is a greater risk in Riga Old Town, the Central Market, and central train and bus stations.
Drinking alcohol in public places, including parks and streets, is illegal and can result in arrest and a fine.
Do not leave drinks unattended and be wary of accepting food or drink from strangers in bars, nightclubs and restaurants due to reports of spiking.
Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport as personal ID.
Be wary of attempts to make you re-enter your PIN when paying with a card and ensure transactions are completed in your presence.
Bonus tips:
Agree on the approximate price of a taxi journey before setting off as some visitors have reported meters being adapted to charge higher rates.
You can get an on-the-spot fine for travelling on public transport without a ticket or with an unvalidated ticket, so validate your ticket as soon as you board.
Driving in Latvia
A UK driving licence is accepted in Latvia. Check local regulations for long-term residency requirements.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Latvia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
110
Ambulance
113
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Latvia
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Latvia uses 230V at 50Hz. Plugs are Type C and Type F. UK travellers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in larger establishments, but smaller businesses may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Latvia
Good
Local name
Bankomāts
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Ensure your card has a chip and PIN for easier transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Latvia. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 10 EUR (~£8.50)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
LMT, Tele2, Bite
WiFi & internet
Good in cities, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. May be limited in rural areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in urban centres. Many hotels and cafes offer free WiFi to customers.
Health & vaccinations in Latvia
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Latvia. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and other emergencies.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, Latvia has good standards of healthcare, especially in major cities. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's always wise to consult your GP before travelling to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.
Calling Latvia
Country code
+371
To call Latvia from the UK, dial 00 371 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Riga from the UK, you would dial 00 371 6777 4700.
To make international calls, dial 00 followed by the country code and phone number. When calling a Latvian number from abroad, be sure to include the country code +371.
UK Embassy in Latvia
British Embassy Riga
Jāņa iela 13, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia
Airports in Latvia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.