Riga, the largest city in the Baltics, is where most trips to Latvia start: its medieval old town and its Art Nouveau quarter are both part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many visitors add the beach at Jūrmala, about half an hour away by train, the castles and caves of Sigulda in the Gauja valley, or Rundāle Palace. Latvia belongs to the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so an EU SIM behaves as it does at home, while a SIM from elsewhere usually pays roaming by the day.
Key facts for Latvia
- EU roaming: covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: LMT, Tele2, Bite (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112; police 110; ambulance 113
- Embassies: in Riga
Riga
Coverage is strong across Riga. Drivers on city buses, trams and trolleybuses do not sell tickets for cash, so buy one in the Rīgas satiksme or Mobilly app, or an e-ticket from a Narvesen kiosk or a supermarket, before you board. The Central Market, housed in former zeppelin hangars, stands next to the bus and train stations, and bus route 22 links the airport with the centre in about half an hour.
Jūrmala, Sigulda and Kuldīga
Trains to Jūrmala's beaches leave from Riga's central station, and the signal is good all along the coast. In Gauja National Park around Sigulda, trails follow the river past sandstone cliffs and caves, with a patchy signal in the deeper parts of the valley. Further west, Kuldīga, home to Europe's widest waterfall, joined the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2023.
Latgale and the eastern borders
In Latgale, the eastern region around Daugavpils, Latvia borders Russia and Belarus. There, your phone may grab a signal from across the border, which is billed outside EU roaming, so fix it on a Latvian operator in the network settings. Most governments advise against travel to Russia and Belarus.
Paying
Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere in Riga and the towns, although a few market stalls and village cafés prefer cash.
Getting connected
EU SIM: Latvia counts as home, so your tariff and its data work as usual. A travel eSIM makes sense only if that data allowance is small.
SIM from outside the EU: add a travel eSIM before you set off. It switches on with its first connection in Latvia, and your usual number keeps receiving calls, texts and bank codes.
Latvian prepaid SIMs from LMT, Tele2 or Bite are sold in Narvesen kiosks and supermarkets.
Consular protection: who to call in Latvia
- 112 for any emergency; you can also dial 110 for the police and 113 for an ambulance.
- Riga's tourist police answer around the clock, in English and Russian, on +371 67181818.
- Embassies are in Riga. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- The app has emergency phrases in Latvian, ready to show on screen.
Questions travellers ask about Latvia
Does my EU plan work in Latvia?
Yes, as it does at home.
Can I buy a bus ticket from the driver in Riga?
No. Buy it in the Rīgas satiksme or Mobilly app, or at a kiosk or supermarket, before you board.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Latvia?
LMT and Tele2 on most plans, and Bite on some, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
112 for any emergency; 110 for the police and 113 for an ambulance.
The short version
From the EU, your plan works as at home; from outside, install the eSIM before you fly. Buy Riga transport tickets before boarding, keep a Latvian operator selected near the eastern borders, and save 112.
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