Using a credit card in Latvia

This EU member state is relatively well set up for tourists who want to spend and withdraw euros using a credit card.

Formerly part of the soviet bloc, Latvia has plenty to offer tourists – from its elegant art nouveau architecture and ancient castles to the sprawling forests of its National Parks.

Most retailers, hotels and restaurants in its capital city of Riga will accept credit card payments using Visa or Mastercard. Smaller credit card networks aren’t as commonly accepted, but you may still be able to use them here and there. The main exception is the famous local markets (which are a destination in themselves) – you’ll most likely spend euros in cash when buying your souvenirs or meat-based snacks.

In smaller Latvian towns, credit card payment isn’t as widely accepted, especially in rural parts of the country. As you might expect, Riga is better set up with ATMs than other parts of the country, but most machines across the country will charge a fee – so it’s well worth withdrawing some euros before you head out to the Baltic nation.

What about fees?

As you’d expect, there are a few potential fees to watch out for when you’re paying with plastic in Latvia.

  • Foreign transaction fees. A non-sterling fee of around 3% per transaction can apply, depending on your credit card. That’s £15 in fees for every £500 spent with your card.
  • Merchant currency conversion fees. Sometimes, a merchant will offer to take payment in pounds instead of euros. This is known as a dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and it can mean higher fees than if you simply paid in the local currency.
  • Card payment surcharges (charged by the merchant). If you’re using a Visa or Mastercard from an EU bank, you won’t need to worry about card payment surcharges.
  • Cash advance fees. Your card issuer may charge a fee for cash advances (withdrawing cash using your card).
  • Cash machine fees. The provider of a cash machine may charge a fee if you withdraw cash using your card, although thankfully, this is becoming rarer.

It’s also worth noting that when it comes to cash advances and non-sterling transactions, many card issuers will start charging interest on the day your account is debited, rather than the customary “up to 55 days interest-free” that usually applies provided you clear your balance in full each month.

EU ban on credit card surcharges

In January 2018 the EU required member states to adopt the Payment Service Directive 2. The PSD2 is a ban on card payment surcharges – when a retailer adds a fee because you’re paying using a credit card. However, it’s important to note that there are limitations and exceptions to this directive and there are other fees that may apply when you pay by credit card. If your card is from a non-EU bank, uses a network other than Visa or Mastercard, or is a business/corporate card, then the merchant may still levy a surcharge.

How can I avoid the fees?

It’s likely that ATMs – or “bankomats” as they’re often called – will charge a fee for cash withdrawals. Many have a withdrawal limit of 250 euros.

Consider taking out a credit card offering commission-free currency conversion (see table below), even if you only use it when you’re out of the country. These cards will convert currency at the standard Mastercard or Visa rates

Once you have one of these cards, if a merchant offers to take payment in pounds, say you’re happy to pay in zloty, since you know that your own bank won’t add a margin.

Generally speaking, it’s not a great idea to use credit cards to withdraw cash, but some travel credit cards won’t penalise you for this either.

Are American Express cards accepted in Latvia?

American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Mastercard or Visa, so you’re best off withdrawing some euros or taking another card as a safety net. Additionally, merchants may levy a surcharge for Amex payments.

Contactless and chip-and-PIN payments

Some 51% of Latvians have a contactless bank card, and this is growing year-on-year, according to a Mastercard survey. As such, you can expect to pay this way when visiting the country.

Chip-and-PIN is used throughout Latvia too. If your card has a four-digit PIN, you’ll be able to pay and withdraw cash this way with no problems.

Is it safe to use my credit card in Latvia?

There have been warnings in the past about dishonest Latvian bartenders over-charging you for drinks. To avoid this scam, always check the amount and your receipt, and you may wish to avoid seedy-looking bars!

Below are some additional general safety tips when using a credit card in Latvia.

  • Use an ATM within a bank. If for some reason the ATM eats your card, you’ll be able to quickly retrieve it. Also, ATMs within banks are less likely to be tampered with. Should you use one outside a bank, check for devices attached to the reader and cash return slot.
  • Consider taking an additional credit card. You can use your primary card for payments and keep your back-up card in your hotel room safety deposit box. That way, you’ll never be left without money.
  • Keep your card in sight. Card cloning is rare in Latvia, but just in case, don’t let your card out of your sight.

How to prepare before travelling to Latvia

  1. Get a credit card without foreign transaction fees. If you travel often, avoiding the 3% foreign transaction fee can save you a lot of money. Consider getting a travel credit card to avoid the foreign transaction fees.
  2. Opt for a Mastercard or Visa. They’re the most-widely accepted cards and Latvia is no exception, though you can still use your American Express cards in some locations. There are also enough ATMs around if you want to withdraw cash with these cards as well.
  3. Carry a back-up card. Try to always carry a second card when travelling abroad, given you don’t know what could happen to your primary card.
  4. Get some cash. In general, you can pay with plastic almost anywhere in Latvia. But if you want to make a cash withdrawal, keep in mind that credit cards have additional fees while most debit cards don’t.
  5. Inform your bank you’re travelling to Latvia. If you don’t let your bank know ahead of time the dates you’ll be away and where you’ll be, it may block your card if it suspects the charges are fraudulent.
  6. Make a note of your bank’s phone number. If you lose your card or have payment issues, you’ll be able to call the bank to resolve it.

Does public transport in Latvia accept credit cards?

It’s possible to buy public transport tickets and pay taxi fares using your credit card if you wish to do so.

Compare cards with fee-free currency conversion in Latvia

Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
Name Product Rating Finder score Foreign usage charge (EU) Foreign usage charge (rest of world) Purchases Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Link Incentive Representative example
The Royal Bank Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0%
0%
12.9%
£0
12.9% APR (variable)
Go to site
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).
NatWest Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0%
0%
12.9%
£0
12.9% APR (variable)
Go to site
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 12.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 12.9% APR (variable).
Santander All in One Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0%
0%
0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%
£3 per month
29.8% APR (variable)
Check eligibility
0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Maximum of £10 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 29.8% APR (variable).
NatWest Reward Black Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0%
0%
21.9%
£84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: Year 2 onwards - £0 per annum
40.7% APR (variable)
Go to site
You'll earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: Year 2 onwards - £0 per annum, your representative rate is 40.7% APR (variable).
Royal Bank of Scotland Reward Black Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0%
0%
21.9%
£84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum
40.7% APR (variable)
Go to site
Earn 1% back at supermarkets and 0.5% back everywhere else, including supermarket petrol stations. At selected retailers, you could earn 1-15% back.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 21.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £84 per annum. Reward Black Current Account holders: £0 per annum, your representative rate is 40.7% APR (variable).
Yonder Credit Card (only for London residents)
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0%
0%
29.94%
1 month for £0, £15 per month thereafter
66.7% APR (variable)
Go to site
First month free for new members, £15 p/m thereafter. Plus, 10,000 bonus points. Earn 5 points per £1 spent and up to 25 points per £1 at selected partners. Membership includes worldwide travel insurance and no FX fees.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.94% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 66.7% APR (variable).
loading

Bottom line

If you travel to Latvia, you can safely use your credit card to make payments and withdraw cash. You’ll just have to be careful to not incur fees you can otherwise avoid. With a decent Visa or Mastercard travel credit card, you’ll avoid paying foreign transaction fees and card surcharges, and by simply declining the DCC at merchants and cash machines, you’ll also avoid a poor exchange rate or commission.

Get these simple things right, and you can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery, culture and cuisine (we recommend the rupjmaize – a delicious rye bread) that Latvia has to offer.

Frequently asked questions

How to use a credit card in…

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

More guides on Finder

  • Using a credit card in Taiwan

    Consider a card with fee-free spending abroad and decline decline dynamic currency conversion to avoid card charges in Taiwan.

  • Using a credit card in Turkey

    Here’s everything you need to know about using a credit card in Turkey. How much it may cost you and holiday spending tricks.

  • Using a credit card in South Africa

    Here’s what you need to know about using a credit card in South Africa. We help you do your homework before you travel.

  • Using a credit card in Sweden

    Planning to use your UK credit card in Sweden? Read our guide to find out which cards are best, plus payment and card advice before and while you travel.

  • A guide to Heathrow’s lounges and how to access them

    A comprehensive guide to London Heathrow’s airport lounges across all four terminals and how to access them.

  • Using a credit card in Switzerland

    If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland and want to use your UK credit card, read our guide to ensure you don’t face any challenges with spending on your travels.

  • Best credit cards to use in Thailand

    Learn everything you need to know about using your credit card in Thailand before you travel.

  • Using a credit card in UAE

    All the most important things that you need to know about using a credit card in UAE. Read our helpful guide before setting off on your holiday in the United Arab Emirates.

  • Using a credit card in the USA

    Everything you need to know about using your credit card in the USA. We do the homework for you before you head across the pond.

  • Using a credit card in Spain

    Here’s what you need to know about using a credit card in Spain. We help you do your homework before you travel.

Go to site