Latvian Currency

Q: What is the currency in Riga?

The currency in Riga is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in Latvia you’ll see the symbol € written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code EUR used in exchange offices.

Q: What was the former currency of Latvia?

Latvia entered the Eurozone in 2014. Before adopting the euro , the official currency in Latvia was the Lats.

Find out what currency is used in Latvia, tips and tricks for Latvian currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise euro card.

Learn about the euro card

What is the currency in Latvia?

The currency in Latvia is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.

When you’re buying currency for Latvia, look out for the currency code EUR. And once you’re in Latvia, you’ll see the symbol € used to show prices.

You’ll find Euro banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 - although the 200 and 500 EUR notes are seldom used. There are also 1 and 2 euro coins.

Cents come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Use the Wise euro card to spend in Latvian currency.

The Wise euro travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to euro to spend when you’re in Latvia. You’ll get the best rate for spending in euro - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the euro card

Tips for exchanging currency in Latvia.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, euro - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in euro, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Latvia.

Paying by credit or debit card in Latvia

Card payments are accepted in most restaurants, shops, hotels and petrol stations. However, cash is still handy. You'll need euro change to buy a ticket on a bus for example, although you can buy public transport tickets in advance with a card if you need to.

ATMs in Latvia

Latvian towns and cities are served by a solid network of accessible ATMs. However it's a good plan to carry cash when venturing out into the countryside, where ATMs may be harder to find.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Latvia, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.