Country guide

Cash usage in Latvia

Latvia has solid card infrastructure and is increasingly cashless. Cards work well in Riga and most towns, though cash is still commonly used in rural areas and markets.

Art Nouveau architecture and Riga old town skyline, Latvia

Photo by Efrem Efre (Pexels)

Last updated 2026-06-01

Currency

Euro (€)

Cash usage level

Low

Avg. ATM fee

~3 EUR

Card acceptance

Very good

Is cash still widely used?

Moderately less so. Latvia has good card infrastructure, especially in Riga. Cards are accepted at most businesses in the capital and larger towns. Rural areas, local markets, and older establishments still lean toward cash, but the overall trend is strongly toward cashless.

ATMs and withdrawing cash

ATMs are widely available in Riga and larger towns. Swedbank and SEB machines are the most common.

Fees for foreign non-EU cards are around 3 EUR per withdrawal
Good availability in Riga; reasonable in regional cities like Daugavpils and Liepāja
Rural Latvia has fewer ATMs — plan ahead

Card acceptance

Very good in Riga. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Rural areas and markets may prefer cash.

Tips for travelers

Cards work well throughout Riga and for most tourist activities
Carry some cash for rural travel, local markets, and older guesthouses
Latvia is affordable by Western European standards
Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants