In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best places to buy a SIM card, what to prepare, and the prices you can expect. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose the best plan and consider alternatives like eSIMs.
Prepaid Latvia SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide
Latvia SIM cards make staying connected on your travels easier than ever, perfect for accessing data, maps, and local tips at your fingertips.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to pick the perfect Latvia SIM card for your trip. From finding the best SIM options and where to buy them to understanding prices and choosing between SIM types, I’ve got you covered. You’ll also get tips on eSIM options, card activation, and even how long it’ll last. This way, you’ll be ready to explore Latvia confidently and easily.
In this article
I. What are the Best Latvia SIM Cards for Tourists?
There are 3 mobile carriers in Latvia, including LMT, Tele2, and Bite Latvia. Each offers plans with varying data, call minutes, SMS, and validity periods.
Operators | Prepaid Plans | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
Bite | Bee 1.5GB | ~$13 | 1.5GB in Latvia + 1.5GB in EU | Unlimited in Latvia + 50 mins to EU | Unlimited in Latvia | 1 month | ~$18 |
Bee 4 GB | ~$16 | 4GB in Latvia + 4GB in EU | Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU | Unlimited in Latvia | 1 month | ~$21 | |
Bee 8 GB | ~$21 | 8GB in Latvia + 8GB in EU | Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU | Unlimited in Latvia | 1 month | ~$26 | |
Bite 30 GB | ~$23 | 30GB in Latvia + 20GB in EU | Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU | Unlimited in Latvia | 1 month | ~$28 | |
Bite Unlimited in the Baltics | ~$28 | Unlimited in Latvia/Baltics + 25GB in EU | Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU | Unlimited in Latvia | 1 month | ~$33 | |
LMT | Internet for a Day | ~$0.5 | Unlimited in Latvia + 459MB in EEA | – | – | 1 day | ~$3.5 |
Week for Internet | ~$2 | 1GB in Latvia & EEA | 30 mins in Latvia & EEA | Unlimited | 7 days | ~$5 | |
Week for Calls | ~$3 | – | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days | ~$6 | |
Week for Internet+ | ~$4 | Unlimited in Latvia + 3.2GB in EEA | 30 mins in Latvia & EEA | Unlimited | 7 days | ~$7 | |
Week for All | ~$5 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days | ~$8 | |
Month for All | ~$25 | Unlimited in Latvia + 22.4GB EEA | Unlimited in Latvia + EEA | Unlimited | 30 days | ~$28 | |
Zelta Zivtiņa Tele2 | Unlimited Conversations | ~$2.5 | – | Unlimited in Latvia | Unlimited in Latvia | 7 days | ~$3.5 |
Unlimited Internet | ~$3 | Unlimited in Latvia | 10 mins in Latvia | Unlimited in Latvia | 7 days | ~$4.5 | |
Unlimited for everything | ~$4.5 | Unlimited in Latvia | Unlimited in Latvia | Unlimited in Latvia | 7 days | ~$6 | |
Unlimited Conversations | ~$9 | – | Unlimited in Latvia | Unlimited in Latvia | 30 days | ~$10.5 |
In short, you can get Latvia SIM cards starting at just €1 for a basic plan. If you need more 4G data, plan to spend about €15-25, depending on the data amount. Purchasing directly from carrier websites usually gives you the best prices.
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Latvia for Tourists?
Tourists can purchase SIM cards in Latvia through various convenient methods:
1. Buy Latvia SIM Card Online
- Location: Order from websites like SimOptions or SimCorner, which ships physical SIM cards to your address before you travel.
- How: Place an order online, and the SIM card arrives ready to use.
- Suitable for: Travelers who want to avoid finding a SIM card after arrival.
- Pros:
- No need to search for a SIM on arrival.
- Provides immediate connectivity.
- Cons:
- Requires planning in advance.
- Potential shipping costs.
2. Buy SIM Card at Riga International Airport (RIX)
- Locations:
- Narvesen Stores: Located in the Arrivals Hall near the ticket counter.
- RIX Duty-Free Shop: Available past security in the departures area.
- Procedure: Be prepared to show your passport or take a photo to register your details.
- Pros:
- Convenient for tourists arriving by plane.
- Immediate connectivity for city directions, apps, and navigation.
- Cons: Higher prices than in city stores
3. Buy SIM Card in Riga and Major Cities
- Location: In Riga, head to official carrier stores for better rates:
- LMT, Tele2, Bite stores are in central areas and major malls.
- Supermarkets like Rimi and Maxima also sell prepaid SIM cards.
- Narvesen stores across the city.
- Pros:
- Lower prices and wider plan options than at the airport.
- Official stores provide setup assistance.
- Cons: Requires a trip into the city, which may not be convenient for immediate use
III. How Much is a Tourist Latvia SIM Card?
A tourist SIM card in Latvia generally costs between €5 and €20, depending on the data and call options. Basic SIM plans, like those from Tele2 or Bite, start at around €5 and offer limited data and local calls, ideal for short-term or minimal data usage.
For tourists needing more data, such as 5GB to unlimited options, prices can go up to €20, often with unlimited local calls and SMS options.
IV. What types of Latvia SIM cards are available for tourists?
In Latvia, tourists have 3 main SIM cards: physical Latvia SIM cards, eSIM, and tourist combo SIM.
Type | Description | Cost | Suitable For | Pros | Cons |
Prepaid Physical SIM | Available from local stores or kiosks (Tele2, Bite, LMT). Provides calls, texts, and data. | €5-€10 (basic) | Travelers needing local connectivity | Easy to find, provides immediate local service | Higher prices at airports, local-only |
Data-Only SIM | Offers internet access only, no calls or SMS. Suitable for data-focused needs like navigation and social apps | €5+ | Short-term travelers needing data | Affordable, ideal for data usage | No calling or texting capabilities |
Tourist Combo SIM | Combines data, local minutes, and SMS, offering balanced connectivity | €10-€20 | Tourists needing calls + data | Covers multiple needs, good for general use | Higher cost than data-only options |
Recommendation: I recommend you guys choose a Latvia eSIM. It’s quick and convenient – just buy it online, scan the QR code, and you’re ready to go. There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards, which can be used across multiple countries. Just make sure your device is compatible with eSIM!
V. Do I need a SIM card to travel to Latvia?
YES, of course. While free WiFi is standard, having mobile data offers reliable access for navigation, booking rides, and staying online anywhere in the country. Latvia’s SIM cards are affordable, much cheaper than international roaming, and have substantial coverage from significant providers like Tele2, LMT, and Bite.
If your phone supports it, an eSIM is a convenient option – you can set it up before arriving and keep your main number active without swapping physical SIMs. Whether exploring Riga or traveling the countryside, mobile data enhances your Latvian experience.
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Latvia?
To buy a SIM card in Latvia, you’ll need your passport – it’s a legal requirement for all mobile providers. Here’s what you should prepare:
1. Must-Have Items
- Valid passport or EU ID card
- Cash or credit card (most places accept both)
- Your unlocked phone
- Proof of address (for some providers)
2. Good-to-Have Items
- Google Translate app (in case of language barriers)
- Screenshot of your phone’s APN settings
- Basic Latvian phrases for communication
VII. Latvia eSIM – Alternative to Tourist SIM cards
I do not know how to express the convenience of getting an eSIM for my trip to Latvia. I just want to say that you don’t need to find a local SIM card store, swap out physical SIMs, or risk losing tiny cards. With an eSIM, all you do is scan a QR code – you’re set up with a local data connection in minutes. It’s as simple as downloading a song.
For the smoothest experience, I recommend checking out Gigago. Buying through a third-party provider means you can set up your eSIM in advance, avoiding language barriers or complicated in-country registration. We always favor flexibility when traveling, right?
For Latvia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 500MB/day for 3 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Latvia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50 – $128.00 .
Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you have or how long your trip to Latvia is. Gigago always has an option for you.
VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Latvia?
Depending on your chosen plan, tourist SIM cards in Latvia typically last from 7 to 30 days. For short visits, there are 7-day options, ideal for travelers staying a week or less.
If you’re visiting for an extended period, many carriers like Tele2, LMT, and Bite offer 30-day packages with ample data, local calls, and SMS. These plans are designed to cover a typical tourist stay and provide reliable connectivity throughout your trip.
IX. How to activate a Latvia SIM card?
Step 1: Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone.
Step 2: Turn on your device and wait for the network signal to appear.
Step 3: Enter the activation code (often provided in the SIM package) via SMS to a specific number, like 1616 for some providers such as Tele2.
Step 4: Select a plan by texting the relevant plan code if required, or visit the carrier’s website or app for additional plan options.
Step 5: Restart your device to complete the activation and ensure the settings are applied.
X. FAQs
What types of Latvia SIM cards are available for tourists?
Tourists in Latvia can choose from prepaid SIM cards offering data-only, call-and-data combos, or even eSIM options if their device supports it. Major providers include LMT, Tele2, and Bite, with a range of short-term plans.
Can I call other countries using my Latvia SIM card?
Yes, Latvia SIM cards allow international calling. Some tourist plans may include a certain number of international minutes, while others charge additional fees per minute for calls outside Latvia.
Will the Latvia SIM card work with my phone?
As long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with European networks, a Latvia SIM card should work without issues. Check with your device manufacturer if you’re unsure about compatibility.
How to recharge my Latvia SIM card?
You can top up Latvia SIM cards at local stores, kiosks, supermarkets, or online through the provider’s website or app. Many stores, like Narvesen or Maxima, also offer recharge options for major carriers like Tele2 and Bite.
XI. Conclusion
I hope you find this post helpful in choosing the right Latvia SIM card for your trip. With options for every need and budget, staying connected in Latvia is simple and affordable. Whether you’re looking for data-only plans, call-and-data combos, or an eSIM, this guide has all the details to keep you connected throughout your journey.