Is Latvia cashless?
Go cashless#20 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #13 of 45 in Europe
Short answer: Leave the cash at home. Your card or phone will work almost everywhere.
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere in Riga and most other towns.
Will my card work?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Latvia, and contactless is common.
Do I need cash?
Rarely. You can get by in Latvia with a card or phone almost everywhere.
Local currency: Euro (EUR)
How does tipping work?
About 10% in restaurants.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Is Latvia cashless?
Latvia scores 87/100 on Cashlessy (go cashless), ranking #20 of 197 countries. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere in Riga and most other towns.
Do I need cash in Latvia?
Rarely. You can get by in Latvia with a card or phone almost everywhere.
Are credit cards accepted in Latvia?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Latvia, and contactless is common.
Do you tip in Latvia?
About 10% in restaurants.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Latvia?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in Latvia.
Compare with Europe
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.