The national currency of Latvia today. Money and prices in Latvia. ATMs in Riga - where to find ATMs in Riga

ATMs in Riga - where to find ATMs in Riga

In any shopping center, train stations and airports you can easily find where to withdraw money, pay for something online or top up your account. Almost all ATMs in Latvia “speak” at least three languages ​​- Latvian, Russian and English.

All ATMs in Riga and Latvia They work for both deposits and cash payments.

ATMs accepts banknotes in euro and dollar currencies - EUR and USD. In the event that the ATM user has an account in a different currency than the funds deposited into the account, the deposited amount will be converted at the rate established by each specific bank.

Also in almost all shops, restaurants, etc. accept bank cards – MasterCard, VISA, EuroCard. Less commonly taken JCB, DINER'S CLUB, EUROCHEQUE.

Money transfers from Riga - how to transfer money from Riga, Latvia to Russia, Ukraine, etc. to a private person

Western Union

Well-known international money transfer system Western Union also works in Latvia. You can send or receive a transfer at branches of partner banks of the payment system and res post offices. As for mail, money transfers are accepted and sent here only from/for individuals.

Western Union - fast, convenient and safeway sending money to people close to you, no matter what country in the world they are located in. Transfers Western Union can be sent to or picked up at more than 300,000 service centers in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

MoneyGram transfer system

Sending and receiving money transfers. 334,000 branches in 200 countries. The transfer is ready for payment in 10 minutes. Sending and receiving in EUR or USD. Compared to other translation systems, it is “not very fast”; you have to wait longer for translations than with other companies.

Contact system - fast transfers in the CIS and around the world

Contact is a Russian system, very convenient for sending money across the CIS countries, and, in principle, throughout the world. It is characterized by speed and small percentages (2%). There are different options for transferring money - from a money collection/issuance point or from a personal CONTACT account. You can also make a mobile transfer, a transfer through a terminal, “from card to card,” or a transfer through Internet banking. The service "Translation with insurance" is also provided.

WebMoney

In Latvia, transfer and receive money, replenish your wallet WebMoney It is possible both via the Internet and through ATMs. And through partner banks in Latvia you can also exchange money from your WebMoney wallet.

And using a bank payment or cash in Latvia, you can also make an exchange in the system WebMoney.

The national currency of Latvia is the Latvian lat, which is divided into 100 centimes. The Latvian Bank acts as the issuing bank. In cash circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 lats.

Latvia is a member state of the European Union.

Lat - the currency of Latvia in 1922-1940. and since 1993 (after the restoration of independence, the Latvian ruble was issued in 1992).

On the front side of the 5 lats banknote measuring 130 x 65 mm there is an image of an oak tree, and on the reverse side there is a national ornament in the form of a stylized image of the sun.

The banknote has a watermark in the form of a portrait of a girl. A security strip with repeating microtext “Ls 5” runs along the bill to the right of the center. A holographic metallic diving security stripe appears on the reverse of the note.

On the front side of other Latvian banknotes are depicted: 10 lats - the Daugava River; 20 lats - national log house; 50 lats - sailing ship; 100 lats - writer Krisjanis Baron (1835-1923); 500 lats - a girl in Latvian clothes.

Attention! From January 1, Latvia switches to the Euro! The information in the article is valid until January 1, 2014.

Which currency in Latvia? - National currency of Latvia, - this is Lat.

Lat is the only currency in Latvia for payments in shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, theaters and the market. When we arrive in Latvia, prepare your Latvian lats for payment! Small change coins - centimes. 1 lat = 100 centimes.

What currency should I take to Latvia?

— But you can take any currency to Latvia. Currency exchange in Latvia is established and well organized. You can change currency at a bank, at an exchange office, or at ATMs.

What is the Latvian currency exchange rate?

— The official exchange rate of the Bank of Latvia can be found here. This is the website of the Bank of Latvia. http://www.bank.lv/en/ Information in English.
Lat is pegged to the Euro. Official exchange rate of the Bank of Latvia on November 2, 2011: 1 Lats = 0.702804 Euros
Money can be changed at any bank in Latvia. You will most likely be charged a percentage for exchanging cash. BUT! Banks are open only on weekdays from 9-00 to 17-00. Only some branches are open on weekends. For example, at a train station, in large supermarkets.

How do exchange offices work in Latvia?

— You can use the currency exchange office at any time. Exchange offices are usually open on weekends and even around the clock.

A good exchange office in the very center of Riga. Address: Aspazijas Boulevard 22. The building itself is the Riga Hotel. Another good landmark is the building of the National Opera. I took the photo directly from there.

Exchange rate at exchange offices. View the exchange rate to the Russian ruble. The exchange rate at exchange offices, of course, may differ from the exchange rate of the Bank of Latvia. But within reasonable limits.

At the exchange office, look for this inscription in Latvian. Exchangers may also have an inscription in English Currency exchange.

Is it possible to pay by card in Latvia?

— You can pay with a card in many places in Latvia. True, sometimes the technology does not work. It's better to have some cash. Cash is needed for places such as the Central Market, fairs, bazaars, souvenirs on Dome Square, buying a ticket from a tram driver or in a minibus. There are machines for issuing passes, tickets, coffee, etc. There already with a plastic card - no way.

Rural tourism in Latvia is well developed. But in rural areas, most likely, you will not be able to use a bank card.

Where can I withdraw cash from a bank card?

— You can withdraw cash from your card at any ATM. ATMs operate 24 hours a day, including weekends and without lunch breaks. But they only issue paper banknotes.

Paper banknotes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Lats.

Coins 50 Santim, 1 Lats and 2 Lats are white.

Small light yellow coins - 5, 10 and 20 Centimes.

The smallest dark coins are 1 Centime and 2 Centime. 1 lat = 100 centimes.

Attention! The 2 Lata coin is similar in size and color to the 2 Euro coin. There is a cow on the coin! I heard that there is a fraudulent trick - instead of 2 Lats, slip in a 2 Euro coin. And the Euro is significantly cheaper. Be careful!

The standard 1 Lats coin depicts a “fish”, a salmon.

But there are non-standard coins. Such 1 Lats coins are quite common:

Some tourists even collect and change collections. There are Christmas trees, pine cones, an ant, a chimney sweep, a horseshoe, a stork and even a pig. Check your change! If you get it, good luck! :)))

Currency of Latvia. This is what a 10 lats banknote looks like.

I found an interesting photo on the Internet. Latvian currency in denominations of 10 lats. The banknote depicts the landscape of Latvia. Someone took the time to find this place and take an interesting photo! Thank him very much. :)))

Perhaps you wanted to look for it yourself? And, at the same time, check other bills.

Found it!!! :))) On November 19, an observation tower was opened in Vasargeliski on the banks of the Daugava. On the 10-lats banknote there was one image with a view of the Daugava. So, the picture was taken from exactly this place.

(From Daugavpils go towards Kraslava.)

Rumor has it that Latvia will soon switch to the Euro. But the conversations began a long time ago, and the result is not yet visible. Perhaps in 2-3 years there will already be a new currency for Latvia. Check the date please. In the meantime, - and the state currency of Latvia - this LAT!

Today in the comments they asked: Where can you change euro coins in Latvia? I will find out tomorrow and will definitely add it to this article.

Conversation on the topic currency of Latvia I started it, Erica Herman.

New warning: 1 Icelandic krona can be confused with the 1 lat coin! Let's be vigilant!!! Especially at the market...

Most tourists, coming to Latvia, strive to visit the capital of this European country. But outside of Riga, Latvia also has many interesting and picturesque places with a rich history. In Cesis and Sigulda there are magnificent and picturesque ruins of medieval castles. It is also worth visiting the Gau National Park, which is located in the eastern part of Latvia and is a huge pine forest. Resort lovers should visit Jurmala, Liepaja and Ventspils. This is where you can find upscale hotels and sandy beaches.

Of course, traveling around picturesque Latvia requires money. We invite you to find out what the currency of Latvia is called and get acquainted with its history.

Latvia before the war

Until the beginning of the thirteenth century, the territory of Latvia was mostly inhabited by pagan tribes who were engaged in agriculture and did not have their own statehood. But then the Semigalls, Selams, Courshams and other tribes of the ancient Balts were captured by the German crusaders, and this territory turned into Livonia - a confederation of feudal states. It was the crusaders who founded the capital of modern Latvia, Riga, and several other cities in 1282 - Limbazi, Valmiera, Koknes, Cesis.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Latvia was under the rule of the Poles and Swedes. At this time, there was a war for this territory between the Polish-Lithuanian principality, Russia and Sweden. As a result, in the 17th century there was a consolidation of peoples into a single Latvian people, who spoke a common Latvian language.

In 1710-1717 (during the Northern War), Peter the Great, after a months-long siege, took the city of Riga - and Latvia (Latgale) joined the empire. At the end of the 18th century, Latvia became a developed province of Russia and competed with the port city of St. Petersburg.

History of Latvia after the First World War

During the First World War, part of Latvia was captured by the German army, but after its end the country had a chance to gain long-awaited statehood. The winners did not allow the losing Germany to retain the lands of Latvia, but they did not consider it necessary for them to go into the possession of Soviet Russia. Thus, in 1918 Latvia gained independence.

In 1940 (August 5), during the events of World War II, the government of the state turned to the Supreme Council of the USSR with a request to include Latvia in the Union. But this did not save Latvia; it was under German control until July 1944, and the territory of Kurzeme (in particular, the largest ports of Liepaja and Ventspils) until May 1945. At the end of World War II, Latvia was again part of the USSR, and until 1991 it was a Soviet republic.

After 1991, a decree was approved granting independence to the Baltic republics, including Latvia.

Country currency

The national currency of Latvia - lats (Lats), indicated by the symbol Ls, is a decimal currency. For a long time, the lat competed with the European pound sterling.

Key points in the country's monetary history:

• 1919 - the first Latvian rubles and kopecks appear;
• 1922 - the lat becomes the national currency;
• 1940 - banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 lats, coins of 1, 2, 5 lats and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes are issued;
• end of 1940 - the Soviet ruble is introduced into circulation, as the Bank of Latvia acquires the status of a republican branch of the State Bank of the USSR;
• 1992 - the currency of Latvia is the Latvian ruble;
• 1993 - a new lat is reintroduced.

What is the currency in Latvia today? This is the euro. This monetary unit was introduced on January 1, 2014 as a result of Latvia’s integration into the European Union. On the same day it was impossible to receive lats from ATMs, but within six months it was possible to exchange for euros at any bank, and at the National Bank of Latvia (Latvijas Banka) the exchange is unlimited in amount and is unlimited.

EU member states are allowed to use their own design on the reverse of coins, although banknotes are the same everywhere. Latvian euro coins depict the core values ​​and symbols of Latvia. The profile of a girl in the national Latvian costume is emblazoned on a silver Latvian coin, and the small and large coats of arms of the country are minted on euro cents.

Currency exchange

More recently, the currency of Latvia (lats) was exchanged for euros at the following rate: 1 Ls = 0.17 EUR.

And the current rate for December 2015 is as follows: 1 EUR = 73.610900 RUB; 1 EUR = 1.090200 USD.

Banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00, with the exception of some branches that are located at the station or in large supermarkets.

What currency should you take with you to Latvia? The country has a well-organized and established currency exchange, so you can take any money with you. You can make the conversion at any exchange office, hotels, post offices, ATMs, banks, train stations and airports.

Payment systems such as Visa Electron and MasterCard are also common in Latvia. They can be used in almost all shops, restaurants and hotels. But at the central market, bazaar or when buying a travel ticket, you will need cash.

Before traveling to Latvia, everyone will probably have several basic questions:

Currency of Latvia, what currency should I take with me to Latvia?

Where to exchange currency in Riga (Latvia) and what currency is exchanged in the country?

How to pay in Latvia, cash or bank cards?

How much money should I take with me to Riga/Latvia?

In this article we will answer all these important questions!

Currency of Latvia. What currency to take with you to Latvia

On January 1, 2014, Latvia joined the Eurozone and joined the list of European countries where the Euro is the currency. From that moment on, the Latvian lat, the former national currency of Latvia and one of the symbols of the country's independence, began to go out of circulation.

All payments in the country, cash and non-cash, occur ONLY in EUROS. Therefore, when going on vacation to Latvia, you need to take with you exactly Euro. The euro is the official currency, which currently accounts for all turnover in the country.

Latvian lats are still valid in the country and will remain valid until they are completely withdrawn from circulation. In some banks and rare shops or cafes you can still see the price indicated in both Euros and Lats, but this is more for the local population, tourists should not pay attention to this.

Currency exchange in Latvia (Riga)

Currency exchange in Latvia can be done both at bank settlement centers and at exchange offices. There are many exchange offices on the streets of the country, especially in Riga, they are found literally at every step, the largest concentration of exchangers is in the center. Exchangers can be found by the sign “Valutas maiņa”. "Perk" - buying and "Pardod" - selling.

In banks and exchange offices in Latvia you can exchange for Euros - Dollars, Russian rubles, Pounds Sterling, Japanese Yens, Polish Zlotys, Czech Crowns, Swiss Francs, etc. These are the currencies that can be found for exchange most often.

Exchangers and bank branches in which you can exchange currency can be found at the airport, at train stations and in the center of the old city, but the exchange rate there is extremely unfavorable. To exchange currency, it is best to go deeper into the city, the left bank of the Daugava River, this is where we saw the most favorable rates for currency exchange.

It is not profitable to exchange rubles for Euros in Latvia; it is better to exchange them back in and come to the country in Euros. Although, of course, everything depends on the course. For example, let's take one of the days of currency exchange, in Russia the rate was 73.31 rubles per 1 Euro, and in Latvian banks at the same time - 76.95 rubles per 1 Euro. And this is the official rate; exchange offices and/or banks set their own rate, therefore, as in our country, currency exchange rates in different banks in Latvia can differ, sometimes even very much.

Before the trip, for fun, you can compare exchange rates in banks in Russia and Latvia:

For the exact (official) euro exchange rate, see the website of the Central Bank of Latvia - Bank of Latvia;

For exchange rates in Russia, see the website of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation - Bank of Russia.

And then compare and draw conclusions. But still, if we are talking about a trip to Latvia from Russia, then it is more profitable to exchange rubles for euros in Russia.

In addition, when exchanging, no one is immune from commission; there are banks and exchangers in Latvia that charge a commission. That is, by standing at the exchanger and calculating how many Euros they should give you for your rubles during the exchange, you can end up with a completely different amount in your hands. To avoid getting caught, we recommend that you always first ask “How many Euros will I get for my 1000 rubles?” In this case, you will be told or written the real amount.

How to pay in Latvia, cash or bank cards?

Both cash and bank cards are accepted in the country. In almost all cafes, restaurants, shops, hotels and other retail outlets you can make cashless payments using a bank card, with rare exceptions, which are souvenir shops on the streets, public transport, small shops and eateries, as well as some departments in the markets. So if you prefer cashless payments, we still recommend having some cash with you.

The most common bank cards in Latvia are Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, EuroCard and American Express.

It is best to have a currency card, namely a Euro card, then at the time of payment you will not be charged additional funds for conversion. But you can pay with cards in both rubles and dollars, while taking into account the costs of currency conversion. The conversion depends solely on the bank that services your card, its internal rate and commissions. Sberbank ruble cards are among the most unprofitable for payments abroad.

How much money to take with you to Riga/Latvia

But this is a difficult question, since everything here is extremely individual. Some people like to eat from the belly and it’s great, but for some, breakfast and dinner are enough, for some, to fill up they need the first course and compote, and for others, fruit and a bun are enough.

Despite this, we will try to provide some general data. But we recommend that you consider your personal needs before traveling.

Latvia is not one of the cheapest countries in Europe, but also not as expensive as, say, France, not to mention Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and similar countries. So, you are unlikely to be able to relax on a budget and still have fun in Latvia, especially its capital, Riga.

So, a full dinner for two in a restaurant in the old city will cost somewhere between 40-50 Euros; outside the old city you can find restaurants cheaper, although not much either. Beer and snacks, again for two (2 glasses of 0.5 liters each) from 20 Euro. Coffee with pastries 8-13 Euro. Parking in the city center is paid, the cost is from 1-1.5 Euros for 15 minutes of parking.

Entrance to many attractions and museums in Riga is paid, from 2.5 Euros per person. On average 5-6 Euro. To climb to the best, in our opinion, observation deck in the city - - 9 Euros per person.

For those who want to save money, you can sometimes eat ready-made meals from stores or from the market, which are especially good. To do this, we recommend booking hostels or guest houses with a shared kitchen. In general, the ability to use a hotel kitchen saves a lot of money in any country in the world.

The cost of a double room in hotels in the center of Riga starts from 1,500 rubles per night. We recommend booking hotels in advance, especially during active tourist seasons (summer, Christmas and New Year - from December to February, May holidays, etc.), so as not to stay overnight on the street. In general, Riga, and the whole of Latvia, is popular with tourists at any time of the year, so it is still better to think about where you will live in advance. We always book hotels, hostels, guest houses and inns