Costs in Latvia

07-07-04

Currency: Lat

Meals

Budget: Ls1-5
Mid-range: Ls5-14
High: Ls14-20
Deluxe: Ls20+

Lodging
Budget: Ls8-30
Mid-range: Ls30-60
High: Ls60-100
Deluxe: Ls100+

Travelling in Latvia is pretty expensive, and accommodation is likely to be your biggest expense. Fortunately, overland transport is still relatively cheap. Travelers on a tight budget can get by on US$30 per day, though adding a few more sit-down meals and more upscale accommodation can easily double that. The cost of a luxurious lifestyle in Latvia is equivalent to that in any Western European country.
Cashing travellers' cheques can be difficult outside Riga, Daugavpils and Sigulda, though every town has somewhere to exchange hard currency. US dollars and Euros are the easiest to exchange, but other Baltic and Western European currencies aren't far behind. Most ATMs accept major credit cards, as do most shops, hotels and restaurants.
There's an 18% value-added tax (VAT) in Latvia, so be sure to check prices to see if it's been included. While tipping isn't compulsory, it's common to tip waiters 5% to 10% by rounding up the bill. If waiters 'try it on' by telling you that they don't have change, don't have a bar of it. There's some bargaining at flea markets, but discounts are likely to be minimal.

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