Latvia: 7 Best eSIMs Compared + Discounts (2023)

Latvia – known for its architecture, landscapes & beaches.

While it is a small country, just like all Baltic states, it still has a lot to offer.

The Central Market in Riga (Riga Central Market) is a must-visit.

The same counts for the Latvian National Museum of Art – even though I am not that much into museums myself.

And do not forget about the many churches and cathedrals.

But there is no reason to be bored in Latvia.

What certainly will not bore you is you dealing with an expensive international roaming bill because you forgot to turn data roaming off.

International roaming can be expensive, which is why I recommend travel eSIMs – much cheaper than roaming.

So, how much do Latvian (travel) eSIMs cost?

You can get an eSIM for Latvia for as low as 5 USD up to 99 USD from Airalo (with Labitel), Holafly & Nomad, offering between 1 GB and truly unlimited data.

There are some mobile operators who will charge you 100 USD for only 100 MB of roaming data, so these travel eSIM offers are much better than most international roaming deals.

In this guide, I will go over the eSIM options offered by the Latvian mobile operators (if available), Airalo, Holafly & Nomad. Let's get started.

Original publication: 16th of August 2022. Last updated: 29th of November 2022.

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Table of Contents

eSIMs offered by the Latvian Mobile Operators

In order to get the best performance out there, it is often recommended to go directly with the local mobile operators because you will get a higher priority on the network compared to roaming.

Currently, LMT is the only Latvian mobile operator offering eSIMs to prepaid customers.

Zelta Zivtina (ZZ) by Tele2 and Bitė Latvia also have eSIMs, but only for postpaid customers.

Travel eSIM providers Airalo (with Labitel), Holafly & Nomad offer attractive eSIMs for Latvia, allowing them to be set up before arriving in Latvia and activating them as soon as you land.

Very convenient, right? And I have used eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly & Nomad before, and I can assure you they work well!

So let's check out all the options, shall we?

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Airalo eSIMs for Latvia (Labitel)

Airalo eSIMs are my favorite travel eSIMs out there because they are always good value for money compared to other travel eSIM providers (especially travel eSIMs not mentioned in this guide).

And the same can be said for the Labitel eSIM – 10 GB of data is available for only 22.50 USD.

The Labitel eSIM uses the Bitė Latvia network, which has the second-fastest speeds overall Latvian mobile operator.

So even if you go to some remote Latvian town, you will still have reception with the Labitel eSIM.

Alright, you have four Latvian Labitel eSIM options:

1. Latvia/Labitel 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 5 USD
2. Latvia/Labitel 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 10 USD
3. Latvia/Labitel 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 15 USD
4. Latvia/Labitel 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 22.50 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

When I say that the 5 GB & 10 GB variants are loved by Phone Travel Wiz readers, all readers get either the 5 GB variant.

So yeah, it is really popular.

The Airalo links will automatically get you the available Phone Travel Wiz exclusive offers – a code is unnecessary.

Honestly, the Labitel eSIM gives you the best bang for your buck, and it is the eSIM I recommend the most for Latvia.

Airalo Labitel eSIM Pros

So, why should you get the Labitel eSIMs? Well, because of the following:

• You can purchase and set up your Labitel eSIM before arriving in Latvia (and activate it upon landing)
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access to Latvia's second-fastest mobile operator – Bitė Latvia
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees

But it is not all good news with Airalo though – there are some disadvantages.

Airalo Labitel eSIM Cons

So, why should you not get the Labitel eSIM?

• The Latvian mobile operators have much more generous data allowances
• While you get access to Bitė Latvia's network, the second-fastest in Latvia, your speeds will not be as fast as going with Bitė Latvia itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Labitel eSIM
• You cannot call or text with the Labitel eSIM (nor can you receive them – you get no (local) phone number)
• You cannot get in-person support (Airalo gets back to you by email fast, but you cannot visit an Airalo store because there are none)

Airalo Labitel eSIM Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Airalo Labitel eSIM is a great eSIM offering a lot for the money you pay (especially compared to many non-EU countries).

You get fast speeds and access to second-fastest Latvian network (Bitė Latvia) without standing in queues or dealing with SIM card registration bureaucracy.

But if making actual phone calls and sending real text messages are important to you (so not through an app like WhatsApp), you may want to buy a Latvian SIM card instead.

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Holafly eSIMs for Latvia

The second eSIM provider I recommend is Holafly.

It started something revolutionary in June 2022.

Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Latvia, many other European Union member states & a few other countries.

From what I know, Holafly is the first to offer unlimited data plans for so many countries WITHOUT a Fair-Use Policy.

And that is super exciting!

Now, I have to say that the unlimited data plans offered by Holafly are more expensive than the Airalo Labitel eSIM or the eSIMs sold by Nomad.

But if you do not want to worry about data allowances, Holafly is the one to go for.

The Holafly eSIMs use the Bitė Latvia network (as well).

If you remember from the Labitel section, you know you do not have to worry about network reception or speeds.

You have the following seven options with Holafly:

• Latvia unlimited data eSIM for 5 days, costing 19 USD/19 EUR/19 GBP/27 AUD/24 CAD
• Latvia unlimited data eSIM for 10 days, costing 34 USD/34 EUR/29 GBP/49 AUD/44 CAD
• Latvia unlimited data eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/44 GBP/67 AUD/55 CAD
• Latvia unlimited data eSIM for 20 days, costing 54 USD/57 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/74 CAD
• Latvia unlimited data eSIM for 30 days, costing 64 USD/69 EUR/59 GBP/99 AUD/89 CAD
• Latvia unlimited data eSIM for 60 days, costing 84 USD/87 EUR/77 GBP/127 AUD/114 CAD
• Latvia unlimited data eSIM for 90 days, costing 99 USD/99 EUR/87 GBP/144 AUD/129 CAD

While I do not know which variant Phone Travel Wiz readers go with, I can tell you that the Holafly eSIMs are popular with those who simply do not want to worry about data caps.

And based on the emails I have received, the 20-, 30- & 60-day plans are popular because those who buy Holafly eSIMs tend to stay in Latvia for a prolonged period to explore the country.

As I recently started my collaboration with Holafly, it offers 5% off each purchase whenever you use code PHONETRAVELWIZ – how cool is that?

Of course, there are some pros and cons with going with Holafly, so let's go over them.

Holafly Latvia eSIM Pros

So, why should you get the Holafly eSIMs? Well, because of the following:

• You can purchase and set up your Holafly Latvia eSIM before arriving in Latvia (and activate it upon landing)
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access on the Bitė Latvia network – the second-fastest network in Latvia
• You do not have to deal with data caps because you get unlimited data (45 GB – here I come!)
• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees

But it is not all good news with Holafly though – there are some disadvantages.

Holafly Latvia eSIM eSIM Cons

So, why should you not get a Holafly Latvia eSIM?

• While the Latvian mobile operators do not offer unlimited data plans (yet), their plans are much cheaper than Holafly
• While you get access to the Bitė Latvia network – the second-fastest network in Latvia – your speeds will not be as fast as going with Bitė Latvia itself because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Holafly eSIM
• You cannot call or text with the Holafly eSIM (nor can you receive them – you get no (local) phone number)
• You cannot get in-person support (Holafly gets back to you by email fast, but you cannot visit an Holafly store because there are none)
• Holafly is the most expensive travel eSIM provider in this guide

Holafly Latvia eSIM Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Holafly Latvia eSIM is an excellent eSIM for those who hate data caps and just want to use data the way they want.

You get fast speeds and access to the Bitė Latvia network, which has the second-fastest 4G/LTE network in Latvia.

However, Holafly is the most expensive option in this guide and may not be the best for budget travelers.

Luckily, we still have one more Latvia-specific travel eSIM to go through, which is cheaper than Holafly.

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Nomad eSIMs for Latvia

The last eSIM provider I recommend is Nomad.

Nomad is just in the middle.

But that does not mean Nomad is bad – not at all.

The Nomad Latvia eSIM uses the Truphone network, which is active in any country you can think of.

In Latvia, it uses a combination of networks, allowing your eSIM to switch to the network with the best reception automatically.

This way, you will always be connected!

Nomad is a bit more expensive than Airalo's Labitel eSIM but cheaper than Holafly.

That is because, unlike the other two eSIM providers, the Nomad Latvia eSIM uses a combination of several Latvian networks (LMT, Zelta Zivtina (ZZ) by Tele2 & Bitė Latvia), allowing you access to the best network at your location.

And for this feature, you pay a little more than Airalo, which only uses Bitė Latvia.

You have the following four options with Nomad:

1. Latvia 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD/9 EUR/7.50 GBP/12 CAD
2. Latvia 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 17 USD/17 EUR/14.50 GBP/22 CAD
3. Latvia 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD/18 EUR/15 GBP/23.50 CAD
4. Latvia 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 26 USD/26 EUR/22 GBP/33.50 CAD

By the way, you can get 3 USD off of your first Nomad purchase by using code ADU – how cool is that?

• Check out my Nomad reviews

Of course, going with Nomad has some pros and cons, so let's go over them.

Nomad Latvia eSIM Pros

So, why should you get the Nomad eSIMs? Well, because of the following:

• You can purchase and set up your Nomad Latvian eSIM before arriving in Latvia (and activate it upon landing)
• You get full (up to 4G/LTE) access on all Latvian networks, allowing you to have the best reception at all times
• The eSIMs are affordable and have generous data allowances
• You can avoid expensive international roaming fees

But it is not all good news with Nomad though – there are some disadvantages.

Nomad Latvia eSIM Cons

So, why should you not get a Nomad Latvia eSIM?

• While you get access to four networks, your speeds will not be as fast as going with the Latvian mobile operators themselves because you will be roaming on their networks (and not be a native customer)
• There is no 5G NR access with the Nomad Latvia eSIM
• You cannot call or text with the Nomad Latvia eSIM (nor can you receive them – you get no (local) phone number)
• You cannot get in-person support (Nomad gets back to you by email fast, but you cannot visit a Nomad store because there are none)
• Airalo is cheaper than Nomad with all variants

Nomad Latvia eSIM Overall Thoughts

Overall, the Nomad eSIM is a great premium eSIM offering.

You will always have the best reception because the Nomad because it automatically switches to the best network at your location.

However, just like the other travel eSIMs mentioned in this guide, you do not get a (local) phone number with the Nomad Latvia eSIM.

Moreover, Nomad is not the cheapest option out there (that would be Airalo).

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LMT Latvia eSIMs & Plans

Another option you have is getting an eSIM from LMT Latvia, which offers eSIMs to prepaid customers (for the same price as a regular SIM card).

LMT Latvia has two types of data-featured plans: Combo & Internet.

I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro).

To convert EUR to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.

Combo Plans

The Combo Plans, which probably are not called Combo Plans but have no apparent name, are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.

Text the Activation Code to 1626 to activate Combo Plans:

Price	Plan	Data	EU/EEA Data	Local/EU Minutes 1	Local/EU SMS 1	Validity	Activation Code	Deactivation Code
0.50 EUR	Internet for a Day	Unlimited	331 MB	N/A	N/A	1 day	ID	ID-
2 EUR	Week for Internet	1 GB	Shared with data allowance	30 minutes	Unlimited	7 days	NIA	NIA-
2.50 EUR	Week for Calls	300 MB	N/A	Unlimited 2	Unlimited 2	7 days	NSA	NSA-
3 EUR	Week for Internet+	Unlimited	1.94 GB	30 minutes	Unlimited	7 days	NIPA	NIPA-
4.50 EUR	Week for All	Unlimited	N/A	Unlimited 2	Unlimited 2	7 days	NED	NED-
24.89 EUR	Month for All	Unlimited	16.07 GB	Unlimited 3	Unlimited	30 days	MV	MV-

¹ for calls/SMS within and to other EU/EEA member states and back to Latvia (NOT from Latvia to other EU/EEA member states)
² for local use only
³ also from Latvia to EU/EEA countries

Combo Plans auto-renew. To cancel auto-renewal, text the Deactivation Code to 1616.

Internet Plans

The Internet Plans, which probably are not called Internet Plans but have no apparent name, are data bundles with data (with 5G NR access).

The following Internet Plans are available:

Price	Plan	Data	EU/EEA Data	Validity
1.40 EUR	For a Day	1 GB	926 MB	1 day
5.65 EUR	For a Week	10 GB	3.65 GB	7 days

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Best eSIMs for Europe (not just Latvia)

So what if you plan to visit neighboring Belarus? Estonia? Russia? Or any other country in the European Union?

Unfortunately, you cannot use your Airalo Labitel, Holafly Latvia, or Nomad Latvia eSIMs in any country than Latvia.

However, the three eSIM providers do have eSIMs covering all of the European Union and European Economic area + some other countries.

I highly recommend these Europe eSIMs if you plan to visit multiple European countries to save money!

Airalo Eurolink Europe eSIM

The Eurolink eSIM is the most popular Airalo eSIM, per Phone Travel Wiz readers.

Most readers tend to visit multiple European countries, so they would rather have a travel eSIM covering multiple countries than just one (like Latvia).

The Eurolink eSIM can be used in 39 countries in Europe, including all nations in the European Union (EU).

The eSIM can be used from Iceland to Ukraine and Norway to Spain.

Below is a complete overview of countries the Eurolink eSIM works in:

Honestly, the Eurolink eSIM is my favorite Europe travel eSIM out there. Affordable, extensive & good value for your money.

I also used it during my 1-month tour throughout Europe in 12 countries.

• Check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review (tested in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia & Spain)

So yeah, you can say I have some experience with the Eurolink eSIM 😏.

Holafly & Nomad eSIMs for Europe

Holafly and Nomad also have eSIMs covering all of the European Union (and more).

But honestly, the Eurolink eSIM is superior (but you can consider the Holafly Europe eSIM if you want unlimited data in 30+ countries – just do not forget about code PHONETRAVELWIZ if you go with Holafly).

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Overview of the Best eSIMs for Latvia (Airalo vs. Holafly vs. Nomad)

LMT is the only Latvian mobile operator offering eSIMs to prepaid customers.

The other Latvian mobile operators, Zelta Zivtina (ZZ) by Tele2 & Bitė Latvia cannot be bothered allowing prepaid customers to use eSIMs at this time.

But that is fine – we discussed several other options in this guide!

In terms of the travel eSIMs, this would be my recommendation order:

• Airalo's Labitel Latvia eSIM (best value for money)
• Airalo's Eurolink Europe eSIM (best value for money when also visiting other European countries)
• Holafly Latvia eSIM (truly unlimited data plans at premium prices)
• Nomad Latvia eSIM (switches to the best network, allowing for excellent reception at all times)
• Holafly Europe eSIM (truly unlimited data plans when also visiting other European countries at premium prices)
• Nomad Europe eSIM (the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and performance)

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for Holafly eSIMs and code ADU123 for Nomad eSIMs – a code is not necessary for Airalo eSIM purchases.

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Buying a SIM Card in Latvia

Want to just use a SIM card but not your current one because roaming will be criminally expensive?

Consider getting a Latvian SIM card instead – local SIM cards are the cheapest way to stay connected abroad.