# Riga city guide: the capital of Latvia

> Riga blends history and modern life. Here’s what to see, where to stay and how to get around the capital of Latvia.

Riga blends history and modern life. Here’s what to see, where to stay and how to get around the capital of Latvia.

## Highlights

- Riga Old Town
- Art Nouveau district
- Jūrmala beach
- Gauja National Park
- Turaida Castle

## Stay online while you explore

For maps, bookings, translation and Instagram photos, a MerrSIM eSIM for Latvia (from €1.99, 10 GB €9.99) keeps you online from the start — no roaming, no physical SIM.

[MerrSIM — eSIM Latvia](https://merrsim.com/destinations/esim-plans-for-latvia)

## How much data you really need

For normal use — maps, messaging, social media and the odd video — budget about 300–700 MB a day. A light traveller is fine with 3–5 GB for a week, while anyone doing video calls, streaming or laptop hotspot will want 10–20 GB. In Latvia, download offline maps and use hotel WiFi for big downloads; that way a 10 GB plan comfortably lasts two weeks. If you run out, you buy a new plan in the app with no waiting.

## Activation in a few minutes

Do the install before departure, while on WiFi. Open your phone settings, choose to add an eSIM and scan the QR code you received by email. Label the profile “Latvia” so it is easy to spot. When you land, set the eSIM as your data line and switch on data roaming for it — that is normal for travel eSIMs and adds no fees, because the plan is prepaid. Within seconds you are online, with no need to hunt for public WiFi.

## Does your phone support eSIM?

Before you buy, check two things. First, the phone must be eSIM-compatible: iPhone XR/XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many recent Motorola, Huawei and Oppo models. Second, it must be carrier-unlocked. You can verify by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. This saves you any surprises when you arrive in Latvia.

## Why travellers choose MerrSIM

MerrSIM builds local plans for dozens of destinations, at a fixed price in euros — no dollar exchange rate and no surprises. Every plan includes hotspot, instant QR activation and no document registration. The app and support are in Albanian, which makes it easy for the diaspora and travellers from the region. For Latvia, that means a simple experience: buy it, scan it, and you are ready before you board the plane.

## How an eSIM works

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone: there is no physical card to insert. You buy it online, get a QR code by email and scan it in your settings. Once installed, the profile lives on your phone and activates when you reach Latvia, connecting automatically to a local partner network. You can keep your main SIM at the same time, so your number still gets calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

## FAQ

### How do I stay online in Latvia?
Get a MerrSIM eSIM for Latvia from €1.99 (10 GB €9.99), activate by QR before departure and connect automatically.


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Author: Etnik Beqiri  
Published: 2026-05-29  
Source: https://merrsim.com/en/blog/udhezues-qyteti-latvia-en