# Hidden gems in Latvia away from the crowds

> Beyond Riga Old Town, Latvia has lesser-known but equally magical spots. Here are a few worth the detour.

Beyond Riga Old Town, Latvia has lesser-known but equally magical spots. Here are a few worth the detour.

## Sights to seek out

- 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)

## 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.

## 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.

## No registration, no shop queue

Many EU countries require identity verification for local SIM cards, which means a queue, a shop and sometimes even a local address. A travel eSIM skips all of that: it is sold as an international data service, with no passport and no contract. You have it ready before you set off for Latvia, so you land and are online immediately — no time wasted at the airport and no risk of surprise roaming bills.

## Coverage and 5G speed in Latvia

The eSIM connects to the main local operators, so you get the same coverage as a local, including 4G/LTE and 5G where available. In the cities and tourist areas of Latvia the signal is strong and stable; in very remote villages or mountains it can weaken, as with any operator. Hotspot is included, so you can share the connection with your laptop or a travel companion at no extra cost.

## 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/vende-te-fshehura-latvia-en