Riga - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes, everything here is done with a credit or bank card. We pretty much never use cash, except for convenience at the Central Market and occasionally for tips. Unlike in the US, many people accept payment only via bank transfer. Wise and other companies allow you to do this for a small fee, but many people here set up local bank accounts to ease paying local bills. - Mar 2022
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Riga, less so in the smaller cities. ATMs at banks are generally safe, beware of any "private" ATMs at bars or restaurants, these are often used as skimming devices. - Jul 2017
Yes, yes, and yes. Credit cards can be used just about anywhere (grocery stores, the mall, restaurants), with the exception of perhaps some of the market stalls / vendors. ATMs are very common and safe; just be sure to use one that is affiliated with one of the major banks (Swedbank, Nordea, SEB, Citadele, etc.). - Sep 2016
Widespread and pretty safe. - Jul 2010
No problems noted. All throughout the city are ATM machines. - Aug 2008
