Latvian Lat (LVL) = 100 santims. Notes are in denominations of LVL500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of LVL2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 santims.

Bureaux de change are found all over main towns, including inside shops, hotels, post offices and train stations. These tend to close at 1900. The most convenient currencies to exchange are the Euro and the US Dollar.

American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, JCB, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Some shops in Riga also accept credit cards. Currency can be obtained at ATMs in towns and cities.

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency.

Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks are open Sat 0900-1300.