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Just like the other European countries, Latvia operates a GSM network. The cell phone penetration is very high and most inhabitants own a cell phone. Clients of Latvian cellular service providers also benefit from considerably reduced mobile roaming rates across the EU.

Providers

The main cellular service providers are:

• LMT
• TELE2
• BITE

From the three providers LMT and TELE2 have the best 3G and 4G mobile internet coverage across all Latvia.

Contracts

To get a mobile contract you will need a passport, ID card, or driver's license. A contract can be easily terminated or changed on a monthly basis. An exception are contracts that come with a phone, in which case a contract cannot be terminated earlier than within at least 6 months.

There are some basic points you need to consider for choosing the right deal:

• Personal Use: Evaluate how much you use the phone, when, where you are calling, how often you use short message services (SMS), if you use the phone abroad, etc.
• Coverage: Most important if you live in a remote place or regularly using the mobile while traveling in the countryside as most companies offer decent coverage.
• Fees & Rates: Each operator offers several different plans and options. Investigate the plans carefully and evaluate your needs.

Pay As You Go

Prepaid cards are popular and provide a simple way for calling within Latvia and internationally, sending SMS, and using mobile internet. Prepaid cards can be bought (as well as topped up) in most stores and kiosks, as well as post offices and gas stations.

The most popular prepaid cards in Latvia are:

• Okarte
• Zelta Zivtina
• Amigo