Do I pay extra to use my phone in other EU countries with a plan from Latvia?
In EU and EEA countries, and from 2026 also in Ukraine and Moldova, you roam like at home: calls, texts and data cost what they cost in Latvia. A limited data allowance in your plan is shared between Latvia and roaming.
With a plan from an operator in the EU or EEA, calls, texts and data in other EU and EEA countries are generally charged as at home, within fair-use limits. Other rules apply to plans from other countries; what applies with a plan from Latvia is below.
📜 The rules in Latvia
The details
- Roam like at home is meant for travel. If over four months you spend more than half the time abroad and use your services mainly there, the operator may warn you and then add surcharges. (sprk.gov.lv)
- With an unlimited data plan, a set data volume is free in EEA countries; the plan description states how much. (sprk.gov.lv)
- Near the border your phone may connect to a foreign network and charge roaming rates even in Latvia. Choose your operator's network manually and consider switching off data roaming. (sprk.gov.lv)
- On ships and planes, EU rules apply only while you are connected to a land-based network. Satellite connections on board are not price-capped, so switch off roaming or use flight mode. (europa.eu)
Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija (SPRK)
If your provider has not solved the problem, send SPRK a written complaint: signed with a secure e-signature to sprk@sprk.gov.lv, as a signed letter to Skanstes iela 25, Rīga, LV-1013, or through your official e-address.
🪜 Step by step
- Check your plan before you travelSee which countries your plan treats like home and whether it has a separate data allowance abroad.
- Read the welcome messageWhen you arrive, your operator usually sends a message with the prices and limits that apply.
- Watch the fair-use limitUnlimited or very large data plans can have a smaller allowance abroad. Above it, a surcharge can apply.
- Take care on ships, planes and near bordersThere your phone can connect to a network outside the usual roaming rules. Switch off roaming or use flight mode when in doubt.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
What does fair use mean?
Operators may limit roaming at home prices to normal travel, not living abroad for good, and may cap data abroad on very large plans.
Which countries count as home?
That depends on your plan and on where your operator is based. The rules for Latvia are on this page.
Are calls back home free?
Calls home usually cost the same as at home when roaming at home prices applies. Calls to other countries can cost extra.
📎 Sources
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