How to Spend Cryptocurrency in Latvia
As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow across Europe, Latvia is emerging as one of the more crypto-aware countries in the Baltic region. While many Latvians have traditionally used crypto for investment, more and more people are now asking: Can I actually spend crypto in Latvia?
The answer is yes — and the options are growing.
Latvia, like other EU nations, recognizes crypto as a form of digital asset, not legal tender. However, the country has a tech-savvy population, high internet penetration, and a growing number of merchants and platforms supporting crypto-related services.
According to recent surveys, many people in Latvia — especially those aged 20–45 — are either familiar with or actively using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), BNB, and USD Coin (USDC).
While you can’t directly pay for goods in Latvia with Bitcoin at most stores, there are practical ways to spend crypto like regular money:
One of the easiest ways to spend crypto in Latvia is by using a crypto-linked debit card. These cards allow users to:
Most crypto cards support popular assets like BTC, ETH, and USDC, and often include a mobile app for real-time exchange and spending tracking.
Several global platforms offer crypto-to-gift card services. Latvians can purchase gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon, Rimi, or iTunes using their crypto balances.
Direct crypto acceptance in physical shops is still limited. While a few niche tech stores, online shops, or freelancers may accept crypto, large chains typically do not.
However, crypto cards solve this by making your crypto spendable anywhere, even at stores like:
By converting crypto to fiat automatically at the point of sale, these solutions bypass the need for merchant adoption.
Yes. Spending crypto in Latvia is completely legal, but users must comply with EU and local financial regulations, especially regarding:
In Latvia, profits from crypto may be subject to capital gains tax, and it’s important to track your transactions for annual tax filings with the State Revenue Service (VID).
Latvia is steadily catching up with the rest of Europe in terms of crypto usability. Whether you're looking to spend crypto on daily expenses, shop online, or travel using your digital assets, the tools are already available.
As infrastructure and regulation continue to evolve, it's likely that even more Latvians will embrace crypto not just as an investment, but as a practical payment method in everyday life.