If you are preparing for a trip to Latvia and want to stay in touch, the best option is using Latvia SIM cards. In Latvia, buying a SIM card is very convenient. It provides cheap data to make calls and send texts without costing you exorbitant roaming charges from your home service provider when traveling abroad. This guide on how to obtain a prepaid SIM card in Latvia will cover every important point.

BITE sim card

1. Quick Facts about Bite

Bite Latvija is the third-largest mobile telecommunications operator in Latvia, with a market share of around 30%. Here are some key facts about Bite Latvija:

  • Founded in 2005
  • Third-largest mobile operator in Latvia
  • Market share of around 30%
  • Subsidiary of Bite Group
  • Offers a wide range of mobile and fixed-line services
  • Bite Latvija was the first mobile operator in Latvia to launch 4G LTE and 5G services.
  • Bite Latvija has the largest LTE network in Latvia.
  • Bite Latvija is the first mobile operator in Latvia to launch eSIM services.
Bite Latvia Logo

2. Why Bite When You’re Exploring Latvia – Coverage and Speed

When exploring the beautiful country of Latvia, it’s important to consider your coverage and speed as you travel across this digitally connected landscape.

2.1. Bite Coverage in Latvia

LATVIA MOBILE OPERATORS COVERAGE
LATVIA MOBILE OPERATORS COVERAGE

Opensignal’s September 2022 Mobile Network Experience Report finds that BITE provides its clients with decent overall mobile experience characterized by fast download speed, great video streaming capacity, and high availability.

Bite Latvia has a great availability rate as 96.6% of the users’ time is spent on a network of 3G or more. Thus, there will be no cases of dropped calls and loss of data connections for Bite’s users.

2.2. Bite Speed

LATVIA MOBILE OPERATORS Speed
LATVIA MOBILE OPERATORS SPEED

Bite showed a download speed of 29.7 Mbps in Opensignal’s September 2022 Mobile Network Experience Report of Latvia as compared to LMT with 38.1 Mbps.

Another factor was that the upload speed of Bite at 7.9 Mbps was lower than LMT’s at 8.2 Mbps and Tele2 at 8.7 Mbps.

In a nutshell, Bite’s overall speed performance proved to be less rapid compared to the other two dominant mobile service providers in Latvia. However, these speeds are just average and your speed will depend heavily on the things like location or time of the day.

3. Bite Connectivity Options for Travelers to Latvia

Bite provides pre-paid SIM cards including both short term and long-term subscriptions for tourists to Latvia.

Option Description
Prepaid SIM Cards A great option for travelers who want to avoid roaming charges. Bite prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from Bite stores, kiosks, and supermarkets throughout Latvia and come with a variety of data and call allowances.
Data-Only Plans Perfect for travelers who want to stay connected on social media, check email, and browse the web. Bite data-only plans can be purchased online or at Bite stores and offer a variety of data allowances.
Monthly Contracts Offer a variety of benefits, including more data and call allowances, as well as lower prices. Monthly contracts with Bite can be purchased online or at Bite stores.
No-Contract Plans A good option for travelers who are not sure how long they will be staying in Latvia or want the flexibility to cancel their plan at any time. Bite no-contract plans can be purchased online or at Bite stores.
eSIM A convenient option for travelers, as they can be activated online without the need for a physical SIM card. Bite eSIMs are available for compatible smartphones.
Roaming Free for travelers from EU countries. Travelers from non-EU countries may be charged roaming fees. Contact your mobile phone provider to see if they offer roaming packages for Latvia.

Thus, whether visiting Latvia for a short weekend ‘city break’ or long baltic road trip, Bite has a suitable connectivity package for your specific time frame and required amount of data.

4. Best Bite SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Most tourists who come to Latvia should choose Bite’s $5 prepaid SIM card. Here are some top prepaid plans with the total price with Bite SIM card:

Bite Prepaid Plans Price (USD) Data Local Calls Messages Validity Total Cost (USD)
Bee 1.5GB ~$13 1.5GB in Latvia + 1.5GB in EU Unlimited in Latvia + 50 mins to EU Unlimited in Latvia 1 month ~$18
Bee 4 GB ~$16 4GB in Latvia + 4GB in EU Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU Unlimited in Latvia 1 month ~$21
Bee 8 GB ~$21 8GB in Latvia + 8GB in EU Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU Unlimited in Latvia 1 month ~$26
Bite 30 GB ~$23 30GB in Latvia + 20GB in EU Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU Unlimited in Latvia 1 month ~$28
Bite Unlimited in the Baltics ~$28 Unlimited in Latvia/Baltics + 25GB in EU Unlimited in Latvia + 100 mins to EU Unlimited in Latvia 1 month ~$33

Data-only plans are sufficient for most travelers who mainly use internet messaging and VoIP calling. Bite offers prepaid plans with bundled local call minutes, SMS and even some international talk time credit if required.

5. Does Bite Support eSIM in Latvia?

Yes, currently Bite does provide eSIM connectivity in Latvia but only for Samsung Galaxy Watch LTE and Galaxy Active2 smartwatches.

6. Where Can You Buy a Bite SIM card and eSIM?

As you plan your exciting trip to Latvia, you’ll want to ensure easy connectivity throughout your travels. This brings up the practical question of where you can purchase a Bite SIM card to stay connected while exploring this Nordic nation.

6.1. Where to Buy Bite SIM for Latvia?

Bite SIM cards are available at a variety of locations in Latvia, including:

  • Bite stores: These are the official stores of the Bite operator and they can be found in major cities and towns throughout the country.
  • Mobile phone retailers: Many mobile phone retailers also sell Bite SIM cards. These can be found in shopping malls, electronic stores, and other retail locations.
  • Supermarkets: Some supermarkets also sell Bite SIM cards. These can be a convenient option if you are already doing your grocery shopping.
  • Convenience stores: Some convenience stores also sell Bite SIM cards. These can be a good option if you need a SIM card in a hurry.
  • Online: You can also purchase a Bite SIM card online from the Bite website. This can be a convenient option if you do not live near a Bite store or mobile phone retailer.
BITE STORE IN RIGA
BITE STORE IN RIGA

Once you have purchased a Bite SIM card, you will need to activate it before you can use it. You can activate your SIM card online or by calling Bite customer service.

6.2. Where to Buy Bite eSIM in Latvia?

Currently, Bite does not offer eSIM for mobile, you can purchase a Latvia eSIM online via esimlatvia.net. Plans from $5 with 3-50GB data valid for 3-30 days. Instant delivery – just scan and connect anywhere in Latvia. 

Once you have purchased your eSIM, you will receive a QR code that you will need to scan to activate it.

7. How to Activate Bite SIM/eSIM in Latvia?

Now that you’ve purchased your Bite SIM card, you’ll need to activate it so you can start enjoying mobile data and connectivity while discovering Latvia. The good news is that activating a Bite SIM or eSIM is a straightforward process.

7.1. How to Use Bite SIM Card in Latvia?

Activating a Bite prepaid SIM card is quick and easy:

  1. Insert the SIM into your unlocked phone.
  2. Power on your device and allow the SIM to register on the network.
  3. Go to Settings > Network or Cellular to configure APN settings.
  4. Enter “bite” as APN name, “bite” again for APN username and leave the password blank.
  5. Turn on mobile data and you’ll be connected right away.

Once active, you can recharge credit using vouchers, online banking or the Bite app.

7.2. How to Activate Bite eSIM?

Getting started with a Bite eSIM for Lativa is quite easy as follows:

  1. Install the eSIM
  2. Activate the eSIM
  3. Set up the eSIM
  4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

8. Latvia Bite Call & SMS Rates

Bite Prepaid SIMs allow calling and texting with the following approximate rates in USD:

Type Within Latvia Outside EU
Calls $0.07/min $0.4/min
SMS $0.025 $0.25

Many Bite recharge vouchers and top-up amounts also include free local and EU call minutes.

International calls are expensive so use VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp instead of direct calling.

9. Useful USSD Codes for Bite SIM/eSIM

Bite SIM users can dial the following USSD code to check balances and activate packs: STATUS to 1600 – Check add-on status

No need to call customer care for basic account management. Just use these codes to easily manage your Bite SIM on the go.

10. How to Top-up Bite SIM/eSIM

Adding more credit is easy with Bite prepaid. You have several recharge options:

  • Vouchers – Sold at Bite stores, kiosks etc. Scratch card has a PIN for instant top-up.
  • Online – Use Bite website or app to recharge with international card.
  • ATMs – Bank machines of Swedbank, SEB etc support Bite top-ups.
  • Bank Transfer – Send money to Bite’s prepaid account for direct recharges.

Minimum top-up is €5. Amounts above €20 get 20% bonus credit. Data and talk time bundles can also be added when recharging.

11. Alternatives to Bite Latvia

Here are some alternative options to Bite telecom in Latvia for tourists to stay connected:

  • Tele2 – One of the largest mobile operators in Latvia. Offers affordable prepaid SIM cards that you can top up as needed. Provides good 4G coverage nationwide.
  • LMT – Another major carrier with nationwide 4G coverage. They offer SIM cards for tourists/visitors that you can activate online before your trip.
  • eSIM – If your device supports eSIM, you can buy a prepaid eSIM plan from providers like esimlatvia.net online before arriving. No need to swap physical SIM cards.

getting a prepaid SIM from Tele2, LMT or eSIM plans for convenience and coverage during your stay in Latvia. Always have backup Wi-Fi options too.

Get hassle-free connectivity in Latvia with esimlatvia.net eSIM plans. Browse our wide range of affordable data packages and get connected as soon as you land. Buy your Latvia eSIM now!

Leave your physical SIM behind
Travel light with a digital SIM from esimlatvia.net!

11. FAQs about Bite in Latvia

1. Does Bite have good coverage outside Riga?

Yes, Bite provides good connectivity across Latvia. Over 96% population and major tourist sites covered.

2. Can I use Bite SIM in rest of Europe?

Bite has EU roaming. Prepaid SIMs come with inclusive roaming data and calls. Extra roaming packs also available.

3. What ID do I need when buying Bite SIM?

A valid passport or European ID is required when purchasing a Bite SIM in person.

5. Where can I find APN settings for Bite?

Bite’s APN is “bite” with username “bite”. No password required.

12. Final Words

Bite offers an excellent mobile network experience for tourists visiting Latvia thanks to its widespread coverage, fast 4G/5G speeds, and variety of prepaid SIM card options. Follow this guide to seamlessly get Bite service when traveling across Latvia and enjoy affordable, reliable connectivity everywhere for navigating, messaging, transit, and more.