Transaction data from payment cards allows conclusions to be drawn about the tourist habits of Latvian residents in the summer. In June, July, and August, they most frequently paid with cards in various countries in Europe — especially in Poland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, as well as regularly traveling to their closest neighbors — Lithuania and Estonia.
“This summer, the main destinations for Latvians based on payment statistics were Poland, Germany, and Italy. The popularity of these countries is explained by the demand for trips and a high level of spending during the tourist season. Significant transaction volumes were also recorded in Spain and France, confirming the enduring appeal of Central and Southern Europe. Additionally, Sweden stands out with a relatively high number of card transactions, indicating its popularity as a tourist destination,” said expert Ekaterina Ziniča.
Short Trips to Neighboring Countries
This summer, residents of Latvia particularly favored nearby destinations. Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland exhibited regular payment activity, indicating frequent short trips and daily expenses outside the country. The highest number of transactions was recorded in Lithuania — over 82,000 during the summer. The average amount of a transaction was 26 euros in Lithuania, 24 euros in Estonia, and 25 euros in Poland. This points to a typical style of short trips — frequent purchases of small amounts.
Popular Foreign Destinations — Larger Expenditures
Latvian residents also actively traveled to more distant corners of Europe. Numerous payments were recorded in Germany and Italy, with the average transaction amount in Italy being 37 euros — the highest among popular destinations. In Spain, France, and Sweden, the average check was around 30 euros. Less frequently, but still noticeable expenditures were registered in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Greece, and other countries, demonstrating a variety of tourist routes.
Moreover, the use of credit cards increased during the summer, as customers utilized them not only for payments but also for additional benefits, such as travel insurance.
Experts remind: when traveling to countries that do not use the euro, such as Poland or Scandinavia, it is important to pay attention to the currency for payments and cash withdrawals — often it is more advantageous to choose the local currency.
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