How to send money to Latvia from the UK

A simple way to move money from the UK to Latvia

Sending money to Latvia should feel straightforward, not stressful. The good news is that UK residents now have specialist services built for speed, fair pricing and clear rates, so you are no longer stuck with high bank charges. Whether you are helping family, paying an invoice or topping up your own account abroad, you can choose a method that fits your timing and budget.

Specialists like Revolut, Wise, MoneyTO, Key Currency, TransferGo, Paysend and Remitly typically beat traditional banks on both cost and delivery time. Some options arrive in seconds using cards or Open Banking, while others focus on low overall cost for larger amounts. You will usually need the recipient’s full name and a 21-character Latvian IBAN to deliver euros directly into a bank account. Pick speed when it is urgent, and total value when it is not.

The cheapest option for £1,000 is often not the fastest. Match the method to your urgency and budget.

Who this guide helps

If you live in the UK and need to send euros to Latvia for family support, bills, rent, or business payments, this guide is for you. It explains the essential steps, compares leading providers, and highlights where you can save on fees and exchange markups without compromising on security.

What you are actually doing when you transfer

A UK-to-Latvia payment converts pounds to euros and routes them to a Latvian account or card. The key elements are the exchange rate, any fees, and the delivery route. Many specialists use the mid-market rate or a competitive quoted rate, then add a clear fee upfront. Some offer card payouts to Visa or Mastercard, while bank transfers use a Latvian IBAN and BIC for SEPA routing.

Expect faster delivery with cards or Open Banking, and slightly slower with traditional bank transfers. Revolut-to-Revolut transfers are typically instant and fee-free between users. With Wise, you can pay by bank transfer for a low fee, or use a card for speed at a higher cost. MoneyTO uses Open Banking so you can approve payments directly from your UK bank without typing card details.

How to send step by step

Choose your provider based on cost and speed. Create an account, verify your identity, and set up your recipient with their full name and Latvian IBAN. Decide how to fund the transfer: UK bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or Open Banking. Cards and Open Banking are generally quickest. Bank transfers can suit larger payments and may offer better total value.

Revolut is strong for instant card-to-card sends and often posts market-leading pricing. Wise is known for transparent rates and low bank transfer fees. MoneyTO’s Open Banking flow is quick and secure. For larger sums, Key Currency offers fee-free bank transfers with tailored rates after you agree a quote. Apps like TransferGo and Paysend focus on convenience, while Remitly adds detailed tracking and cash pickup options.

Quick comparison for £1,000 from the UK to Latvia

Shortlist two options, check the live rate and total cost, and go with the one that fits your deadline and budget. Keep screenshots of quotes for your records.

Why cost and speed vary

Providers use different pricing models. Some charge a small upfront fee and pass on a strong rate. Others advertise low or zero fees but adjust the exchange rate. Card payments clear quickly and can be near-instant to Latvian cards, which is ideal when time matters. Bank transfers may take 1-3 days, but they often work out cheaper for larger amounts.

Revolut currently delivers standout value on a £1,000 send, with a £0.00 cost and about €1,170.99 received, saving up to €31.41 versus other options. Wise’s low bank transfer fee around £3.87 and mid-market rate are attractive for repeat payments. MoneyTO’s Open Banking journey removes card entry and reduces fraud risks. For significant sums, Key Currency’s fee-free model and agreed rate can beat high-street banks by a wide margin.

Focus on the total you pay and the euros your recipient gets, not just the headline fee.

The upsides and trade-offs

Watch-outs to avoid delays or extra costs

Double-check the recipient’s 21-character Latvian IBAN, full name and address before you send. A single digit wrong can bounce a payment and add days to the timeline. If you are paying by card, your issuer could treat it like a cash advance and add its own fee, especially with credit cards. Where possible, use debit cards, Open Banking, or UK bank transfers to control extra charges.

Transfers to Latvian cards can be instant, but bank-to-bank payments may take 1-3 working days. For large amounts, providers may ask for source-of-funds documents to comply with UK regulations. That is normal, so plan ahead. Finally, exchange rates move. Take a fresh quote at the time you are ready to send, or set a rate alert if your payment is not urgent.

Smart alternatives if your first choice is not available

1. Try another specialist with instant card delivery if timing is tight.
2. Use a fee-free bank transfer specialist like Key Currency for larger sums.
3. Consider Wise for regular payments with transparent mid-market rates.
4. Use MoneyTO’s Open Banking flow for secure, quick authorisation.
5. Choose Paysend’s flat £1 fee for small, frequent sends to Latvian cards.
6. If you need tracking or cash pickup, look to Remitly.

Frequently asked questions

What details do I need from my recipient in Latvia?

You will usually need their full name, address and a 21-character Latvian IBAN. For card payouts, you may need their Visa or Mastercard details. Always confirm details directly with your recipient.

How fast can money arrive in Latvia?

Card and Open Banking transfers can arrive in seconds or minutes. Bank-to-bank transfers typically take 1-3 working days. Revolut-to-Revolut sends are generally instant between users.

Are traditional UK banks a bad idea for Latvia transfers?

They are safe but often more expensive due to fees and exchange rate markups. Many UK consumers save money by using specialists designed for international transfers.

Is Wise cheaper if I pay by bank transfer?

Usually yes. Wise’s bank transfer fees are low compared with card payments, and it uses the mid-market rate. Card payments cost more but can be faster.

How do I minimise the total cost?

Compare the live quote, not just the fee. Consider slower bank transfers for larger amounts, or use instant methods when speed is essential. Check if your card issuer adds extra charges.

How Switcha fits into your decision

At Switcha, we compare trusted UK-to-Latvia providers in real time so you can see exactly what you will pay and how quickly the euros will arrive. We filter for transparent fees, strong exchange rates and reliable delivery. If you are in a hurry, we surface options that can pay out to Latvian cards in minutes. If you are moving a larger amount, we highlight fee-free bank transfer specialists that prioritise value and security.

Our guidance is written in plain English, with practical steps and checks to help you avoid errors like mistyped IBANs. We do not push a single brand. We simply show your best-value choices based on your amount, timing and payment method, so you can send with confidence.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and is not financial advice. Rates, fees and limits change frequently and vary by customer. Always check live quotes and terms before sending, and ensure transfers comply with UK and Latvian regulations.

Next steps

• Gather your recipient’s full name, address and Latvian IBAN.
• Compare live quotes for fees, rate and delivery time.
• Choose the method that fits your urgency and budget, then send with confidence.