Scam in LatviaFood and drink
Unannounced bar and restaurant charges in Latvia
How it works
Extra fees are quietly added to your bill. You may only notice them after paying.
Warning signs
- Prices are unclear before you order.
- The bill includes charges you did not agree to.
- The total does not match your order.
How to avoid it
- Check prices before ordering.
- Ask about any unclear fees.
- Read the itemised bill before paying.
If it happens to you
Ask staff to explain unfamiliar charges and correct the bill. Keep the receipt and payment record if the dispute remains unresolved.
- Get to a safe place. If you are threatened, injured or prevented from leaving, call 112.
- Contact your card issuer if your card was stolen or used for a disputed payment. Freeze it if needed and ask about a payment dispute.
- Save receipts, bills, booking details, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report the incident to police. The state police number is 110. Ask for a report reference or copy.
- Notify the relevant taxi service, venue, rental company or course provider. Make any refund request in writing.
- Contact your insurer with the evidence and police report. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/latvia2025Restaurant Scam in Old Riga?A visitor reports a surprise 10% service charge and a bill recording eight diners despite their party having only three people.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorTripadvisor restaurant reviews2020ITALISSIMO RESTAURANT, Riga - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - TripadvisorA reviewer describes a disputed 10% service surcharge placed among bill items, and management acknowledges that it was applied incorrectly.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the unannounced bar and restaurant charges scam in Latvia?
Extra fees are quietly added to your bill. You may only notice them after paying.
How can I spot it early?
Prices are unclear before you order. The bill includes charges you did not agree to. The total does not match your order.
How do I avoid unannounced bar and restaurant charges in Latvia?
Check prices before ordering. Ask about any unclear fees. Read the itemised bill before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask staff to explain unfamiliar charges and correct the bill. Keep the receipt and payment record if the dispute remains unresolved.
Where in Latvia does this happen?
Bars and restaurants, especially in Riga
How common is this scam in Latvia?
Occasional. Latvia is generally safe for independent travellers, but petty theft and tourist scams do happen. The main concerns are bar extortion, taxi overcharging, extra restaurant charges and language-course payment scams in Riga.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger, threats, injury or being prevented from leaving. State police: call 110 to report a scam or theft. Keep evidence and ask for a report reference. Help after bar scams has reportedly been uneven. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number. Report stolen cards, forced payments or disputed charges and ask what recovery options apply. Taxi booking service or taxi company: use the trip's support option or the company's official contact channel. Provide the receipt, route, vehicle registration and details of the disputed fare. Travel insurer: use your policy's claims channel. Submit receipts, evidence and the police report when requested. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Latvia?
General emergency: 112, State police: 110, Ambulance: 113, Natural gas emergencies: 114.
Reviewed by @snuck