communications

Internet

Apart from internet caffes, some regular caffes and gas stations offer wifi. Internet can be accessed in public libraries, a most of them have wifi as well. Every decent hotel should have some connection as well. Internet can be accessed over cellphone networks as well (GPRS, 3G) but beware of costs.

Phone

Cellphones are really popular (over 100% penetration rate, 99% of network coverage), so finding a public payphone can be a challange. Best chances in bigger cities, I would try post offices first.
GSM standard is the most popular one (operated by LMT, Tele2 (homepage in latvian and russian only) and Bite and Amigo), but there is also a CDMA network (www.triatel.lv). See websites for information on prepaid SIM cards (all networks should have them) as well as rates for making overseas calls and using the cards abroad (at leas LMT has the option to use the prepaid card abroad).