Finland
Currency in Finland: what to use and how to exchange
Finland uses the euro (EUR, €). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, so most travellers should carry only €50–100 in cash for the rare card-only failure, markets and small kiosks. Exchange money at a bank or an ATM withdrawal rather than a counter at the airport, which costs more.
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GuideFinland
Key facts
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €); 1 € = 100 cents
- Cards accepted
- Almost everywhere, including contactless and mobile wallets
- Cash still useful for
- Markets, small kiosks, some rural buses and toilets
- Best way to get euros
- Withdraw from an ATM with a bank card, or pay by card
- Worst value
- Airport and hotel exchange counters, plus dynamic currency conversion
- Typical ATM feecheck
- Local operator fee around €2–5 per withdrawal, plus your own bank's fee
- Tipping
- Not expected
Details
Finland has used the euro since 2002, and it is the only currency you need. Notes come in €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500; the €100 and larger notes are hard to spend in small shops, so ask for smaller ones. Coins run from 1 cent to €2. Prices are usually shown with the comma as a decimal mark (12,50 €), which is the same as 12.50.
The practical question is not which currency but how much cash to carry. Finland is close to cashless: supermarkets, hotels, trains, taxis, museums and most restaurants take cards, and contactless or a phone wallet works nearly everywhere. A card is also the cheapest way to spend, because the exchange rate is set by your bank or card network rather than a counter. Carry a small amount of cash for the exceptions: open-air markets, some small kiosks, rural bus drivers, luggage lockers and public toilets.
If you arrive with cash in another currency, change it at a bank branch or a recognised exchange office in a city centre, not at the airport or a hotel desk, where the rate is worse. Compare the rate and the commission before handing anything over, and count your money before you leave the counter. Withdrawing euros from an ATM is usually simpler and better value than exchanging notes, provided you decline the machine's own conversion offer.
One trap catches many visitors: when a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, that is dynamic currency conversion. It looks convenient but the rate is set by the operator, not your bank, and it is normally worse. Always choose to pay in euros and let your own bank convert.
| Situation | Best move | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday spending | Pay by card in euros | Best rate, no cash handling |
| Need cash | ATM withdrawal with a bank card | Usually cheaper than a counter |
| Leftover foreign cash | Bank branch or city exchange office | Better rate than airport or hotel |
| Terminal offers home currency | Decline, choose euros | Avoids dynamic currency conversion |
| Small market or kiosk | Keep €20–50 in small notes | Some do not take cards |
| Tipping | Not expected | Service is included |
Tips
Tell your bank you are travelling if it still requires it, and check what it charges for foreign withdrawals and card payments. A card with no foreign transaction fee saves more than any exchange counter.
Keep a backup card separate from your main one, and store the emergency numbers for both. If a card is lost, most Finnish banks and card networks can block it by phone or app within minutes.
Prices in Finland are high by most standards, so budget in euros rather than converting every coffee in your head. See the budget and cost pages for realistic daily figures.
If you are heading to Åland or crossing to Sweden or Estonia, the euro still applies in Åland and Estonia; Sweden uses the krona, so change or pay by card there.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Finland?
The euro (EUR, €), divided into 100 cents. Finland has used it since 2002, and it is the only currency you need for daily spending.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Finland?
A bank branch or a city-centre exchange office gives a better rate than airport or hotel counters. Withdrawing euros from an ATM with your bank card is usually simpler and cheaper than exchanging notes.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Finland?
Use a card for almost everything; it gives the best rate and is accepted nearly everywhere. Bring only €50–100 in cash for markets, small kiosks and the rare place that does not take cards.
Should I choose euros or my home currency at the terminal?
Always choose euros. If a terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, that is dynamic currency conversion, and the rate is normally worse than your own bank's.
Do I need cash for tipping in Finland?
No. Tipping is not expected, and service is included in the bill. Rounding up is optional and never required.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialEuropean Central Bank – Euro
- officialSuomen Pankki (Bank of Finland)
- officialVisit Finland
- secondaryWikivoyage – Finland