Money, cards and MobilePay
Finland uses the euro and most payments are made by card or phone. Which cards work, where cash is still needed, whether visitors can use MobilePay and whether to tip.
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What does the lowest price in the last 30 days mean on a sale in Finland?
Under rules based on the EU Omnibus Directive, a shop that announces a price reduction on goods must show the lowest price it charged during the 30 days before the reduction.
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What is the unit price on Finnish price tags?
Under EU rules, shops must show both the selling price and the unit price, such as the price per kilo or per litre.
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Do shop prices include VAT in Finland?
Yes.
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Is Åland part of the EU VAT area?
No.
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What is the largest euro banknote issued today?
The largest note issued today is the 200 euro note.
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How much cash should you keep at home in Finland?
The Bank of Finland recommends that everyone keeps enough cash for 72 hours, so you can manage ordinary purchases on your own for three days if cards do not work.
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Are the old first-series euro banknotes still valid?
Yes.
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Can you set a voluntary credit ban in Finland?
Yes.
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What is the positive credit register in Finland?
The positive credit register collects information on private persons' loans and incomes.
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What is the maximum interest rate on consumer loans in Finland?
Finland lowered the interest cap on consumer credit from 20% to 15% on 1 October 2023.
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How quickly can you get a bank appointment in Finland?
Taloustaito, reporting the Financial Supervisory Authority's 2025 study, says an appointment at a branch or online was arranged on average within 1 to 11 calendar days, depending partly on the customer's own wishes.
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Can you limit where and how your bank card works in Finland?
Yes.
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When did the Finnish markka stop being legal tender?
The Bank of Finland says markka banknotes ceased to be legal tender on 1 March 2002.
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How many counterfeit banknotes are found in Finland?
Few.
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What does it mean if a banknote is stained with dye?
The European Central Bank explains that anti-theft systems in cash transport boxes and some ATMs stain banknotes with ink, so that stolen notes are easy to recognise and cannot be deposited or spent.
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Can you exchange a damaged euro banknote in Finland?
Yes.