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.
-
How fast must a bank refund an unauthorised card payment in Finland?
KKV says that if your card has been used without authorisation and you are not liable, the bank must return the unauthorised payment to your account immediately, and at the latest on the next business day after it discovered the payment or was informed of it.
-
How many people in Finland use cash regularly?
Few.
-
How common is contactless payment in Finland?
The Bank of Finland reported that cards issued in Finland were used for payments worth 17.8 billion euros in January to March 2026, 5.6% more than a year earlier.
-
Do banks in Finland check the payee's name before a transfer?
Yes.
-
What are instant payments in Finland?
Instant payments are euro bank transfers that are available in the payee's account within ten seconds.
-
What is a safe account scam?
In a typical safe account scam, criminals call in the name of your bank and warn that a large payment is leaving your account.
-
Is a card payment rounded to 5 cents in Finland?
Usually not.
-
Do euro coins from other countries work in Finland?
Yes.
-
Is cash legal tender in Finland?
Yes.
-
Are there ATMs at Helsinki Airport?
Yes.
-
Where can I exchange money at Helsinki Airport?
Finavia lists currency exchange service points at Helsinki Airport that handle more than 40 currencies.
-
How many people use MobilePay in Finland?
More than 3 million.
-
What is included in a basic bank account in Finland?
The Financial Supervisory Authority describes basic banking services as a payment account with the means to use it.
-
Can foreigners open a bank account in Finland?
Yes.
-
What should I do if I lose my bank card in Finland?
Block the card straight away.
-
Can shops charge an extra fee for paying by card in Finland?
Not for ordinary cards.