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    Does Finland round cash payments to 5 cents?

    How the 5-cent rounding works and when it applies.

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    Short answer

    Yes. The Bank of Finland explains that cash payments in Finland are rounded to the nearest 5 cents under a law from 2000. The rounding is done on the total of the purchase, not on each item. Card payments do not have to be rounded, although a shop may do so.

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    Why

    1. The Bank of Finland says cash totals are rounded to the nearest 5 cents.
    2. The rule comes from a law passed in 2000, before euro cash came into use.
    3. The Bank of Finland notes that card payments may be rounded but do not have to be.

    Details

    In practice, a total ending in 1 or 2 cents goes down to 0, and one ending in 3 or 4 cents goes up to 5. Totals ending in 6 or 7 go down to 5, and 8 or 9 go up to the next 10 cents.

    Tip

    Keep a few 5, 10 and 20 cent coins. They are the smallest coins you will usually get as change.

    What may differ

    Some shops may also round card payments. The receipt shows the exact amount charged.

    Common misconception

    In Finland every price is rounded to 5 cents, even when you pay by card.

    What actually happens

    The rule covers the total of a cash payment. Card payments do not have to be rounded.

    People also ask

    • Are 1 and 2 cent coins used in Finland?
    • Do I need cash in Finland?
    • Is the card payment rounded in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Payment rules and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

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