FAQ about tipping, currency and paying in Finland

Finland uses the euro (€) which was officially introduced in 2002. If you arrive with dollars, pounds or kronor, you’ll need to exchange or withdraw euros locally.

Finland follows a rounding rule where the amount to be paid is rounded to the nearest five cents (not per item — don’t worry). Due to this rule, 1 and 2 cent coins are not widely used and you almost never see them. Not having the smallest coins saves time, pockets, and patience.

Yes. Finland is basically a contactless wonderland. Cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere: in taxis, cafés, market stalls — even at remote roadside berry stands (yes, really). Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.

In theory, yes. In practice, most Finns haven’t touched cash in months. That said, it’s smart to carry a few coins or small bills, just in case. Some rural spots might still prefer cash. If cash is not accepted, you can typically spot a sign that says "Ei käteistä".

Nope – tipping is not expected. Service is always included in the bill, whether you’re having coffee or a three-course meal. Of course, if the service truly warms your heart, a small tip is appreciated.

Not really. Whether you're in a fine-dining restaurant in Helsinki or a small café in Lapland, tipping culture is the same: optional, never expected. At most, people might round up the bill or leave a couple of euros for great service.

Yes! Always. The price you see is the price you pay. VAT (value-added tax) is already included, so there are no surprises at checkout.

Yes – if you live outside the EU. Look for stores with “Tax Free” signs. If you spend over 40 euros in one store, you can claim the VAT back when you leave the country. Just keep your receipts and allow extra time at the airport.

Most cities use mobile apps (like HSL in Helsinki) where you can buy tickets in seconds. You can also pay at ticket machines or with a contactless card in many areas. Conductors are fairly rare — honesty is the norm. That said, inspectors do carry out random checks. On buses, you'll usually show your ticket to the driver. On trams and the metro, make sure to buy your ticket beforehand and keep it ready for inspection.

Sure, Finland has a reputation for being a bit pricey but not everything comes with a hefty price tag.

Michelin-starred restaurants can be surprisingly wallet-friendly compared to other European capitals. You’ll find creative tasting menus, Nordic ingredients, and top-tier service at prices that won’t make your credit card cry.

Tap water is clean, cold, and always free. It’s not just safe to drink — it’s genuinely delicious.

National parks are always free to explore. Hike, swim, breathe in the pine-scented air, no entry fee required. Just pack a snack and go.

The Museum Card is a true gem. For less than 80 euros, you get access to over 300 museums across the country for a full year. Even if you're here for just a week, it often pays for itself.

Second-hand shopping is not only budget-friendly, it’s stylish and sustainable too. Discover vintage Marimekko, Moomin mugs, or a perfectly broken-in pair of Finnish boots. Thrifting here is less about digging through junk and more about scoring cool, conscious finds. You'll even find a second-hand store at the airport, the first one in the world.