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Euro is the currency of Finland. Currency of Finland: history, description and exchange rate Currency exchange in Svetogorsk, Imatra and Lappeenranta

Finnish brand.

Currency of Finland

Finnish pennies and stamps.

National currency

There can never be too many euros :).

5 euros, obverse.

5 euros, reverse.

Currency exchange

Currency exchange in Finland.

Cashless payments

Dynamics of the Finnish mark rate

The Finnish mark is the monetary unit of the Republic of Finland. It was put into circulation in 1860, although the country at that time was part of the Russian Empire. The issuer of the stamp has always been the Bank of Finland (fin.

Money in Finland – past and present, or how to spend it wisely!

Suomen Pankki, Swedish. Finlands Bank).

To briefly designate a brand in texts, the symbol is used mk, written after the amount. The letter code of the brand according to the international standard ISO 4217 is FIM.

Finnish mark rate calculator

This online calculator will help you convert the value of Finnish marks into rubles and vice versa. Enter the amount you need in the input field:

Finnish mark exchange rate chart

Select period:

The graph shows changes in the Finnish mark rate for 1 month (from November 28 to December 28, 2001).

History of the Finnish mark by year

The table shows changes in the exchange rate of the brand over the last 9 years of its use:

Year Denomination Course at the beginning Course at the end Minimum Maximum
2001 10 45,0600 44,5500 41,0200 45,9600
2000 10 45,7500 43,9700 38,8100 50,2000
1999 10 40,5200 45,8000 40,5200 47,3800
1998 1 1,1098 4,0658 1,0782 4,1362
1997 1 1 195,72 1 109,75 1 033,09 1 195,72
1996 1 1 070,88 1 197,30 1 020,76 1 215,72
1995 1 763,54 1 066,96 763,54 1 212,34
1994 1 219,34 748,55 219,34 823,22
1993 1 77,61 218,48 77,61 222,42

Central Bank exchange rate

44.5500 rubles for 10 Finnish marks

For a long time, the national currency of the country was the Finnish mark, but back in 2002 (how quickly time flies!) 12 Eurozone countries decided to switch to a common monetary system - the euro. Therefore, tourists who have visited the EU more than once will not have to get used to new unusual banknotes and coins.

Everything about money and currency exchange in Finland.

Brief historical background

Purely for the sake of interest, one can recall the old Finnish marks, which were used to make calculations since 1860. The Finnish mark/markka, mark/FIM, FM was introduced on the territory of the Grand Duchy of Finland after the issuance of a corresponding decree by Emperor Alexander II. Before the euro, banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 marks were in circulation,

Finnish brand.

as well as coins of 10, 50 pennies and 1, 5 and 10 marks. 1 mark was equal to 100 pennies.

Finnish pennies and stamps.

National currency

Today, the euro does not need much introduction. This currency has long been well known to many of our compatriots. Now, in order to feel at ease in the country, tourists do not have to carry around with them, like a medieval lord, a bag with several handfuls of hard coins.

Banknotes are available in standard denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros,

There can never be too many euros :).

coins - 1.2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 €.

Currency of Finland: history, description and exchange rate

By the obverse of the coin, you can understand that it was issued by the Bank of Finland. Thus, on the obverse of the 5-euro (Summer series) a typical summer landscape and a low-lying sun are depicted,

5 euros, obverse.

and on the reverse there are water lilies, and the name of the issuing country “SUOMI FINLAND” is engraved.

5 euros, reverse.

Currency exchange

It’s better to go to Finland with euros straight away. But if for some reason it was not possible to exchange money at home or you need an additional amount of money, you will have to go to the nearest bank (working hours: Monday-Friday from 09.15 to 16.15) or the post office "Postipankki" (daily from 6:30 to 20:30). At regular exchange offices located at the airport, hotels, shopping centers, the rate is not very favorable. To complete a currency exchange transaction, you will be asked to provide a foreign passport.

Currency exchange in Finland.

Both dollars and Russian rubles can be exchanged. You will find out the current exchange rate if you use a currency converter.

Cashless payments

Almost all shops, restaurants, hotels and car rental offices accept credit cards of the international payment systems Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express.

You don’t have to bring a lot of cash with you; you can pay for goods/services with a bank card.

There will be no problems with cashing traveler's checks. In addition, money can be withdrawn from any ATM. But before that, you should find out about the amount of the commission being written off.

The best option, in our opinion, is to take cash in rubles and euros, and a bank card!

What is the money in Finland? What currency is best to take to Finland?

For a long time, the national currency of the country was the Finnish mark, but back in 2002 (how quickly time flies!) 12 Eurozone countries decided to switch to a common monetary system - the euro. Therefore, tourists who have visited the EU more than once will not have to get used to new unusual banknotes and coins.

Everything about money and currency exchange in Finland.

Brief historical background

Purely for the sake of interest, one can recall the old Finnish marks, which were used to make calculations since 1860.

The Finnish mark/markka, mark/FIM, FM was introduced on the territory of the Grand Duchy of Finland after the issuance of a corresponding decree by Emperor Alexander II. Before the euro, banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 marks were in circulation,

Finnish brand.

as well as coins of 10, 50 pennies and 1, 5 and 10 marks.

1 mark was equal to 100 pennies.

Finnish pennies and stamps.

National currency

Today, the euro does not need much introduction. This currency has long been well known to many of our compatriots. Now, in order to feel at ease in the country, tourists do not have to carry around with them, like a medieval lord, a bag with several handfuls of hard coins.

Banknotes are available in standard denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros,

There can never be too many euros :).

coins - 1.2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 €.

Country Scanner

By the obverse of the coin, you can understand that it was issued by the Bank of Finland. Thus, on the obverse of the 5-euro (Summer series) a typical summer landscape and a low-lying sun are depicted,

5 euros, obverse.

and on the reverse there are water lilies, and the name of the issuing country “SUOMI FINLAND” is engraved.

5 euros, reverse.

Currency exchange

It’s better to go to Finland with euros straight away. But if for some reason it was not possible to exchange money at home or you need an additional amount of money, you will have to go to the nearest bank (working hours: Monday-Friday from 09.15 to 16.15) or the post office "Postipankki" (daily from 6:30 to 20:30). At regular exchange offices located at the airport, hotels, shopping centers, the rate is not very favorable. To complete a currency exchange transaction, you will be asked to provide a foreign passport.

Currency exchange in Finland.

Both dollars and Russian rubles can be exchanged. You will find out the current exchange rate if you use a currency converter.

Cashless payments

Almost all shops, restaurants, hotels and car rental offices accept credit cards of the international payment systems Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express.

You don’t have to bring a lot of cash with you; you can pay for goods/services with a bank card.

There will be no problems with cashing traveler's checks. In addition, money can be withdrawn from any ATM. But before that, you should find out about the amount of the commission being written off.

The best option, in our opinion, is to take cash in rubles and euros, and a bank card!

What is the money in Finland? What currency is best to take to Finland?

For a long time, the national currency of the country was the Finnish mark, but back in 2002 (how quickly time flies!) 12 Eurozone countries decided to switch to a common monetary system - the euro. Therefore, tourists who have visited the EU more than once will not have to get used to new unusual banknotes and coins.

Everything about money and currency exchange in Finland.

Brief historical background

Purely for the sake of interest, one can recall the old Finnish marks, which were used to make calculations since 1860. The Finnish mark/markka, mark/FIM, FM was introduced on the territory of the Grand Duchy of Finland after the issuance of a corresponding decree by Emperor Alexander II. Before the euro, banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 marks were in circulation,

Finnish brand.

as well as coins of 10, 50 pennies and 1, 5 and 10 marks.

Exchange rates in Finland

1 mark was equal to 100 pennies.

Finnish pennies and stamps.

National currency

Today, the euro does not need much introduction. This currency has long been well known to many of our compatriots. Now, in order to feel at ease in the country, tourists do not have to carry around with them, like a medieval lord, a bag with several handfuls of hard coins.

Banknotes are available in standard denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros,

There can never be too many euros :).

5 euros, obverse.

and on the reverse there are water lilies, and the name of the issuing country “SUOMI FINLAND” is engraved.

5 euros, reverse.

Currency exchange

It’s better to go to Finland with euros straight away. But if for some reason it was not possible to exchange money at home or you need an additional amount of money, you will have to go to the nearest bank (working hours: Monday-Friday from 09.15 to 16.15) or the post office "Postipankki" (daily from 6:30 to 20:30). At regular exchange offices located at the airport, hotels, shopping centers, the rate is not very favorable. To complete a currency exchange transaction, you will be asked to provide a foreign passport.

Currency exchange in Finland.

Both dollars and Russian rubles can be exchanged. You will find out the current exchange rate if you use a currency converter.

Cashless payments

Almost all shops, restaurants, hotels and car rental offices accept credit cards of the international payment systems Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express.

You don’t have to bring a lot of cash with you; you can pay for goods/services with a bank card.

There will be no problems with cashing traveler's checks. In addition, money can be withdrawn from any ATM. But before that, you should find out about the amount of the commission being written off.

The best option, in our opinion, is to take cash in rubles and euros, and a bank card!

The Finnish currency has gone through difficult historical stages of existence. Today, the official currency of the country is the euro, and those wishing to visit the country should know how much money to take with them? Where and how best to exchange currency? What is better to pay: cash or credit card?

During the period when Finland was part of Sweden, the official currency on its territory was the Swedish riksdaler. Rubles have been used here since 1809 (after Russia conquered Finland).

In 1860, the Finnish state officially began to be called the Grand Duchy of Finland. It was from this period that the Finnish stamp was introduced - the official stamp of the country. In 1965, the currency was equated to the silver standard, in 1878 – to the gold standard. The gold standard of the Finnish currency was valid until the First World War. After the war, all banknotes had to be exchanged for new ones.

Before the euro was introduced, the Finns issued the following types of currency:

  • Banknotes: 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 marks.
  • The maximum denomination of small change is 10 marks, the minimum is 10 pennies.

100 pennies equaled 1 mark.

The exchange of the national currency into the euro was approved in January 1999. The exchange rate at that time was 1 euro to 5.9 marks. It was possible to exchange the old currency (Finnish marks) in banks until the end of February 2012.

All euro banknotes are the same for all EU countries, but the coins have their own differences. Thus, some Finnish coins have an image of flying swans on the reverse side. This design was chosen in honor of the release of a commemorative coin in connection with the 80th anniversary of Finnish independence (the author and artist of the image is Pertti Mäkinen).

Today, banknotes are issued with a maximum denomination of 500 euros, and a minimum denomination of 5 euros. Change - the most expensive coin - 2 euros, the cheapest - 1 cent.

100 cents equal 1 euro.

Finnish money today: what currency to take to Finland

Most tourists call Finnish money “Eureka”.

When visiting local cafes, restaurants, hotels, it is not necessary to have cash with you; you can also use money from your card, which must belong to an international payment system. But it’s better to have a few tens of euros with you.

When crossing the Finnish border, customs officers may ask about the availability of money - the tourist must have at least 50 euros per day with him (either in cash or on a card). If a passenger has more than 10,000 euros on him, it must be declared.

Few retail chains (especially those located near the Russian border) allow payment for goods in Russian rubles. It is better to ask about this payment option in advance. But paying in this way is not at all profitable after converting to euros. Experienced tourists advise using rubles here only as a last resort, and exchanging currency in Russia in advance.

Important information for those shopping in Finland. If the amount of goods purchased exceeds 50 euros, then the visitor has the right to return part of the money spent (from 13 to 20%). Be sure to ask about tax free conditions in stores and make sure that sellers do not forget to write a special check. You can get money at the airport. Before this, you cannot open the product or tear off the labels from it. Otherwise, it will be impossible to withdraw the money.

Exchange rate to ruble for today

As of August 2018, 1 euro = 73.4 Russian rubles (information is relevant for the Finnish state).

Currency exchange in Finland

Those who decide to exchange currency in Finland can do this at Forex exchange offices or near special counters at airports, marinas, train stations, and post offices.

If you choose the first method, then you need to go to the official Forex website, where you can find out the exchange rates or the addresses where exchange offices are located. Thus, tourists in Helsinki have 3 such points at their disposal:

  • At the railway station. They work every day. Monday to Friday - from 8 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday - from 9 am to 7 pm.
  • In the Itakeskus shopping center.
  • On Central City Street.

It is also possible to exchange currency in banks. They are ready to accept payments from 09.15 to 16.15. They are closed on holidays, Saturday and Sunday. When exchanging currencies at exchange offices and banks, a passport may be required.

ATMs in Finland are not difficult to find; they are marked “OTTO” and only accept cards that belong to international payment systems.

Many tourists travel to Finland through the Svyatogorsk checkpoint. If before this it was not possible to exchange currency or there was not enough time, you can do this at VTB Bank or Sberbank of this locality.

Tourists who plan to visit other Scandinavian countries should take into account that each of them has its own national currency.

Finland is one of many countries included in the so-called eurozone thanks to the international campaign for European integration. Just like other 10 EU countries, Finland replaced its national currency with the euro, thereby improving economic interaction with EU member countries. Today, exchange rates for world currencies into euros in the country are set by an international bank. However, this was not always the case, and at one time the Finns had their own currency, and Finnish money also went through a certain historical path of development.

Finnish mark: to the origins of coinage

The development of coinage in Finland can be divided into 3 periods:

  • Finland, as part of Sweden;
  • Finland, as part of Russia;
  • Independent Finland.

During the period of dependence on Sweden, the main currency used in the Finnish markets was the Swedish riskdaler. Later, with the course of Russian-Swedish military clashes, the Russian ruble came into use. Only in 1860 did the Grand Duchy of Finland acquire its own currency, which was called the mark.
Interestingly, Finnish stamps became the prototype of a similar monetary unit in Germany, having appeared earlier on the territory of modern Europe. Until the outbreak of the First World War, which turned the world economy upside down, there was a Gold Standard in Finland, according to which all coins contained 0.3 g of real pure gold.

Finland's transition from marks to the euro

In 2002, as part of the European integration procedure, Finland abandoned marks and recognized the euro as a new currency at the state level.
The peculiarity of using this monetary unit is that the common side for all EU countries is the reverse, on which the denomination is indicated, but the obverse shows the obverse side, which is specific to each country. Finland's money has its face on flying swans, the basis for which was a special coin issued in honor of the country's 80-year independence.

Currency exchange in Finland

The most common dollars can be exchanged for euros both at the airport, hotels and even on ferries. There are exchange offices such as Forex and Tvex on the territory of the country, which operate full time. But the most reliable way to exchange any currency for euros remains official bank branches, which provide a stable rate and reliable payment.
When exchanging currency in Finland, some branches require the presentation of a passport, but there are also places where documents are not required. The country also has a system of non-cash payment for services and goods using credit cards.
Regarding the import of currency into Finland or outside the country, the legislation does not specify any restrictions.

In this material we would like to tell you about money in Finland. This article will be useful especially for those tourists who are going to this country for the first time. You will learn how much money you can take with you, how to exchange currency in Finnish banks and how to pay with credit cards. Let us remind you that until 2002 Finnish stamps were in circulation in this country. We still remember those times when the cost of one stamp was equal to the cost of 1 Russian ruble. But life is changing and after Finland became a member of the European Union, in February 2002 the country switched to paying in Euros (€).

Now many of our tourists simply call them “Eurekas”. From paper bills you can find denominations - 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €. From small change - 1 €, 2 €, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. It is interesting that the coins of different European countries have their own national symbols. The majority of Russian citizens are holders of one credit card or another. In principle, you don’t have to have cash with you at all, since you can pay with a credit card almost anywhere. The most important thing is that it is an international payment system “Visa” or “MasterCard”.

These could be restaurants, cafes, many shops in Finland or hotels. There are no problems with paying with credit cards; in any case, if they happen, it happens extremely rarely. But here you need to understand that circumstances in life are different and having a few dozen Euros with you will never hurt. For example, the store's network may not work or the software may simply crash. We recommend that you do the following: if you have a credit card, be sure to take it with you, but it won’t hurt to have some cash in your wallet.

Photo: Santeri Viinamäki / Wikimedia Commons

Each person has their own needs and capabilities, but you are required to bring with you a minimum of 50 Euros per person per day, provided that you do not have a credit card with you. From time to time, employees ask tourists to show money. This may sound funny and may even lead to a slight stupor, but they really ask, “Do you have money?” If you are asked this question, show the border guard your cash or credit card (Visa, Master Card). If you are carrying more than 10,000 Euros, then you must declare them at customs.

Purchasing goods for rubles

Since 2013, several large Finnish retail chains began to accept Russian rubles for payment. Most often, this rule is common in the border cities of the south-eastern part of Finland, where most travelers from Russia come. One of the first to accept payments in rubles. But it must be said that the exchange rate when converted to Euro is not very favorable for us and the difference can be up to 10 rubles. Therefore, before your trip, we advise you to buy Euros in Russia, and pay in Russian rubles only if absolutely necessary. But there is such a possibility and it’s probably not bad.

Tax Free and Invoice

In the European Union, VAT applies to all goods for foreigners and part of it can be refunded to you. Refunds are made using the tax-free system or invoice. The minimum purchase amount must be 50€. The refund amount for tax free is approximately 13%, and for invoice it is about 20%. It all depends on the store where you plan to buy the product and this information should always be checked with the sellers. Be sure to remember that you cannot open packages with packaged goods before crossing the Finnish border. This is an important point to remember.

Currency exchange in Svetogorsk, Imatra and Lappeenranta

If you are heading to Finland, but did not have time to change the currency, then you can exchange your money in the city of Svetogorsk. Branches of Sberbank and VTB are located there. The Sberbank building is located opposite the police, just on the road to the customs terminal. After the border in Imatra, there is a small kiosk on the left, where currency exchange is also carried out.

  • On weekdays, Finnish banks are usually open from 09.15 to 16.15.
  • They are closed on weekends and holidays.

It happens that when exchanging currency, employees of institutions may ask to see your passport. Below you can see the addresses and opening hours of banks in Imatra and Lappeenranta. Perhaps this is all the information about money in Finland. In our next material, we will tell you where you can independently see the latest vacancies and the most in-demand professions.

Etela-Karjalan Osuuspankki.

  • Koskenparras street 2, Imatra.
  • Opening hours: from 10:00 to 16:30.
  • The ATM is working.

Nordea-Pankki Imatrankoski.

  • Lappeentie street 9, Imatra.
  • Opening hours: from 9:30 to 16:30.
  • The ATM is working.

Nordea Pankki.

  • Kauppakatu street 40, Lappeenranta. Located in the Galleria shopping center.

Etelä-Karjalan Säästöpankki.

  • Valtakatu street 32, Lappeenranta.

Tapiola Pankki .

  • Oksasenkatu 1, Lappeenranta.

Finland is a very fascinating and interesting country. A must-go there even for those who prefer to bask in the hot sun. We invite you to find out what currency is in Finland now.

What should a tourist do?

To understand this, we suggest going through the list of things you can see, learn or do only in Finland:

  1. Absolutely calmly, without harm to your health, admire the northern lights.
  2. Finland is a country of thousands of lakes and forests that cover more than seventy percent of its territory.
  3. You can completely freely wander around any corner where many mushrooms and berries grow.
  4. Only here you can try absolutely unique dishes.
  5. Only in Finland can you see and communicate with the real Santa Claus.
  6. This is the best place to master your skiing skills.
  7. Breathe the cleanest air in Europe.
  8. Take a steam bath in a real Finnish sauna, of which there are a huge number in the country.
  9. There is no fear of losing your wallet or mobile phone here. After all, Finland is the safest country where lost things are always found and returned.
  10. There are a surprising number of coffee shops to visit.
  11. Finland is also the birthplace of the Angry Birds and Moomin games.
  12. This is the most amazing language.
  13. Finland hosts a huge number of different festivals throughout the year.

It would take a long time to list what Finland is the best at. But even here nothing comes for free, and local currency is needed.

Finland: the country's currency

Today Finland is a member of the European Union, so the national currency is the euro (EUR, €). Strictly speaking, as in other European countries. The currency of Finland before the euro is the Finnish mark.

One euro is divided into 100 cents. Each member of the European Union issues its own coins with unique designs, but Finland's currency on banknotes looks the same as other countries. Each of the coins is legal tender in any of the eurozone countries.

A surprising fact about Finland: it doesn't use one- and two-cent coins. All amounts are rounded to the nearest five. Therefore, Finnish one- and two-cent currencies are highly valued by collectors.

The euro is quite easily converted from any other currency. Receipt or exchange of money is carried out at Otto ATMs, located almost anywhere in the country and working with international credit and debit cards Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro.

By the way, the currency of Finland on the Åland Islands is the Swedish krona, and you can pay with it here in addition to the euro.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but identification will be required for purchases of more than €50. Visa Electron and Visa Debit are accepted in all large and small stores.

Banks are open from half past nine in the morning until half past four in the evening, and exchange offices do not close until midnight.

Expenses

  1. In Finland, it is not customary to tip waiters, as they are already included in the bill.
  2. In a taxi, the amount may be rounded to a whole number.
  3. Cloakroom attendants at clubs, as well as hotel workers, are usually given a tip of three euros.
  4. The cheapest hotels cost about 50 euros per night.
  5. To get to museums or visit famous attractions, you should pay between five and twenty-five euros for a ticket. Depends on the specific location.
  6. Traveling between major cities by train or bus will cost at least twenty euros one way.
  7. Private currency exchange offices offer very unfavorable rates. Therefore, it is better to use the services of banks or ATMs.

Purchases

The most common souvenirs from Finland are knives, carpets and all types of deer figurines, glassware and porcelain.

Small shops here are open from nine to eighteen local time. On Saturday, most are open part-time, and on Sunday they have a rest.

Large retail outlets will most often wait for you until nine o'clock in the evening on weekdays and until six on weekends. If you want to buy something after this time, gas stations remain at your disposal. By the way, it is absolutely not uncommon for Finland that the same product in completely different stores costs the same.

It is worth noting that when visiting Finland, amounts exceeding ten thousand euros must be declared if you enter or leave the European Union.