Money Matters

Currency and Exchange. Finland uses the euro, abbreviated as EUR or the symbol EUR. Euro bills are divided into 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. The euro is divided into 100 cents in denominations of 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, and 50-cent coins as well as EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins. At this writing the exchange rate was EUR 0.79 to the U.S. dollar, EUR 1.18 to the pound sterling, and EUR 0.64 to the Canadian dollar.

There are exchange bureaus in all bank branches and major hotels; Forex booths in major cities; and at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Some large harbor terminals also have exchange bureaus, and international ferries have exchange desks. Local banks and Forex offices usually give the best rates and charge a minimal commission. You can also change back any unused currency (no coins) at no fee with the original receipt. An exchange cart moves through the trains to Russia.

Pricing. The strength of the euro may make Finland seem somewhat expensive to travelers from non-euro countries.

Sample Prices. A cup of coffee, EUR 2.50; glass of beer, starting from EUR 4; soft drink, EUR 3; ham sandwich, EUR 4.50; 2-km (1-mi) taxi ride, EUR 6-EUR 9 (depending on time of day).

Taxes. There's a 22% sales tax on most consumer goods, 17% on food, and 8% on transportation; all taxes are included in the listed price of an item. Residents of countries outside the EU can recover 12% to 16% on unopened purchases over €40 by going through the "tax-free for tourists" procedure.

Tipping. Tipping is not the norm in Finland but is becoming more of a habit, so use your own discretion. Finns normally do not tip cab drivers, but if they do they round up to the nearest euro. Give one euro to train or hotel porters. Coat-check fees are usually posted, and tips above this amount are not expected.