What Currency Does Finland Use?

Finland uses the euro (EUR) as its official currency. UK travellers must pay in euros—pounds are not accepted.

What Currency Does Finland Use? (UK Traveller’s Guide)

If you're planning a trip to Finland—whether to explore Helsinki, see the Northern Lights in Lapland, or enjoy the lakes and forests—you’ll want to know what currency to bring. As a full member of the European Union and Eurozone, Finland uses the euro. This guide explains how currency works in Finland and what UK travellers need to know about spending, cards, and cash.

What Is the Official Currency of Finland?

The official currency of Finland is the euro (EUR).

  • Currency name: Euro

  • Currency symbol: €

  • ISO code: EUR

  • Subunit: 1 euro = 100 cents

Finland adopted the euro in 2002, replacing the Finnish markka. It is fully integrated into the Eurozone, and the euro is used throughout the country for all transactions.

Where Is the Euro Used in Finland?

Everywhere:

  • Mainland Finland

  • Finnish Lapland

  • Åland Islands (an autonomous region of Finland)

All retail, hospitality and transport sectors accept euros, and prices are displayed in EUR.

Spending and Payment in Finland

  • Card payments are widely accepted—even at small kiosks, markets and buses

  • Contactless, chip-and-PIN, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are supported

  • Cash is used less frequently, especially in urban areas

  • ATMs are available across cities and towns, and dispense euros

Finland is one of the most cashless societies in Europe, and you can confidently travel with just a card.

Tips for UK Travellers

  • Use a fee-free travel card like Chase, Starling, Monzo, or Wise to avoid foreign transaction charges

  • Always choose to pay in EUR, not GBP, when offered at terminals (to avoid dynamic currency conversion)

  • If you need cash, withdraw euros from official bank ATMs, not exchange desks

  • No need to bring GBP or exchange cash in advance—card is sufficient for nearly all purchases

FAQs

Can I use pounds in Finland?
No. Finland only accepts euros. GBP is not accepted in shops or restaurants.

Do I need to carry cash?
In most cases, no. Card payments are the norm. Carrying a small amount of cash may help in rural areas or for emergencies.

Is Finland expensive?
Yes. Prices are generally high for food, drink, transport and accommodation—so budget accordingly.