Money & Shopping

Currency & Cost of life

Currency of Finland is euro (€).

Some sample prices (2008)

 Litre of milk  0,80 €
 Cup of coffee  1,50 €
 Caffé Latte  3,00 €
 Hamburger  4,00 €
 Pint of beer in a bar 5,00 €
 Litre of petrol  1,50 €

Shopping

Supermarkets and grocery shops are usually in or near the centre of the city or town. Bigger hyper markets are located to the outskirts of cities. During the summer season you can buy your fresh fruits and vegetables from the local market place. There you can also find fresh fish, berries and sweets.

Opening a bank account

If you need a Finnish bank account, opening it is usuallt fairly simple although the documentary requirements vary between banks and branches. If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you will need a passport, additional ID and proof of address. This is not always enough, but usually. Other than EU/EEA citizens should also have Finnish personal ID number, KELA card and a residence permit.

When you're opening the account, remember to ask for the statements to be sent in English, the use of online facilities if you can use the internet and if you wish to have a VISA Electron (ATM card that you can also pay with in the shops, restaurants etc.), remember to ask for that too.

ATMs

There is usually at least one ATM-machine in even the smallest town. There is a yellow round sign with the word "Otto" above the ATM. Usually there is one by the bank. From the related links you will find a link to a Finnish website "Missä Otto?" ("Where is Otto?"). Type in the city or town you're in to the upper field and the system will find the ATM's in that area.