Estonia, a Baltic gem of medieval charm, digital innovation, and breathtaking nature, offers a seamless travel experience. Whether you’re wandering through Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, exploring the forests of Lahemaa National Park, or enjoying the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, knowing how to access cash is key. Estonia is one of the most cashless societies in the world, with cards and digital payments widely accepted almost everywhere. However, cash may still be needed in some rural areas and small businesses. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Estonia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance.
Where to find ATMs in Estonia?
Urban Areas: ATMs are easily accessible in cities like Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu, especially in shopping centers, public squares, and transportation hubs. Swedbank, SEB Bank, and LHV Bank operate the majority of ATMs in the country.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Tallinn Old Town, Lahemaa National Park, and Saaremaa Island have ATMs nearby, often in tourist hubs or hotel areas.
Rural Areas: Estonia has a well-developed banking system, but ATMs may be sparse in remote villages. Digital payments are widely accepted, reducing the need for cash in most places.
Best ATMs to use in Estonia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Estonia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Swedbank,
- SEB,
- Luminor,
- LHV, and
- Citadele.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Estonia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Estonia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in EUR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Estonia?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Estonia. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Others like JCB, American Express, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called?
ATMs in Estonia are usually found by a signage of words ‘ATM’, ‘Automaat’, and ‘Pangaautomaat’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Estonia primarily present Estonian and English as the main languages. Some ATMs also offer Russian, catering to both tourists and the local Russian-speaking population. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be handy; but proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Estonia?
ATMs in Estonia dispense cash only in the local currency, Euro (EUR).
ATM withdrawal limits in Estonia?
ATMs in Estonia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of EUR 750 to EUR 2,000 per transaction. One bank also allows to withdraw as much as the card’s limit, in one transaction. ATMs typically do not limit the number of transactions per day and they do not impose daily withdrawal limits for foreign card holders.
ATM Fees in Estonia
There are many fee-free ATMs in Estonia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Estonia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Estonia as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Estonia. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Estonia
In order to avoid high fees at ATMs when withdrawing cash in this country:
- Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Estonia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Estonia. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Estonia.
Safety at ATMs
Estonia is known for its low crime rate, making it a safe destination for travelers. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, especially in urban areas. While incidents of ATM-related crimes are rare, it’s still advisable to use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals. Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized transactions promptly.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Estonia?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Estonia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Estonia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Estonia as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Estonia.
Bitcoin ATMs
Estonia has a limited number of Bitcoin ATMs, primarily located in major cities:
Tallinn: Several Bitcoin ATMs are available in the capital city.
Tartu: At least one Bitcoin ATM is operational.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Estonia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No Citibank ATMs.
Barclays: No Barclays ATMs.
HSBC: There are no HSBC ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No Standard Chartered ATMs here.
Very helpful post thank you. Really appreciate the information.
You’re very welcome, Iona! Have a wonderful trip.