Estonia’s mix of medieval cities, digital innovation, and breathtaking natural landscapes makes it a unique travel destination, where understanding payments and currency is key to a hassle-free trip. Whether you’re wandering through Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, exploring the forests of Lahemaa National Park, or experiencing Estonia’s thriving tech scene, this guide provides all the details—what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Estonia (Euro (EUR)), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and enjoy Estonia’s seamless blend of history and modernity.
How to pay in Estonia – cash or card?
In Estonia, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, with a significant shift towards electronic transactions. The official currency is the Euro (€).
You can use cash for:
- Small Businesses and Local Markets: Some small shops, traditional markets, and rural establishments may prefer cash transactions.
- Tips and Gratuities: While service charges are often included in bills, leaving additional tips in cash is customary for exceptional service.
- Small tour operators
- Public Transport
You can use card for:
- Retail Stores: Shopping centers, boutiques, and supermarkets commonly accept credit and debit cards.
- Hotels and Resorts: Major hotels and resorts widely accept credit cards for bookings and incidental expenses.
- Restaurants and Cafés: Most dining establishments, especially in urban areas, facilitate card payments.
- Car Rentals and Excursions: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
In summary, while digital payment methods are prevalent and widely accepted in Estonia, it’s prudent for travelers to carry some cash for transactions in areas or establishments where card payments may not be feasible.
What’s the best currency to take to Estonia
Euro (EUR) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Estonia. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, some rural regions and smaller establishments may prefer cash payments. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry some Euros in cash to avoid inconveniences.
Other currencies, such as US Dollars or British Pounds, are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Estonia
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Estonia. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Estonia
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Estonia
If you’re withdrawing money in Estonia from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Others like JCB, American Express, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Estonia
Bringing a small amount of Euros (EUR) before traveling to Estonia can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, if your home country does not use the Euro, it is usually better to exchange money upon arrival in Estonia for more favorable rates.
Withdrawing EUR from ATMs in Estonia is a convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
It’s generally not recommended to exchange money at airports or hotels, as their rates tend to be less favorable. Instead, use local banks or authorized exchange bureaus in the city for better rates.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable, though Estonia is highly digitalized, and card payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, having some cash can be useful for small vendors or rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
Where to withdraw money in Estonia
You can withdraw money in Estonia at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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.
Where to exchange currency in Estonia
You can exchange currency in Estonia at licensed currency exchange offices and banks branches.
- Notable Currency Exchange Offices include Eurex.
- Banks like LHV Bank or online banks like Paysera (with physical delivery) also offer currency exchanges.
You can find good currency exchanges in Estonia using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Estonia.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Estonia safe?
Carrying cash in Estonia is generally safe, as the country has a low crime rate. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in bars and nightclubs in Tallinn’s Old Town. It’s advisable to carry only the cash you need for daily expenses and keep your valuables secure.
To keep your cash safe:
- Carry minimal amounts: Since electronic payments are prevalent, there’s little need to carry large sums of cash.
- Be discreet: Avoid displaying cash in public places.
- Stay vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and nightlife spots.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Estonia
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
