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Best places to exchange currency in Helsinki
Helsinki has become a haven for expats looking for a liveable city with rich culture and stunning natural surroundings. Technology, communications and manufacturing are a draw for professionals while the city’s high-quality educational institutions attract international students from around the world.
If you’re planning on joining the 120,000 expat families in Finland, or even just planning on a visit, be prepared for high prices. Make sure you have some cash in your pocket to really make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Life in Finland is notoriously expensive. Use this guide to avoid the rip-offs and find the best places to exchange your money in Helsinki.
Things to know before exchanging currency
The currency in Findland is the euro, so if you're travelling from a non-Euro area, you'll probably need some cash.
- Compare the rate you’re offered with the real mid-market rate online. Because exchange rates go up and down all the time, it can help to keep an eye on the live rate by using an online currency converter. Remember to factor in commission charges and other fees when you're choosing the best place to make your conversion.
- Avoid exchanging cash around airports and hotels. The services, conveniently located though they are, are unlikely to be good value. If you're in a hurry to get your hands on some cash, try an ATM instead. ATMs often offer fairer rates than an exchange booth, but there are still a few common pitfalls to avoid.
- Don’t let a foreign ATM do any conversion for you. If the ATM asks if you’d like to be charged for your transaction in your home currency, say no. It usually means they’ll convert at a poorer rate, and charge an extra fee to do so. Get charged in the local currency instead, to ensure you’re getting a fairer rate.
- Ask your home bank if they have a partnership with any Finnish banks. Using ATMs from within your local bank’s partnership may possibly reduce the fees you pay if withdrawing from an ATM of the partner bank. At the same time, let your bank know you’re planning to use your card overseas, to avoid any issues paying with your card.
Time in Helsinki can be quite expensive. But plan ahead to avoid coming home with unwanted Euros in your pocket. Changing them back to your home currency just means racking up extra fees and charges. Instead, spend up before you leave to get the most out of your money.
Where to exchange money
It's not usually the best option (online reviews echo the problem), but there are several opportunities to change cash at Helsinki’s airport. If you're desperate to make a cash exchange, then switch what you need at the airport and wait until you reach the centre to change the rest.
The Change Group
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FOREX Bank
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Alternatively - for an even better deal - use Transferwise for transparent, low fees and minimum hassle. If you have a Finnish bank account, or know someone who does, you can transfer money between accounts using the real mid-market exchange rate.
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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