Currency for Estonia: The Euro

Currency for Estonia (EUR) : Estonia has a New Currency as of January 1, 2011:

Estonia Euro Coin

Estonia became the 17th member of the Euro-zone on January 1, 2011 and so from this date the Euro replaced the Kroon as the currency for Estonia.

Estonia’s eight Euro coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2) all feature a single design which is a silhouette map of Estonia together with the word Eesti (Estonia). The twelve stars surrounding the map are symbolic of the EU.  On the obverse side is the common EU image.

Banknotes are in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500, as is common in other Euro-zone countries

History of the Kroon

Prior to the Euro, Estonia’s national currency, the Kroon, was introduced on 20 June 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Kroon is abbreviated as EEK and it comes in the following denominations:  1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 100 and 500.   1 Kroon is divided into 100 sents.

The kroon was pegged to the EURO at approximately 1 EUR = 15.65 EEK.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange offices which can be found in several hotels, at the airport, in the port of Tallinn, the railway station and several other places.

Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque are the most widely accepted travellers cheques in Estonia.  You can exchange money at the following services:

Bureaux de Change:

Monday to Friday: 9.00 – 18.00
Saturday              : 9.00 – 15.00
Sunday                 : Some are open.

Banks:
Monday to Friday: 9.00 – 16.00.  Closed Saturdays & Sundays.

The main banks in Estonia which serve tourists are: Hansapank, Ühispank, Sampo Pank.

Credit Cards

Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard, Diner’s Club, American Express etc. are accepted at most of the major hotels, restaurants and shops, but to be safe, ask first. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards supported by a valid passport. Check with your credit card company for further details before travelling. Be aware that when you take a cash advance on your credit card, interest generally accrues immediately, i.e. you won’t have the benefit of the interest free period.

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