Helsinki - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes. - Dec 2022
Credit cards are used but pretty out of date here. Pretty much all transactions are done by mobile banking. Apple pay works fine. U.S. credit and debit cards work at local ATMs. You will need to get a local bank account for some reasons such as VAT refunds, and local banking tends to be complicated and problematic for foreigners. However, most banking can be done with U.S. accounts and cards. - Oct 2021
Helsinki is almost a cashless city. Credit cards are accepted in probably 99% of vendors and service providers, even food trucks and other "mobile" businesses. Consequently, ATMs are becoming more scarce. - Oct 2018
Very safe. I had no problems of places denying credit card use. I used my credit card everywhere and never fell victim to a scam. I used it at bars, pubs, clubs, hotels, restaurants, and fast food chains. I never experienced any problems. - Jul 2012
You can use your credit card anywhere. - Jan 2011
ATMs are readily available, and I have had no problems. - May 2010
Finland is all about using bank cards so there are no problems with finding ATMs. Checks are consider obsolete here. - Apr 2009
Everyone uses them and it's extremely safe. - Mar 2008
