FAQ – Good to know about Finland

Useful information for travellers

Currency, money transfer and credit cards
The Euro is the Finland’s official currency. One euro (€) is 1,08 US Dollar. The money exchange is possible in the Helsinki Airport, Helsinki Railwaystation and Shopping Centre Jumbo, other exchange units can be found here https://www.forex.fi/en/find. Please note, there is no money exchange in Lahti.

Where to get cash? Bank automats, to deliver cash, are available in most city centers and grocery stores. In Finland the most suitable credit cards are Mastercard and VISA. However, it might be good to check the valid cards, before ordering for example in restaurants. Check locations of OTTO ATM’s and Nosto ATM’s.

Grocery stores and convenience stores (R-kioski)
The most grocery stores are open daily from 7 am to 11 pm in Finland. The most common supermarkets are Prisma and Citymarket with large scale selection of daily groceries. Mild alcohol drinks (beer, cider, mild wines) are available in grocery store. For your notice, that wines (vol. 5,5) and strong alcohol drinks will be sold in special stores, “Alko”, which are open daily excluding Sundays.

“R-kioski” is the place to find beveradges, newspapers, candies and convenient goods. You can also purchase pre paid cell phone plans at R-kioski.

Pharmacy and first aid
Pharmacy is in Finnish “apteekki”. Pharmacies are open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, some even further until 10 pm.
In case of emergency, call 112 (no country code is required). First Aid in Lahti in Akuutti24, address: Keskussairaalankatu 7, Lahti

Laundry services in Lahti
Ask your hotel for laundry services or use self-service laundry 24 Pesula at the Shopping center Karisma. There’s no need to book in advance – if a machine’s free, it’s all yours!

Pyykkipoika Lahti offers laundry service Mon-Fri at 10.00-17.00 in the city center of Lahti. Address: Sokos department store, Hämeenkatu 20, Lahti.