If you’re planning a trip to the Baltics, you might be expecting a complicated currency exchange process. Maybe you’re picturing yourself huddled over a calculator in a Tallinn airport, trying to figure out how many "kroons" go into a dollar.
Honestly? You can put the calculator away.
The official currency of Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Estonia hasn't used its own independent currency in well over a decade. They ditched their beloved national money years ago to join the big league of European economies. If you have a pocketful of euros from a previous trip to Paris or Berlin, you’re already good to go.
What Happened to the Estonian Kroon?
People still talk about the kroon like it was an old friend. It makes sense. For Estonians, the kroon (EEK) was more than just paper; it was a symbol of freedom.
After decades of Soviet occupation where the ruble was king, Estonia introduced the kroon in 1992. It was a massive moment of pride. The currency was actually pegged to the German Mark at first—eight kroons to one mark—to keep things stable while the rest of the former Soviet states were dealing with crazy inflation.
But then came 2011.
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On January 1 of that year, Estonia became the 17th member of the Eurozone. They were the first Baltic state to make the jump. The exchange rate was locked at 1 EUR = 15.6466 EEK. For two weeks, people could use both, but by mid-January, the kroon was officially "retired."
If you happen to find some old kroon banknotes in an antique shop or a grandparent's drawer, they’re technically just souvenirs now. However, the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank) will still exchange them for euros at the official rate forever. No deadline. That’s pretty rare for a central bank.
The Currency of Estonia Today: Cash vs. Card
Estonia is arguably the most digital society on the planet. You’ve probably heard of "e-Estonia." They vote online, sign contracts with digital IDs, and—most importantly for you—they pay for everything with silicon.
Basically, you barely need cash.
I’m talking about the tiny things, too. You can buy a single gelato or a souvenir postcard in a Tallinn alleyway using a contactless card or Apple Pay. In fact, carrying a big wad of cash in Estonia almost makes you look like a time traveler from the 90s.
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- Debit and Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere. American Express is a bit more "hit or miss," so don't rely on it exclusively.
- Mobile Payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay are the standard. Most locals just double-tap their phones and walk away.
- ATMs: They’re called Pangautomaat. You’ll find them at every mall and near most grocery stores like Rimi or Selver.
A Quick Warning on Dynamic Currency Conversion
When you use your card at a restaurant or an ATM, the machine might ask if you want to be charged in your "home currency" (like USD or GBP) or the "local currency" (EUR).
Always choose EUR. If you let the machine do the conversion, the bank that owns that machine gets to set a terrible exchange rate and pocket the difference. Let your own bank back home handle the math; it’s almost always cheaper.
Current Exchange Rates (January 2026)
As of right now, the euro is holding fairly steady. If you're coming from the United States, $1 USD will generally get you around 0.86 EUR. Conversely, 1 EUR is worth about **$1.16 USD**.
Prices in Estonia have crept up over the last few years, but it’s still generally more affordable than Scandinavia. A coffee in the Old Town might run you 4€, while a decent lunch is usually between 12€ and 18€.
When Should You Carry Cash?
Even in a digital utopia, life happens. It’s smart to keep maybe 20€ or 30€ in your pocket for specific "just in case" scenarios.
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- Open-Air Markets: If you’re buying hand-knitted mittens from a grandmother at a Christmas market or a local stall, they might prefer physical euros.
- Paid Toilets: Some public restrooms still use coin-operated turnstiles.
- Tipping: While tipping isn't mandatory in Estonia, leaving a few euro coins on the table for great service is always appreciated.
- Remote Areas: If you’re hiking in the deep forests of Southern Estonia or visiting small islands like Kihnu, smaller guesthouses occasionally have "tech hiccups" where cash is the only backup.
Don't Bother With "Foreign" Cash
One mistake travelers make is bringing a stack of US dollars or British pounds thinking they can use them directly.
You can't.
No shop in Tallinn is going to take your $20 bill. You’ll have to find a currency exchange office (like Tavid), which usually involves waiting in line and losing money on the spread. Your best bet is to just pull euros directly from an ATM when you land. It's faster, safer, and usually gives you a better rate.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check your card fees: Before you fly, see if your bank charges "Foreign Transaction Fees." If they do, those 3% charges on every coffee will add up fast.
- Get a travel-friendly card: Apps like Wise or Revolut are huge in Estonia and let you hold euros digitally with almost no fees.
- Inform your bank: Let your bank know you're headed to the Baltics so they don't freeze your card when they see a transaction from a pub in Tartu.
- Keep the change: If you end up with 1 and 2-cent coins, spend them at a self-checkout at a grocery store. They’re a pain to carry around.
Estonia’s transition to the euro was a move toward the future. It’s a stable, easy-to-use currency that makes hopping across the border to Latvia or taking the ferry to Finland seamless. Just tap your phone, enjoy your black bread, and don't worry about the math.