What Is the Currency of Finland? A Kid-Friendly Guide to the Euro

Did you know that Finland doesn’t use its own old money anymore? Like many countries in Europe, Finland uses the euro (€) today! But it wasn’t always like that. Let’s explore how Finnish money has changed over time—and how people pay for things in Finland now.

From Markka to Euro

Before the year 2002, Finland had its very own currency called the markka. It had been used for a long time and had its own coins and paper bills. But then something big happened! In 1999, many countries in Europe joined together to create one shared currency—the euro. This made travel and trade easier across different countries. In 2002, Finland said goodbye to the markka and started using the euro for everything: shopping, school lunches, train tickets, and more!

What Does the Euro Look Like?

The euro comes in colorful banknotes and shiny coins, just like other currencies. Each coin and bill looks almost the same across Europe, but each country adds its own special symbols. Finnish euro coins often have images like the lion of Finland or lovely designs from Finnish nature and art.

How Do People Pay in Finland?

In Finland, people love using credit and debit cards. Even small shops, ice cream stands, and buses accept cards—sometimes more often than cash! There are also digital wallets and contactless pay options that are super popular. So while you can still use coins and bills, many Finns just tap their card and go!

Learn About Finland While Learning the Language

Understanding how money works is just one fun part of learning about a new country. When kids learn Finnish with Dinolingo, they explore not just the words, but also the culture, traditions, and daily life of Finnish families. Dinolingo offers games, songs, videos, and printable activities—all designed for children ages 2–14, and easy to use on phones, tablets, or computers.