General Information on Bank Services | Money Exchange | General Information on Post Services
General Information on Bank Services
There are three major banks with branches in the Tampere Region:
TSOP (Tampereen Seudun Osuuspankki) or in general OP (osuuspankki)
Sampo
Nordea
Banks are usually open Mon-Fri 9.30/10.00-16.30. On Saturdays and Sundays they are closed.
There are several different types of accounts available, two of which are most practical for students: the service account (current account/käyttötili) and the savings account (säästötili). Since all financial transactions (paying bills, receiving salary, etc.) take place through banks, it is most practical to open at least one account. Compare the service packages offered before opening an account. Although there is a fee for the service account, it is nevertheless the cheapest and the easiest way to take care of your finances. When you open your bank account, remember to have your passport with you.
Along with your service account, you can also get a Visa Electron card, which enables you to withdraw money from any cash dispenser/point (pankkiautomaatti) 24 hours a day. Cash dispensers are usually called Otto. You can also pay with Visa Electron card in places which accept it. Most banks also have special self-service payment machines (maksuautomaatti) through which you can pay bills anytime with your cash card.
Generally speaking, Finns do not use cheques as a mode of payment. Bills are usually paid through the bank giro system. You can pay bank giros in cash or use a special self-service payment machine. The latter is faster and cheaper. You can also include online services in your account if you wish to pay bills and make transactions by using web bank. Whenever you use bank giros, remember to fill in your name and address clearly. Credit cards (Visa, EuroCard, MasterCard, Access, Diner’s Club and American Express) are also widely accepted throughout the country.
International exchange students can have help for all bank issues from the international student tutors.
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Money Exchange
Foreign currency may be converted to euros at banks, in currency exchanging machines and FOREX currency exchange offices. Banks charge approximately 3.50 € for money exchange, so it is advisable to limit the number of money exchanges you make. Be sure that you have euros on hand when you arrive in Finland. There is one FOREX office in Tampere and four offices in Helsinki. The FOREX pricelist and other information: www.forex.fi.
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General Information on Post Services
You will find post offices (posti) also in very small towns as well as in most suburbs in Finland. Forms for notice of moving (muuttoilmoitus) are available at every post office. The opening hours may vary, but normally they are Mon-Fri from 9 am to 5 pm (6 pm).
Stamped mail, both national and international, can be dropped into the orange post boxes for collection. Stamps, “postimerkki”, are available at post offices, some book and grocery shops, R-kiosks and stamp machines. Postage of normal letters and post cards (up to 20 grams of weight) is 0.70 EUR to every country. Check other prices from the post office.
A complete list of the post offices can be found in the phone book under the title Posti. If you are required to open your packages for inspection or to pay customs duty on an international package (packages sent from outside EU/EEA countries), you will need to go to Postitulli (Customs) in Tampere. If you are living in the other towns, ask for special instructions from the local post office.
Main Post Office of Tampere
Address: Rautatienkatu 21
Open: Mon-Fri 9.00-18.00
Sat 10.00-14.00
Postitulli (Customs)
Sarankulman tullauskeskus
Address: Nuutisarankatu 35
Tel. 020 492 4400 (switchboard)
Open: Mon-Fri 8.00-16.15
Post Office of Ikaalinen
Address:
Vanha Tampereentie 10
Open: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00
Post Office of Mänttä
Address: Miinanpellonkatu 2
Open: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00
Post Office of Virrat
Address: Pääskyntie 6
Open: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00
For more information, see Finland Post Corporation: www.posti.fi.
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