The three largest banks in Estonia for private customers are:
Debit and credit cards are accepted in almost all shops, restaurants and companies. At regular market places and seasonal fairs operating varies between the individual sellers, providing paying either by electronic means/card or by cash.
Salary payments are made to a person’s bank account. Internet banking is very common, whereas cheques are seldom used in Estonia. The ATMs of the larger banks can be found in branch offices, gas stations, most supermarkets and other frequently visited places.
We advise you to learn about the conditions for closing the bank account, if needed, and take care of all the necessary procedures in time. This may turn out to be rather complicated later on after leaving the country.
For short term stays in Estonia, please note that the banks may have rather high fees for opening an account in case a person does not have a local ID card. In case you are asked to provide an Estonian bank account number for receiving your stipend or similar, please discuss the possible solutions with the contact person at your institution. Students and academic employees from third countries of some universities can open a bank account for a substantially lesser fee. Contact the personel or admission unit of your institution.