Bank (PANKKI)
Banks are open: Mon-Fri 9.30 a.m-4.30 p.m. (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays). If you arrive in the evening or during the weekend, please note that it is not possible to change money in Savonlinna after the normal office hours.

Merita: Olavinkatu 45
Postipankki: Kauppatori 6
Osuuspankki: Olavinkatu 49

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, getting salary, etc.) take place through banks, it is most practical to open a bank account. Compare the service packages offered before opening an account. When opening an account, remember to have your passport with you.

Along with your service account, you will also get a cash card (AUTOMAATTIKORTTI) which enables you to draw money from every cash dispenser (PANKKIAUTOMAATTI) for 24 hours a day. Cash dispensers are usually called Otto. Most banks also have special self-service payment machines (MAKSUAUTOMAATTI) through which you can pay bills with your cash card.

Cheques are no longer used as a mode of payment. Bills are usually paid through the bank giro system. You can pay bank giros with cash (at the bank) or use a self-service payment machine. The latter is faster and cheaper. Whenever you use bank giros, remember to fill in your address and name clearly. Credit cards are also widely accepted in Finland.

Telephone (PUHELIN)
Pay phones operate with local or national telephone cards (nation-wide company: Sonera). You can use the phone cards of a particular company in the booths of that company, for example, Sonera cards only in Sonera booths. Cards can be bought e.g. in R-kiosks and at the Office of the Student Union.

You can dial direct from Finland to most countries. For a list of countries, codes and charges, you should check the phone book. There are three long distance companies and their prices vary slightly. Generally, all prices are cheaper at night between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

To call to Finland, dial:
1. International code: 00
2. Country code for Finland: 358
3. Area code without the general prefix 0
4. Subscriber's number
- An example call from London to Savonlinna to the number 5759 738
Dial: 00-358-15-5759 738

To call from Finland, dial:
1. International code: 00 (global) or 990 (Sonera) or 994 (Song Communications, one of the cheapest operators!) or 999 (Finnet)
2. Country code
3. Area code (without the general prefix 0)
4. Subscriber's number
- An example call to Bryssel, Belgium to the number 5759 738 / Dial: 999-32-2-5759 738

Note: If you choose to dial an international call without any operators code (=normal international code 00), the call will automatically be charged according to the most expensive national operators fee. So, it is recommended to choose one of the operators and compare the prices between them!

Calling in Finland from one city to another, dial:
1. Area code with the general prefix 0
2. Subscriber's number

An example: a phone call from Savonlinna to Tampere to the number 5759 738
Dial: 03- 5759 738

Mobile phones
In Finland you cannot avoid mobile phones - they are everywhere. The number and density of mobile phones is the highest in the world in relation to the population.

You can buy a prepaid card in your mobile phone if you have a phone available already.

Post Offices (POSTI)

In the Main Post Office, you will find a customs section. If you are required to open packages for inspection or pay customs tax on an international package, you will need to go there. Forms for notification of change of residence (MUUTTOILMOITUS) are available at every post office.

Outside the post offices and sometimes by yellow mailboxes, there are stamp machines. Stamps can also be purchased in most kiosks around the town.

The Main Post Office (PÄÄPOSTI)
Olavinkatu 61 tel. 9800 7100