Money and Banks
The unit of currency is the kroon , normally abbreviated to EEK (Eesti kroon - Estonian Crown), and is divided into 100 sents. Notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500EEK denominations and coins in 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1 and 5 EEK denominations. The kroon's value is determined by the value of the German Mark and the current exchange rate is approximately 24EEK to GBP1 and 16EEK to $1. Bank ( pank ) opening hours in large towns are usually Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, many staying open until 6pm, and most major banks also open on Saturdays 9am-2/4pm. As well as exchanging cash, major banks such as the Tallinna Pank and Hansapank will also cash travellers' cheques (Thomas Cook and American Express preferred) and give you an advance on your Visa card for a commission of around three percent. All banks charge commission. Outside banking hours cash can be exchanged in exchange offices ( Valuutavahetus ), and in Tallinn some of the big hotels accept travellers' cheques. ATM machines taking all the usual international cards are now widespread throughout the country. Credit cards can be used in some of the more expensive hotels, restaurants and stores, and in some petrol stations in Tallinn, and although you will find places that accept cards outside Tallinn, don't rely on being able to use them.
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