Travelling soon - any advice if hostels accept cards in Estonia or I have to give them cash
I spent two weeks in Estonia, stayed in three hostels - two in Tallinn and one in Tartu - and none asked for cash. In fact, one place in Tartu near Raekoja plats didn’t even have a cash drawer! They insisted on card. I liked that because I hate carrying coins. Even buses in Tartu let you buy tickets with contactless cards. So, if you’re worried about needing lots of euros in cash for hostels, don’t be. Estonia is super modern.
Estonia is honestly one of the most cashless countries I’ve ever been to. Hostels in Tallinn, Tartu, and even Saaremaa island all had card machines. Swedbank and LHV Bank ATMs are around if you want euros, but you won’t need them much. I used card to pay for hostels, museums, even street food near Balti Jaam Market. Only thing: keep a small note if you plan to tip buskers or buy handmade crafts in Old Town.
When I checked into a hostel near Telliskivi Creative City, the staff actually laughed when I asked if they preferred cash. Everything is card-based there. Even the small bar inside the hostel had tap-to-pay. I used my Revolut Visa without trouble. I carried cash once for a flea market in Kadriorg, but for accommodation, every hostel I saw in Tallinn was set up for card. So yes, cash works, but it’s almost outdated in Estonia.
In Tallinn, nearly every hostel takes cards without issue. I stayed at Old Town Hostel on Pikk Street and paid with my Mastercard. Estonia is very digital; even the trams and buses use contactless tickets. You’ll see SEB and Swedbank ATMs everywhere, but honestly I didn’t need much cash except for tiny market stalls. If you’re going to Tartu or Pärnu, hostels also usually accept cards, especially in student areas. I’d still keep €20-30 just in case, but overall Estonia is one of the easiest places in Europe for card payments.