Disruption in cash circulation

In order to draw money from (or pay money to) an ATM, a shop or a petrol station, you need a bank card. For a bank card to work, you need both electricity and communication services. If a disruption lasts for a long time, ATMs and shops may also stop working.

The Bank of Estonia together with other banks has developed backup plans to be better prepared for disruptions in cash circulation. In a crisis situation, we shall notify people of the steps we take to solve a particular problem.

In order to draw cash with a card, you need electricity and communication services.

• Always keep some cash in your wallet. You can always pay with cash, even when card payments do not work.

• For longer disruptions, you should have a week’s supply of cash at home. Every family’s needs are different, but you should generally have enough cash to cover one week’s urgent expenses.

• Find out where the nearest bank offices, ATMs (Swedbank, SEB, Luminor, LHV), shops and petrol stations are located where you can draw cash, e.g. Coop and Olerex.

• If there is a risk that the disruption will be long – review your cash reserves and think about what you need money for. Only incur unavoidable expenses.

• Coins are also a means of payment. You may find the necessary amount for small purchases from a piggy-bank.

• Ask information from your bank and follow the news. There are backup plans for disruptions in cash circulation and such plans will be announced via the media.