If you’re an international student like me, newly arrived in Estonia, one of the first things you’ll notice is how seamlessly contactless payments are integrated into everyday life here. From grocery stores to public transportation, almost everything can be paid for with a quick tap of your card or phone. In this blog, I’ll cover how to set up contactless payment accounts with Wise and Revolut in Estonia, as well as how to start using them efficiently.
Both Wise and Revolut offer competitive services for students in Estonia, but the choice comes down to what each individual values most: low transfer fees with Wise or additional budgeting features with Revolut. Below, I’ll break down how to set up each one in Estonia and why you might choose one as an international student.
How to Set Up Wise:
- Download the Wise App – Available for free (no hidden charges) on both iOS and Android.
- Create an Account – Enter your personal information, and make sure to have an ID for verification that is government-issued like your passport.
- Add Your Bank Details – Wise allows you to hold multiple currencies, including euros. You can transfer money into your Wise account and spend it in Estonia without high conversion fees. To activate your account, you will need to transfer 20 euros to your account.
- Order a Wise Card – This card works for contactless payments across Estonia and Europe. You can also use the virtual card on your phone.
With the Wise card, you can pay in euros directly without incurring exchange fees, which is convenient for daily expenses and dining out.
Photo: Jelena Rudi
How to Set Up Revolut:
- Download the Revolut App – The app is free on iOS and Android.
- Sign Up – Enter your basic information and verify your identity with a passport or residency card.
- Top Up Your Account – Link your Revolut account to your Estonian or home country bank to transfer funds.
- Order a Revolut Card – Revolut’s physical and virtual cards allow you to make contactless payments in euros or any other currency you choose.
Revolut also allows you to set spending limits and monitor expenses, making it easier to budget as a student.
Now that you have your accounts set up, using contactless payments is as simple as tapping your card or phone.
Photo: Abigail Ng
If you have an iPhone or Android, you can link your Wise, Revolut, or Estonian bank card to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Just open the Wallet app, add your card details, and you’re ready to go. This is especially useful if you don’t want to carry a physical card or if you’re running quick errands and need an easy payment option.
Many grocery stores like Coop, Selver, Maxima, Rimi, etc. offer customer membership cards that allow you to use the self-service spots in the stores. Usually, there are great offers and discounts on many products using these cards.
Tips for Managing Contactless Payments as a Student
- Monitor Your Expenses: Apps like Revolut offer budgeting tools that categorize your spending, making it easier to track where your money goes.
- Set Spending Limits: Most apps allow you to set daily or monthly spending limits, which can help with budgeting.
- Stay Aware of Conversion Fees: If you’re using a card that operates in a different currency, make sure to check the exchange rates and fees.
Whether it’s a coffee, a bus ticket, or groceries, paying is just a tap away!
Cover image: Renee Altrov
Leave a Reply