Finland Travel Tips

Banks are normally open from 09:15 to 16:15 Monday to Friday.

There are no particular threats with regards to safety for visitors in Finland. Crime rates are low compared to other EU countries and while organised crime factions from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union do operate in the big cities, they are of low concern for average holiday makers. Make sure you use general common sense while in the cities as this will help to ensure that you don’t fall victim to miscreants. Pickpockets can be thwarted by keeping wallets or purses in front pockets, while steering clear of unlit, unpopulated areas at night can help prevent you becoming the target of street thieves. 

Police: 112

In line with the majority of the European Union’s member states, Finland’s currency is the Euro. One Euro is comprised of 100 cents and banknotes come in denominations of: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 while coins come in denominations of: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. 

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can take into or out of Finland.

All of the country’s banks offer currency exchange services for cash and travellers cheques with a charge invariably being made for both. If you urgently need exchange services outside of normal banking hours, then you’ll find bureau de change kiosks at all of the main airports. Alternatively, most ATMs will allow you to withdraw cash with your domestic card; however, a fee may be charged by both the bank you withdraw from and your own bank at home.

There are no restrictions imposed on the importing of alcohol and tobacco to and from Finland from other EU countries although there is an emphasis on these goods being carried as gifts or for personal use only; problems arise when volumes suggest individuals are intending to sell the products. Visitors from outside the EU may bring in or take out a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine.

230V at 50 Hz, round two pin plugs are standard

Finland has few distinct culturally ingrained social conventions and EU visitors will find the normal rules regarding good manners and polite behaviour are applicable. Locals can be greeted with a handshake, while invitations for dinner at their homes should be honoured with a small token such as flowers or a bottle of wine. Dinner parties can seem somewhat formal on account of the reserved nature of Finns although these barriers generally disappear as the meal progresses. It’s common and polite to remove your footwear before entering someone’s house.

No vaccinations are required to enter Finland and no diseases are especially prevalent in any part of the country. EU visitors are no more at risk of getting sick than in their own countries.

Water is entirely safe to drink; however, visitors may not be accustomed to its taste and may prefer to buy bottled water, which is relatively cheap and available in large bottles from supermarkets.

Health care facilities and standards are high in Finland and as English speaking skills are common, you’ll generally find doctors in hospitals with a good command of the language.

Finland has two official languages:  Finnish is the first and is spoken by 93% of the population; Swedish is the second and is used mainly in the south west by 6% of its people in tandem with Finnish.

Tipping is discretional and there is no responsibility to pay if you feel like you haven’t received good service. Although, if you are happy with the way you’ve been treated then you can leave a tip of around five to ten per cent or round up the bill by a few Euros. Taxi drivers who help with luggage and go beyond the normal call of duty can be tipped accordingly.

The country code for Finland is +358. There are a number of telephone service providers in the country, the majority of which are also internet service providers. Public telephones can be found in most parts of the country; however, they are less common and popular than in the past on account of the availability of mobile phones (Nokia is a Finnish company).

GMT +2

Visitors from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway can enter the country without a passport while those from Schengen countries can enter with a valid passport or ID card. Visitors from all other countries can enter on a valid passport. Visas are not required for the vast majority of visitors.