Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday; 12:00 to 16:00, Sunday
Museums: times vary, check with the venue in question.
Business Offices: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

Tampere is a very safe city with little in the way of threats for visitors. Crime levels are low and visitors wise enough to avoid obviously hazardous areas should feel comfortable and free from intimidation while out and about sightseeing or enjoying the city’s attractions. Keep an eye out however for petty criminals as they maintain the same presence as might be expected in any big city so pick pocketing and bag snatching is something to be guarded against, especially in busy areas. Taking out holiday insurance that covers you against theft of cash or personal effects is one way of ensuring some piece of mind while conducting your trip. While the chances of incidents are low, ladies are advised not to ride public transport alone late at night. Avoid fraternisations with obvious criminals and don’t engage in behaviour likely to risk trouble with the law such as drug taking or aberrant behaviour following excessive alcohol consumption.

Tampere offers no major threats to the health of either its permanent residents or those holidaying in the city. There are no viral epidemics or water-borne diseases affecting the city and the chances of contracting bacterial infections from public food and drink establishments are exceedingly slim on account of stringent health and safety regulations. Rabies is present in the country, but risks of infection are relatively low. Those however planning to spend a significant amount of time in rural areas or around animals; should consider immunisation against the disease prior to their trip.

Visitors who are unfortunate enough to be to taken ill for whatever reason, will find health care in hospitals and local clinics of an extremely high standard. Those from EU countries with reciprocal agreements with Finland; are entitled to free medical treatment provided they are in possession of the correct documentation. All other visitors would be wise to make sure that they have travel insurance with adequate provision for medical care, else be potentially faced with some fairly hefty hospital/doctor’s bills.

Hatanpää City Hospital
Tel: +358 3 565 713

Citizens of Tampere speak Finnish in line with the rest of the country; English is however widely spoken and generally with competence.

Tampere uses the Euro as its currency, as does the whole of Finland. The Euro is made up of 100 cents and is issued in note denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros and coin denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 euro cents and also in 1 and 2 euro coins.

Almost all banks offer currency exchange services and generally give the best rates while bureau de change counters at the airport and in various locations in the city are available for similar services. Some hotels may offer exchange services, but generally at unfavourable rates. ATMs are commonly available and invariably accept foreign cards but to be on the safe side, make sure your card is endorsed by one of the big international financial organisations such as Diners Club, AMEX or Visa.

Visitors from EU countries can import or export alcohol and tobacco without restriction although excessively large amounts may raise eyebrows and an onus placed on the carrier to prove that goods are for personal use only and not resale. Non-EU visitors are entitled to up to 200 cigarettes, a litre of spirits and two litres of wine.

Finns are very reserved people and their manner may come across as rude and stand-offish to visitors. Visitors may find locals not thanking them for opening doors and not apologising for bumping into them in public places; however this kind of behaviour should be taken as a cultural idiosyncrasy and not as an indication of impoliteness or a personal slur. Due to this level of reservation, public displays of affection are frowned upon so visitors should avoid this kind of behaviour between themselves and certainly avoid overly intimate forms of greeting when meeting locals for the first time; a handshake in these instances will suffice.

Dining Etiquette
Behaviour at the dining table is as reserved as in other aspects of socialisation and if you are invited for dinner at the house of a Tampere local, it’s important that you observe some basic rules lest risk offending your host. Simple rules such as waiting until all are seated and served before commencing eating are of utmost importance. Specifics to observe include eating everything that is on your plate, using hands only for eating bread and shrimp and placing utensils at the 12 o’clock position after finishing eating. Toasts are not ordinarily made by new guests and more often than not, it’s the job of the host to perform such rituals. In the event that a toast is made, make sure to raise your glass with everyone else and to refrain from eating until all glasses have been placed back down on the table. It’s also polite to bring a small gift for your host or hostess such as flowers, chocolates, wine or something from your home country.

Those coming from the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland are permitted entry to the country without a passport (ID only required); this rule applies for EU visitors also. Visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand may enter on a passport for stays of up to 90 days. Other visitors may require a visa and are advised to contact a Finnish embassy in their country of origin.

Tampere City Tourist Office: P.O.Box 487, Verkatehtaankatu 2 33101 Tampere, Finland; Tel: +358 3 5656 6800.