Welcome to Finland 😊

Quick Facts About Finland

Money and Finances

The currency in Finland is Euro. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. Notes come in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Finland, and you can expect to find them in most towns and cities. Many ATMs accept major international credit and debit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Finland, and you can use Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX in most shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash with you as well, especially when visiting smaller towns and villages.

Internet and Phones

Finland has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world with an average download speed of 46.6 Mbps and an upload speed of 22.48 Mbps. The government does not interfere with internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Finland has three main telecommunications companies: Telia, Elisa, and DNA. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around €30-40 per month. There are no sim compatibility issues in Finland.

Dialling to Finland

To call Finland from another country, dial +358 followed by the area code and local number. The main area codes in Finland are 09 for Helsinki, 02 for Turku, and 03 for Tampere.

Transport Around Finland

Air Travel

Finland has several major airports, including Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is the largest and busiest airport in the country. Other major airports include Tampere-Pirkkala Airport and Oulu Airport.

Train Travel

Finland has a comprehensive inter-city train network operated by VR. The journey from Helsinki to Tampere takes around 2 hours and costs approximately €25. The journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes around 10 hours and costs approximately €60.

Metro / Local Trains

Helsinki has a metro system, which is the only metro network in the country. The metro system operates on two lines and serves several major stations in the city.

Buses

Finland has a well-developed bus network, with bus companies such as Matkahuolto and Onnibus offering services to a range of destinations. A bus journey from Helsinki to Turku takes around 2 hours and costs approximately €20.

Rideshare

Uber and Bolt are available in Finland, with average prices varying depending on the city and the distance traveled. A ride from Helsinki city center to the airport costs approximately €30 with Uber.

Driving by Car

Driving is relatively easy in Finland, with well-maintained roads and a low population density. The speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h, and the country uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Finland, tipping is not a common practice. Locals greet each other with a handshake or a nod, and bowing is not a common custom. Finns tend to be reserved and quiet, and prefer to keep a space between themselves and strangers. Men and women address each other with the same level of formality and respect, and there is no specific protocol for addressing strangers.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Finland has a well-developed public healthcare system, which is primarily financed through general taxes. Medical consultations and treatments are provided either by public healthcare centers or private practitioners. Finland also has a universal health insurance system that covers the majority of medical expenses. A visit to the doctor could cost you around 20-30 euros.

COVID Situation

Finland has implemented strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing, travel restrictions, and mandatory mask-wearing in public spaces. As of October 2021, the rate of coronavirus in Finland is relatively low compared to other countries in Europe, with around 100-200 new cases reported per day.

Common Health Risks

The risk of malaria is generally low in Finland. However, ticks are prevalent in wooded areas during the summer months, and they can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. Food poisoning is also a risk in Finland, especially in summer when people tend to eat more raw or uncooked seafood. Other common health risks in Finland include colds and flu, as well as allergies and respiratory illnesses caused by changes in temperature and humidity.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Finland, the legal age for purchasing alcohol is 18. However, the sale of alcohol above 5.5% ABV is strictly controlled by the government-owned retail monopoly, Alko. Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, and driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Finland, including soft drugs like cannabis and party drugs. Possessing, selling, or cultivating cannabis can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws in Finland that affect pre-marital relationships. The age of consent is 16 years old.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Finland is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership in Finland is strictly regulated by the government. Individuals must pass a background check and undergo a thorough application process before being allowed to own a firearm. Guns are generally used for hunting and sport activities.