Finland Country Guide
Peace and solitude are two words that come to mind when thinking of Finland. A little cottage by a lake and a cleansing sauna are the epitome of Finnish life. Lakes and forests in the interior go on seemingly forever, broken only by quiet little towns. This large area of wilderness attracts hikers and nature-lovers every year by the thousands, while the larger cities in the south attract those interested in art and architecture.
Try a traditional Finnish sauna, and feel all the stress and tension just melt away!
This Finland country guide gives some useful background information on the country. A great way to see the local tourist highlights of Finland and experience the local culture is by taking a tour.
We recommend you check out the Finland travel information from fellow travellers on the RealTravel web site.
Check out the latest Finland Travel features on You Tube.
Finland Country Guide
Useful information on this page includes:
Climate/Weather
Temperatures vary greatly in Finland. The summer is warm, and, especially in the south, spring and autumn can be relatively mind. Winters in Finland, which last from November to mid-March, are normally extremely cold. The north sees snow from mid-October all the way to mid-May, but in summer the sunshine can last for up to 16 hours a day. Warmer weather brings the annoyance of gnats and mosquitos, especially in the north of the country, and taking a good insect repellant is advisable.
Click on this Weather link to view the current weather conditions in Finland, then select the city/region you wish to view.
Communication
Mobile Telephones
Some international mobile phone companies have roaming agreements in Finland. Check with your provider for further information.
Internet
Finland has one of the highest rates of internet penetration in the world. Access is available in internet cafes and internet booths throughout the country.
Post
Post from Finland (letters and postcards) normally takes about three days to arrive in destinations throughout Europe. Stamps are widely available, mostly in post offices, newspaper shops and stations. The Central Post Office at Mannerheimintie 11, 00100 Helsinki, is open Monday-Friday from 08:00-2100, Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-21:00. Throughout the rest of the country, the general post offices hours are Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00. Some may also be open for a short period on Saturdays.
Currency/Money
The Euro is the official currency of Finland. Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins come in denominations of €2 and 1, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. You can check today's Euro exchange rate at OANDA.com, The Currency Site.
Foreign currency and traveler's cheques can be exchanged at most banks and bureaux de change offices, which are normally located at ports, stations, airports and city centres. Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are all widely accepted. Standard banking hours are Monday-Friday 09:15-16:15, although this may vary depending on where in Finland you are.
Electricity
Embassy Locations
General Information
Population: 5.2 million people
Total Area: 338,145 square kilometres
Capital: Helsinki (515,000 people)
Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours (GMT + 3 hours from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
For current time in Helsinki, click on this link to TimeAndDate.com.
General Information
Population: 5.2 million people
Total Area: 338,145 square kilometres
Capital: Helsinki (515,000 people)
Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours (GMT + 3 hours from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
For current time in Helsinki, click on this link to TimeAndDate.com.
Language
Finland has two official languages. One is Finnish, spoken by 93.4 percent of the population, and the other is Swedish, spoken by 5.9 percent of the population. Other minority languages such as Russian and Lapp are also spoken. Many people speak English, as it is the language most commonly taught in schools. Some common phrases include:
Hello = TER-VEH
Goodbye = NA-KE-ME-IN
Thank you = KEE-E-TOS
Nice to meet you = HAU-SKA TA-VA-TAH
Where is the bathroom = MIS-SA ON W-C
How much does this cost = PAL-JON-KO TA-MA MAK-SA
Help = AH-PU-AH
Doctor = LA-A-KA-REE
Police = PO-LEE-IS-E
Taxi = TAXI
Train = JU-NA
Subway = MET-RO
Bus = BUS-SEE
Location
Religion
Visas/Passports
Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse's passport and the original marriage certificate/children's full birth certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).
Note - EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU/EEA nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU/EEA Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card.
Types of Visa: Schengen Visa is issued for tourist, business and private visits. There are three types: Short-stay, Transit and Airport Transit (US$50). Transit visas are valid for up to five days. Single-entry and double-entry visas are valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Multiple-entry visas are valid for up to one year. Applications for renewal or extension should be made to the Embassy or Authorities in Finland.
It is advisable to check this information with your relevant embassy prior to travel.
