Finland Travel Guide - Essentials

Safety: Finland enjoys relatively low rates of crime and as such is a safe country to visit allowing the majority of holiday makers a trouble-free trip. Organised crime from Eastern European factions is known to have some presence in the country however it’s unlikely that this will impinge on the holiday activities of most visitors.

In the capital and other big cities, it’s wise to use a bit of common sense with regards to your cash and valuable items so as to avoid being targeted by pickpockets and bag snatchers. Additionally, visitors can drastically reduce their chances of unpleasant encounters with unsavoury characters by avoiding poorly lit and sparsely populated areas at night time. Women should also be wary of taking public transport alone late at night.

Outside of the summer months, the climate can experience some fairly extreme temperature variations with the winter months regularly seeing subzero figures. With many of the country’s most popular events and festivals falling in the summer months, it makes much more sense to book your holiday for this period.

Emergency: 112

Ambulance: 112

Police: 112

Tourist police emergency hotline: non available

Language: Finnish is the official language of the country with western and eastern dialectical variations existing. English is widely spoken and generally with competence.

Recommended hospital: Helsinki University Central Hospital Tel: + 358 4711 2010

Business needs: Finland welcomes business visitors and investors who are in possession of the correct visas and documents for the type of activity they intend to pursue. Those coming from EU countries will find red tape and bureaucracy considerably less complicated than those from outside of the EU. Business is Finland is conducted with formality unless Finnish business associates clearly indicate that less formal behaviour is appropriate. Punctuality and smart business dress are of utmost importance.