Preparation file

Preparing for Helsinki

Finland is quiet, orderly and almost cashless. Daylight swings to extremes with the season: in summer the night barely arrives, in winter the day is short. What follows applies across the whole country.

Last updated: 2026-08

Audio summaryA spoken run-through of the intro and section summaries

0:00 / 1:18

Quiet and sauna etiquette

All of Finland

Voices are low and personal space is generous. The sauna is a social institution; its rules are simple but cause discomfort if you do not know them.

5 more points open with a free account

The in-depth part of every preparation file opens with a free account: sign in with the code sent to your email — no card, no payment.

Open with a free account

Getting around the country

All of Finland

Public transport is reliable and tickets are bought in an app. The intercity train and coach network is orderly; distances are long.

5 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

Money and cards

All of Finland

The currency is the euro but the country runs almost entirely on cards. Some businesses take no cash at all; what matters is being sure your card works abroad.

5 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

Practical notes

All of Finland

Sockets are type C/F at 230 V. The tap water is of very high quality. Daylight swings to extremes with the season; plan and pack accordingly.

5 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

In an emergency

This section is open to everyone and needs no membership.

Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It is the same across Europe, so there is nothing to look up on arrival.
Reporting a theft: A report at a police stationAn insurance claim does not move without this formal document. On a group tour, do it with your tour leader.
Pharmacy: APTEEKKILarger cities have one open at night; the rota is posted at the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

12 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account

Phrases worth knowing

8 more points open with a free accountOpen with a free account