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Travel Tips

Currency
Euro is the official currency of most EU countries, including Finland.

Credit Cards
Access/MasterCard, Diners Club, Visa, and American Express are widely accepted.

Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Finland, although it is not unheard of.

Useful Numbers
Country dialling code: 358.
Helsinki Area Code: 09
Police: 10022
Health care emergencies: 10023
General Emergencies: 112

Electricity
220 volts (AC). Outlets accept continental-type plugs with two round pins. Bring a converter or an adapter for 110-volt equipment.

Health Risks
Health standards are high and vaccinations are not needed to enter Finland. Bring vitamin supplements when visiting during the sunless winter months and insect repellant when visiting the north during the summer.

Time Zone
GMT + 2, same as Tallinn and Athens
GMT + 3 from last Saturday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October

Climate
Finland has a moderate climate as influenced by the bodies of water surrounding it. However, as one goes up to the northern regions, towards the Arctic Circle, climate grows much harsher. Helsinki's location on the southern tip and its close proximity to the Gulf of Finland provides it a relative humid atmosphere. The best months to visit Helsinki are from May to September, when aside from the warmth, the midnight sun - offering up to 16 hours of continuous light- can also be experienced during the summer months. Halfway through winter, get a chance to see one of Finland's main attractions, the aurora borealis or the "Northern Lights" - the blue columns of light dancing over the horizon, which dispel the gloom of the sunless winter days.

Clothing
Casual wear in light to medium weight cotton blends is best for summer. Warm and thick clothes are advised for the winter months. Raincoats are essential throughout the year.

Geography
Finland is the seventh largest country in Europe in terms of land area -- sprawling at around 338,000 sq km. It is situated in Scandinavia, in Europe's far north. To its west is Sweden and the Gulf of Bothnia; to its east is Russia; to its north is Norway; and to its south is the Gulf of Finland and Estonia.

Population
Finland : 5,214,512
Helsinki : 560,000

Ethnic Groups

Finns, minorities of Swedes and many other minorities

Language

The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. English is taught in universities as the first foreign language and is widely used.

Religion
Lutheran & Orthodox