Finland
Last checked:
- Capital
- Helsinki
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Finnish, Swedish
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Suomenlinna · Helsinki
UNESCO-listed sea fortress on islands, reached by a short HSL ferry ride.
- Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square · Helsinki
The city's landmark white cathedral above a neoclassical square.
- Rovaniemi and Lapland · Rovaniemi
Arctic Circle base for northern lights, husky safaris and the Santa Claus Village.
- Old Rauma and Turku Castle · Rauma / Turku
Wooden UNESCO old town and a medieval castle on the southwest coast.
- Lake Saimaa · Savonlinna
Finland's largest lake district with Olavinlinna castle and rare Saimaa ringed seals.
Getting around
Public transport
HSL app
Tickets and day passes for Helsinki-area trams, metro, buses, commuter trains and the Suomenlinna ferry. The airport is in zone C, so buy an ABC ticket to reach the city.
Trains
VR trains
National rail operator; buy in the VR app. Night trains run from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and Lapland. The I/P commuter train links Helsinki Airport and the city.
Buses
Matkahuolto / OnniBus
Long-distance buses; OnniBus is the low-cost option between main cities.
Ride-hailing app
Bolt / Uber
Both operate in Helsinki and other larger cities with upfront prices. Yango and local taxi apps such as Taksi Helsinki and Valopilkku are also used.
Taxi
Licensed taxis
Taxi pricing was deregulated in 2018, so fares vary by company. Use cars with a yellow taxi roof sign, check the price or ask for an estimate first, and prefer apps or official ranks.
Bike share
Helsinki City Bikes
Seasonal bike share (spring to autumn) in Helsinki and Espoo, bought as day, week or season passes.
E-scooters
Voi / Lime / Bolt / Dott
E-scooters in Helsinki and other cities; some cities restrict night-time use (varies).
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and market stalls. Cash still works in most places but is used less and less. Carry a little cash for remote areas and small market vendors. Choose to pay in EUR if a terminal offers your home currency.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Finland. Service is included in restaurant, taxi and salon prices. Some people round up or leave a small tip for very good service, but no one will be offended if you do not.
| Restaurants | Not required. Rounding up or about 5-10% for excellent service is optional. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Not expected. A tip jar may be on the counter. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Not expected. |
| Hotels | Not expected. |
| Tours and guides | Optional; tip free walking tour guides. |
| Food delivery | Not expected; optional in the app. |
Service charge: what’s true
Service is included in menu prices; a separate service charge is not normally added. Large groups may occasionally see a charge stated in advance (varies).
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics. If a card terminal shows a tip screen, choosing 0 is normal.
Useful phrases
- Saisinko laskun? Could I have the bill?
- Voinko maksaa kortilla? Can I pay by card?
- Kiitos, pidä vaihtorahat. Thank you, keep the change.
Etiquette
- Finns value personal space and silence; small talk is limited and quiet on public transport is normal.
- Take your shoes off when entering a home.
- Sauna is usually naked and same-sex in public saunas, or with swimwear in mixed saunas; shower before entering and sit on a towel.
- Be punctual; lateness is seen as rude.
- Say 'kiitos' (thank you) often; direct speech is not rude in Finland.
- Respect everyman's rights in nature: you may hike and pick berries but not disturb homes, wildlife or leave rubbish.
- Bargaining is not done.
Scams and how to handle them
Unofficial taxis
Where: Central Helsinki at night, airport
How it works: Cars without a proper taxi sign pick up passengers and overcharge, or drivers take long routes or manipulate meters.
How to avoid it: Only use taxis with a yellow roof sign or book through Bolt, Uber or a known taxi app. Ask for the price first.
Pickpocket gangs
Where: Tram 9, Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Temppeliaukio church, Market Square, ferries
How it works: Organised pickpocket groups travel to Helsinki in summer and target tourists carrying cash and passports.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables zipped and in front pockets, especially on crowded trams.
Fake plainclothes police
Where: Central Helsinki
How it works: Men in civilian clothes claim to be police, ask for your passport and wallet, then take cash or cards.
How to avoid it: Real police will not take cash. Ask for ID, refuse to hand over your wallet, and call 112.
Card skimming and PIN theft
Where: ATMs and shops
How it works: Shoulder surfing or skimming devices copy card data.
How to avoid it: Cover your PIN and use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: Card terminals and some ATMs
How it works: You are offered your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Always choose to pay in EUR.
Safety
- Crime is low, but pickpockets target tourists in summer in crowded tourist spots and on tram 9.
- In Lapland and remote areas, emergency help can be far away; tell someone your route and dress for extreme cold.
- Do not walk on frozen lakes or sea ice unless locals confirm it is safe.
- Drug laws are strict and drink-driving limits are low and enforced.
- Keep an eye on drinks in nightlife areas and avoid unmarked taxis late at night.
How widely English is spoken
Very high, especially among younger people and in Helsinki. Signs in the south are often in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Finland, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Finland
- Helsinki Times: Travelling pickpocket gangs target tourists in Helsinki
- Tripadvisor Helsinki forum: fake policemen and black taxis
- Guide to Helsinki: Helsinki Airport taxi guide
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.