Facts about Finland

Some country specific information, s'il vous plaît! Items are listed in alphabetical order.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited under the Public Order Act. Consumption of alcohol is allowed in parks and such as long as it does not cause any public disturbance. Mild alcohol (under 4,7 vol.) can be obtained from supermarkets, kiosks and gas stations. Alcohol of stronger volume can be obtained through state-owned ALKO stores, which are usually open from 9 am to 6 pm. More information on ALKO's locations and exact opening times can be found here. The sale of alcohol is prohibited to persons under 18 years of age. Alcohol above 22% vol. is sold to persons of 20 years of age.

Banks

Banks are mostly national, but are internationally connected. The largest banks are Nordea, Sampo Pankki and Osuuspankki. They are usually open on weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm.

The network of some 1700 "OTTO" ATMs covers most of Finland. When visiting remote locations, be prepared to carry some cash with you.

Most international credit cards are accepted at most locations. Cheques are rarely accepted.

Bringing Equipment to Finland from Abroad

Although the movement of people and goods are not heavily regulated within the EU countries, there might be some restrictions when importing dangerous goods and equipment. Please refer to information about EU customs.

Before you pack your gear, make sure to ask some of the local equipment renters what can be leased on location.

Calls & Mobile Coverage

The country code when calling to a Finnish number is +358. The main cellular phone carriers are Sonera, Saunalahti and DNA. In the rural regions, cellular phone coverage varies according to the location. A detailed coverage (in Finnish) of each operator's cellular coverage can be obtained by clicking each operator above.

Calling into Finland

Dial...

  • the international access code of the country you call from
  • the country code of Finland (358)
  • the area code without the prefix 0 (Lapland area code is 016)
  • the local phone number.

 

Calling from Finland

Dial...

  • the international access code (00, 990, 994 or 999)
  • the country code (without the prefix 0)
  • the area code (without the prefix 0)
  • the local phone number.

Currency

Finland is a member of the European Union and uses Euro as its currency. Here's a currency converter, in case you need one.

Drinking Water

Tap water is drinkable everywhere in Finland. Also bottled water is available in grocery stores. Lapland's drinking water is renowned for its purity as it usually originates from natural springs.

Public Holidays

There are a number of public holidays in Finland when most of the businesses are closed.
Note also that on Sundays, most businesses are also closed but grocery stores and kiosks remain open.

Holidays in Finland 2012

Jan 1             New Year’s Day

Jan 6             Epiphany

April 6           Good Friday

April 8-9        Easter

May 1            May Day

May 13          Mothers' Day

May 17          Ascension Day

May 27          Whitsunday

Jun 23           Midsummer Day

Nov 5            All Saints Day

Nov 11           Fathers' Day

Dec 6             Independence Day

Dec 24-25       Christmas Eve & Day

Dec 26            Boxing Day

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all public indoor spaces. The sale of cigarrettes and other tobacco products is prohibited to persons under 18 years of age.