Capital: Helsinki
Time zone: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September.)
Telephone services: Country Code: 358
Outgoing Code: 990 (for international enquiries from Finland dial 92020).
Emergency telephone numbers: Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:-Helsinki Police – 002, Doctor – 008 Ambulance and Fire – 000.
Tourist information: Finnish Tourist Board, 30 – 35 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5LP Tel: (020) 7839 4048 or 930 5871 (trade only) Fax: (020) 7321 0696.
Passport information: Valid passports are required by all except the following nationals providing they hold a valid ID card, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Requirements may be subject to short term change. Contact embassy before departure.
Visa information: Not required by the following nationals: Nationals of Great Britain (holders of British Hong Kong passports do require a visa), Australia, Canada, USA, EU, Japan. NOTE: Many other nationals do not require visas – check with the nearest authority for a complete up to date list of visa requirements for Finland.
Health information: No information available at present.
Food & drink: Water is considered drinkable, normal precautions should be observed with food.
Currency: In common with12 Member States of the European Union (EU), here the Euro is the currency.
There are seven different banknotes and eight coins of the Euro.
Each participating EU country has coins with one common side and a reverse side specific to each country, while the banknotes look the same throughout the euro area.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted throughout the country. US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Over 2,000 locations.
Cost of living: Relatively expensive. Similar to other Scandinavian countries.
Languages: Finnish. Swedish and English may also be spoken.
Weather: The climate is temperate, but with considerable variation in temperatures. Summers are warm whilst winters Oct – Mar are very cold. The North has snow cover from mid Oct to mid May.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs are continental 2 pin type.
Post: 3 days within Europe.
Transport: FLIGHTS: Cheap tickets can be found to the various airports throughout the country. RAIL: Cheap and efficient, various discount schemes operate depending on status e.g. group travel ‘Interail’ and ‘Scanrail’. ROAD: A well developed road system, use of horns is frowned upon and signs will indicate warnings of reindeer and other wildlife when collision are possible. BUS: An excellent network of routes are available offering cheap offers to specific groups. CAR HIRE: Normally drivers should have at least 1 years driving experience. DOCUMENTATION: Usually National or IDP is required with insurance. A ‘Green’ card is recommended.
Special information: Finnish people often appear reserved, many do not enter into idle chatter easily. They are always helpful and are known to be warm and friendly once you get to know them. PHOTOGRAPHY: Check with the Russian Embassy if you wish to take photos near the Western border. During the summer mosquitoes and gnats can be nuisance, especially in the North where a good supply of repellent is recommended.