So, you have decided to migrate to Finland. But before you leave, make sure you are armed with basic information that will help you adjust in your early days in the country. Here are some of the essentials you need to know to survive – and thrive – as an expat in the happiest country in the world
The Weather and How to Dress
Finland has a marine and continental climate typical of Scandinavian countries due to its location on the Eurasian continent’s coast. In most places there, the weather is often pleasant and clear when breezes from the west blow. Because Finland is situated where tropical and polar air masses collide, the weather may be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. And, contrary to popular belief, Finland’s weather is not as frigid as it appears: typical mean temperatures in Finland are higher than in other places at similar latitudes, such as south Greenland. Warm air flows from the Atlantic, as well as the Baltic Sea, boosting the temperature.
On the other hand, Finland has wonderful summer weather. Summers in the south and central regions are moderate and warm, similar to those in other areas of southern Scandinavia, but winters are lengthy and frigid. Snow can be seen on the ground for up to 90 days in the northern portions of Finland each year. Winters are mildest in southern Finland, which is home to a plethora of Baltic Sea islands.
The weather in Finland has a significant impact on when you wish to visit this Scandinavian nation. The hottest month in Finland is July, and the coldest month is February, considered also the driest month. August is its wettest month, so always bring your umbrella with you during this time!
Dressing appropriately is key, for your comfort and safety. During wintertime when the temperature can fall to -20C and even -30C in the north, wear long underwear/thermal underwear. Dress in layers so that you can adjust what you are wearing and your body temperature while moving from outdoor to indoor and vice versa.
Outdoors, it’s essential to wear an overcoat, warm headcover, ear muffs, a woolen scarf to cover your neck, and gloves or mittens. Waterproof boots that have non-slip soles that will prevent you from sliding when walking on the icy ground are also a must-have.
Inversely, summer is very comfortable at about 20C and 15C in the North. Dress lightly, but also consider that you might find this a bit colder if you are coming from a warm country like the Philippines where 25C is the average temperature during the cooler months.
The Place and the Environment
Finland is a beautiful country. Highly wooded, with over 56,000 lakes, many rivers, and vast swaths of marshes; that you can see from the air, it resembles a complex blue and green jigsaw puzzle.
The underlying structure of Finland is a massive worn-down shield made up of old rock, mostly granite, which dates back to the Precambrian period (from about 4 billion to 540 million years ago). The ground is low-lying in the south and higher in the center and northeast, with the few hilly sections being along Finland’s borders with Sweden and Norway in the far northwest. There are many high peaks in this area, notably Mount Halti, Finland’s highest summit at 4,357 feet (1,328 meters).
Much of Finland is filled with conifers while the far south features a zone of deciduous trees. Up north, lichens abound, with the forest full of delicious fungus in the fall. Sphagnum wetlands, which are common in the northern tundra or bogland area, supply cloudberry harvests.
Finland has a diverse range of fauna. Waterfowls nest in large numbers on coastal islands. During the winter, many birds move south. Many aquatic and wading species breed in Finland, including the bulk of the world’s goldeneyes and broad-billed sandpipers (Limicola falcinellus). Bears, elk, wolf, wolverine, lynx, and Finnish elk are among the native forest creatures. Reindeer in the wild have nearly vanished, and those that survive in the north have been tamed.
Public Transportation
The first time that you arrive in Finland, you will probably land in Helsinki. To get around, here are some things to consider.
Bus
The bus is Finland’s primary mode of long-distance transportation, having a significantly more extensive network than the railway. Buses arrive on schedule and are rarely overcrowded.
There are two types of intercity buses: vakiovuoro (regular), which stops regularly in cities and villages, and pikavuoro, which is somewhat more expensive (express). Because there are few highways, even express buses aren’t particularly speedy, clocking in at around 60 kilometers per hour.
Matkahuolto (www.matkahuolto.fi) provides ticketing services and has an excellent website with all the timetables. Matkahuolto offices are open during regular business hours, however, you may always buy a ticket directly from the driver.
Towns have bus terminals, called linja-autoasema, with local timetables on display (lähtevät is departures, saapuvat arrivals).
Onnibus (www.onnibus.com) runs a range of inexpensive inter-city routes in pleasant double-decker buses that are separate from the regular system (though its schedules are available on the Matkahuolto website). Most of these originate in Helsinki and, if booked in advance, maybe significantly less expensive than regular rates.
The number of departures between large cities is high throughout the week, but it drops significantly on weekends. There may be no weekend buses at all in very rural places. Summer vacations cause schedules to shift, making it more difficult to travel around distant areas.
Car and Motorcycle
Although there are few motorways, Finland’s road network is good. There are no tolls on the roads, although there are several speed cameras.
In Finland, gasoline is costly; for current costs, go to www.fuel-prices-europe.info. Although many gas stations are unstaffed, machines accept cash and most (but not all) chip-and-PIN credit and debit cards. There is no change for cash.
Car rentals as common but could get pricey. However, it is possible to get a good deal if you book ahead of time or travel in a group. A modest automobile costs €55/200 per day/week, including basic insurance, and includes 300 kilometers per day. One-way rentals are subject to a fee and are not usually available. During busy hours, book ahead to guarantee a car is available. As usual, the best discounts may be found online.
Look for weekend prices in bigger cities. These can be as cheap as a single-day fee, and you can pick up the car early on Friday afternoon and return it late Sunday or early Monday.
Here are some car rental establishments:
- Avis (www.avis.com)
- Budget (www.budget.com)
- Europcar (www.europcar.com)
- Hertz (www.hertz.com)
- Sixt (www.sixt.com)
Bicycle
Finland is one of the most bicycle-friendly countries in the world, with plenty of pathways and little hills. Cycling is very enjoyable on land. Helmets are recommended. However, they are no longer legally compulsory.
In almost every Finnish town, you may rent a bicycle. Bikes are available for a little cost or for free at most campgrounds and many urban hotels, but they are designed for cycling around town, not for long road journeys. A good-quality road bike will set you back roughly €15/90 per day/week, while a mountain bike would set you back around €45/120.
Boat
Lake boats used to be a popular mode of summer transportation. These services, however, are now mostly kept as cruises, and they provide a wonderful, leisurely way to travel between places, such as going through these famous routes: Tampere–Hämeenlinna, Tampere–Virrat, Savonlinna–Kuopio, and Lahti–Jyväskylä.
For domestic lake-boat and ferry services, check out http://lautta.net.
Air Travel
From Helsinki, Finnair (www.finnair.com) offers affordable domestic service. Standard costs are high, however, special discounts can be found on its website. Multiple travels can be far less expensive than one-way flights. Some Lapland sites are only open during the winter.
Your Home in Finland
Many people in Finland live in rented houses. The advantage of renting is that you don’t have to sell your old house and buy a new one if you want to change apartments. Your landlord, on the other hand, may choose to cancel your lease if he or she has a valid justification for doing so. You will be obliged to leave your flat in this situation, even if you do not want to.
In the major cities, where prices are also higher, it might be difficult to find a decent property to rent.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to find a place to live. Some districts are particularly desirable, and any available apartments are rented quickly. If you find a suitable location, you should decide whether to rent it or not as soon as possible.
To rent a flat, you may browse for ads on the internet. Use the search keyword vuokra-asunto. Apartments are often promoted in local media as well.
Private Rental Housing
A privately leased flat is usually easier to find than a municipally rented one, although the rent is more expensive. Start by looking for private real units online and in the local media. You may also post a wanted ad.
If you want an agent to find a suitable rental flat for you, you must sign an assignment agreement (toimeksiantosopimus) with the agent in writing. In this instance, you will have to pay the agent a commission. In writing, agree on the commission ahead of time. A month’s rent, for example, maybe the commission. Compare the commissions of several agencies too. Sign a lease with the owner if you rent a private flat.
Municipal Rental Housing
Many municipalities have rental flats, which are generally less expensive than those rented individually. If you meet one of the following criteria, you may be eligible for state-subsidized rental housing:
- Finnish citizenship;
- a registered right of residence;
- a residence permit card;
- a residence permit which is valid for at least 12 months; or
- a student’s residence permit.
Fill out an application form at your municipality’s housing office if you want to apply for a municipal rental flat. Check out their websites for their online forms.
Rental apartments in certain cities are in such high demand that you may have to wait a long time to find one. Housing lines are lengthy in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area (Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa) for example. Meanwhile, unoccupied flats may be found in many minor communities around Finland.
Many non-profit organizations also provide housing in Finland.
Food and Cuisine
The Finnish are recognized for being enthusiastic about food and for being true to their culinary roots. The country is rich in natural ingredients from the sea to the forests. Fish and meat are staples in the country’s cuisine, and they are typically complemented by wholemeal products like oats, barley and rye, berries, mushrooms, and root crops like potatoes and turnips.
Due to weather conditions, to preserve food, the Finns also ferment vegetables and mushrooms, as well as smoke meats and fish.
To get accustomed to local tastes, here are some Finnish favorites that you must try!
Leipäjuusto. Leipäjuusto, or also known as Juustoleipä, is a traditional northern Finnish dessert. The cheese can be found in most local supermarkets, and all you must do is melt it in a skillet and top it with stirred cloudberries, and of course, match it with a nice cup of coffee!
Ruisleipä. Breakfast is usually served with Finnish rye bread prepared from sourdough, whether you’re staying in a café in Tampere’s hamlet or at a five-star hotel in Helsinki. If you travel to different Nordic nations, you might be able to compare the varied native rye bread.
Lohikeitto. Simply put, this is a creamy salmon soup that’s utterly delectable.
Karjalanpiirakka. Karelian pasties are the Finnish version of pizza. These delectable pastries are filled with mashed potato or rice pudding and baked. They’re usually served with egg butter or other toppings. Since 1949, the Helsinki café Konditoria Hopia (http://www.konditoriahopia.fi/) has been baking fresh pastries every day, so go there if you want one!
Poronkäristys. Reindeer meat is consumed all year by the Finnish. This classic is beloved not just in Finland, but also in other Nordic countries, albeit there are certainly regional differences. Reindeer meat is thinly sliced and sautéed in water, cream, or beer in Finland, then served with mashed potato, cucumber, and cranberry sauce. Restaurant Aino in Helsinki serves authentic poronkäristys.
Basic Phrases You Need to Know
The Finnish language may seem intimidating at first owing to the long words and letters that aren’t familiar in English. Nevertheless, after the pronunciations are mastered, non-Finnish speakers can easily utter the most popular phrases. These are some of the most important terms and phrases newbies in the country should know.
Kiitos (Please/thank you)
The most crucial term for tourists to learn is ‘kiitos,’ which means ‘thank you,’ or its more casual counterpart ‘kiiti.’ This sentence should be said after engaging with a cashier, bartender, or anybody else who has performed a service, according to basic etiquette.
It isn’t as frequent to say ‘please’ in it since it isn’t used in the same manner it is in English. Don’t worry about being impolite if you don’t say ‘please,’ as it is optional in Finnish.
Puhutteko englantia? (Do you speak English?)
If you’re still having trouble understanding what someone is saying, use this statement to get a Finnish speaker to switch to English for your benefit. Because English has long been a part of the Finnish school curriculum, most Finns will be able to communicate with an English speaker.
Hei hei (Hi/bye)
Rather than using the more formal versions of ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye,’ ‘terve‘ and ‘näkemiin,’ the more casual variant, ‘hei hei,‘ which means both ‘hi’ and ‘bye,’ is more commonly used.
Mitä tama/tuo on? (What is this/that?)
This phrase, which uses ‘tama‘ for ‘this’ and ‘tuo‘ for ‘that,’ will get your queries answered if you come across a lot of unknown stuff in Finland. When referring to a noun, remember to use ‘mikä‘ instead of ‘mitä.‘
En ymmärrä (I don’t understand)
If you’re still having trouble speaking Finnish, this sentence, followed by the one below, should help you get back on track. You should also memorize the phrase ‘voitko sanoa uudelleen’, which means ‘can you repeat that?’.
Puhuisitteko hieman hitaammin? (Can you speak more slowly?)
When speaking their native language, most individuals might get carried away and not realize they are speaking too rapidly for others to understand. People may forget that they are speaking too rapidly for you to pick up on a foreign language, so using this courteous statement can help you stay on track.
Anteeksi (I’m sorry/Excuse me)
‘Anteeksi‘ means both ‘I’m sorry and ‘excuse me,’ and is a good word to remember. This can be used to express regret, catch someone’s attention, or request that they get out of your way. The abbreviated version, ‘anteeks,’ is used by most Finns, while the more formal version is rarely used.
Culture, Etiquette, and How to Socialize
The People
Loyalty, dependability, self-sufficiency, and independence are highly prized characteristics. Finns are proud of their culture and civilization. They also take interest in projects that improve the world and as such are leaders in peace conferences and international peace initiatives. They appreciate nature and are proud of their pristine environment, which is among the best in the world. Finns treasure their personal space and enjoy it when others do as well.
Meeting and Greeting
At a commercial or social gathering, shake hands with everyone present, including men, women, and children. When leaving, shake hands once more.
Dining and Entertainment
- Sauna bathing is considered an integral part of Finnish culture and the practice is believed important for wellbeing. Getting invited to a sauna is considered an honor. If you feel self-conscious, note that you do not have to sauna naked, but it is thought odd if you do not. Wear a swimming suit or put a towel over yourself.
- A typical work lunch no longer includes alcohol, although after-hours drinking habits haven’t changed much.
- After supper, the conversation may go for one to two hours. Never leave until the coffee, dessert, or cognac has been consumed.
- If you will be sitting directly from the host during lunch; prepare a little thank you. After dinner, you give a speech.
- In restaurants, checks are never divided. You pay if you make the invitation.
- Business can be addressed at any time during lunch, but not during supper; only after coffee can it be talked about
Other Dos and Don’ts
(Infographic)
- Punctuality is crucial; being late is inconsiderate and shows a lack of attention.
- Finns are tough negotiators – you must be forceful and well-prepared to deal with them.
Silence is considered a normal part of the conversation. Relax and don’t interrupt too abruptly.
- Closed arms in front of your chest may be seen as arrogance.
- Giving presents should be done with caution since they might be construed as a betrayal of one’s integrity.
- Keep a safe gap between you and the Finns. Respect their reserved demeanor and demand for seclusion. Do not strike up a conversation with a Finn on the bus, in a queue, in a restaurant, or anywhere else in public.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Don’t put your hands on your pocket when speaking with someone.
- Do not display your emotions in front of others.
- Never ask questions about someone’s religion, work, or political affiliation.
Working in Finland
Finland provides excellent working conditions for its citizens. One of the key reasons why people prefer to work in Finland is this. Working hours are typically 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Furthermore, firms are increasingly providing “work from home” opportunities to their workers.
Finland places a strong emphasis on workplace equality and collaboration. In comparison to other nations, Finland ranks quite high in terms of employee safety, minimal hierarchy, and autonomy.
Finland is also an excellent destination to upgrade one’s skills and obtain extra education. Employers are more likely to invest in their employees and promote those who want to advance their knowledge and skills.
Finland is also ideal for families with children. Family rights (the right to leave if your child/spouse is unwell) are one of the perks for workers in Finland. To understand more, check our other post, where we detailed employee benefits (as well as duties) in Finland.
(LINK TO PREVIOUS POST)
Maternity leave is one of the more “popular” perks. You can take up to 104 days off for maternity leave and up to 54 days off for paternity leave in Finland. You may also be eligible for Kela’s allowance, a sickness allowance, and the donor allowance, all of which are paid at a rate of around 70% of yearly wages, while the partial sickness allowance is paid at a rate of approximately 35% of annual earnings. Those who get a sickness allowance due to an infectious ailment are paid for their whole loss of income.
Finland has no minimum wage, which is an interesting fact. Most nations have a minimum wage, but Finland’s approach is unique. This implies that salary is governed by collective bargaining agreements. This is excellent news since it implies that wages in certain industries are often higher than in nations with a fixed minimum wage.
The good news is that after an employee has worked for a firm for one month, they are entitled to sick pay. If an employee uses up their sick pay allowance from their company, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland will reimburse them roughly 70% of their wage (KELA).
Keep in mind that the wage for some occupations is negotiated between the company and the employee. Other allowances, such as food and travel expenditures, are often negotiated by employees with their employers.
The Filipino Community in Finland
Estimated at 5,594 in 2019, the Filipino community in Finland is still small compared to other countries but is thriving.
As in most countries with Overseas Filipinos, Pinoys have a natural tendency to group and organize events and get-togethers. One of the easiest ways to meet other Filipinos is in church. A good example of which is the two catholic churches in Helsinki where Filipino Couples for Christ members are quite active.
Filipino cuisine has also infiltrated the country’s food scene via the vibrant Pinoy restaurants. So, if you have a craving for a taste of home, it’s well worth trying the following restaurants:
- Paisano – Helsinki – www.paisano.fi | FB: paisanofilipino | IG: @paisanofilipino
- Kainan – Espoo – www.kainan.fi | FB: KainanEspoo
- Kamalig – Helsinki – FB: kamalig.hki | IG: @kamalig.helsinki
- Pobre – Helsinki – www.pobre.fi | FB: pobrefilipino | IG: @pobrefilipino
- Platito – Helsinki – www.platito.fi | FB: Platitobistro | IG: @platitobistro
- Sentro – Helsinki – www.sentro.fi | FB: sentrohelsinki| IG: @sentrohelsinki
In case you’d like to cook your Filipino dishes, there are also Asian markets where you can buy Filipino products and ingredients.
