10 Practical Tips for Traveling in Finland
Practical Tips
2026-10-03
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From cold-weather gear to aurora hunting and sauna etiquette, these details will make your trip to Finland smoother.
- Apply for Your Visa Early: Finland is part of the Schengen Area and uses the euro. Prepare your passport, itinerary, accommodation, and proof of funds in advance. Also, ensure your travel medical insurance has coverage of at least €30,000.
- Dress for the Cold: Winter temperatures in Lapland can drop as low as -30°C. Rent professional cold-weather clothing, snow boots, and gloves. Dress in layers and bring heat packs.
- Give Yourself Multiple Nights for the Aurora: Aurora viewing is highly affected by cloud cover. Plan to stay several nights, monitor the aurora forecast and weather, and choose viewing spots away from light pollution.
- Pace Yourself in the Sauna: Jumping into an ice lake after sweating is a must-do—but only if you're comfortable. Follow local guidelines and take care if you have heart conditions.
- Prepare for Extreme Daylight: In summer, daylight lasts almost all day; in winter, it’s very short. Bring an eye mask or portable light, and plan your sleep schedule accordingly.
- Use Cards for Payments: Finland is largely cashless. Carry a small amount of euros for emergencies. Make sure your international credit card is enabled for overseas transactions.
- Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card at the airport or convenience stores, or activate international roaming or an eSIM. Signal can be weak in remote areas of Lapland.
- Tipping Isn’t Required: Service charges are usually included in the bill. You can round up or add 5–10% if you’re especially satisfied with the service.
- Lunch Is Better Value: Weekday lunch specials are cheaper than dinner, making them a good option for budget travelers. Grocery shopping and self-catering are also cost-effective.
- Drink Tap Water: The water is clean and safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water.
- Respect Personal Space: Keeping quiet and maintaining distance are basic social norms in public. Leave space when queuing.
- Safety and Health: Book snow activities through certified operators and confirm your insurance covers them. Pharmacies have limited hours—bring essential medications. The emergency number is 112 (for police, ambulance, and fire services).
- Get Tax Refunds: Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on purchases. Check the minimum spend per store and keep your receipts to claim the refund at the airport when leaving.
- Time Difference and Power Plugs: Finland is 6 hours behind Beijing (5 hours during daylight saving time). The power sockets are European standard two-pin round, 230V. Bring an adapter.