Finland




PRACTICALITIES



Currency

Euro (EUR)


Official languages

Finnish, Swedish


Time

GMT + 2


Calling code

+358


Area codes

Helsinki: 9, Oulu: 8, Turku: 2


Internet TLD

.fi


Shopping

Generally shops are open Monday–Friday from 9am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Department stores are open longer.


National holidays

New Year’s Day January 1
Epiphany January 6
Easter movable feast
May Day May 1
Ascension movable feast
Whit Sunday movable feast
Midsummer movable feast
All Saint’s Day October 31
Independence Day December 6
Christmas December 25 & 26


National dish

Karjalanpaisti – a meat stew
Poronkäristys – sautéed reindeer
Poronpaisti – roasted reindeer
Karjalanpiirakat – traditional Karelian pies with rice or potato filling
Kalakukko – fish baked inside a loaf of bread
Mustamakkara – a type of a blood sausage, usually served with lingonberry jam


Electricity

Finland’s electricity runs on 220V/50Hz.


Passport/Visa

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need visa for entry into Finland (for stays of up to 90 days). Only a valid passport is required. Citizens of Schengen states need only an identity card.


Useful numbers

Emergency: 112