(Last updated: 10 Mar 2011)

Visas

Australian citizens don't require a visa for stays of less than three months.

Climate

Finland has warm but short summers and cold winters tempered by the Gulf Stream from the west. A third of Finland lies above the Arctic Circle.

For weather details in Finland, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Helsinki-Vantaa airport is about half an hour from the capital’s centre by taxi or bus. More information on Finnish airports can be found at www.finavia.fi/for-travellers.

Ground transport

Finnish local public transport is efficient, relatively inexpensive and safe.

Finnish trains are operated by VR www.vr.fi/fin/. They offer InterCity and express trains throughout the country and Pendolino trains connecting the major cities.

Hiring a car is also a popular method of travel in Finland, however special care should be taken driving in Finland during the winter months. Drivers should also be aware that the blood alcohol limit of 0.05 per cent is strictly enforced.

Taxis can be obtained by telephone (see telephone directory under Taksi) or from taxi ranks. The central taxi reservation number in Helsinki is 0100 0700. It is advisable to write down the address of your destination. The taxis are metered and a tip is not necessary. Payment can be made using Finnish bank cards and major international credit cards as well as cash.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Finland. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

Information about health care is available (in Helsinki) around the clock by calling Tel: 10 023.

No special health precautions are necessary.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Emergency doctors are available by calling Tel: 112. Most hotels have arrangements for non-emergency medical care for their guests.

There are numerous pharmacies (apteekki) open during normal shopping hours. The University Pharmacy (Yliopiston Apteekki) in the centre of Helsinki is open 24 hours every day.

Time zones and time differences

Finland is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time - from March to September and 10 hours behind from October to February.

To find out the current time in Helsinki, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Finland's country code is 358.

For calls to Finland from Australia dial: 0011 + 358 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Finland to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Generally office working hours are from 8am to 5pm. Industry working hours can vary. Banks are generally open from 10am to 4pm. 

Public holidays

Christmas Eve and Mid Summer Eve are the two most important holidays in Finland, however they are not official public holidays. In practice they differ only in that shops are normally open until lunch-time.

The annual vacation period occurs from late June to beginning of August and should be avoided, as appointments will be difficult to arrange. This also applies to the Christmas–New Year period.

January 1 – New Year's Day
January 6 – Epiphany
May 1 – May Day or Vappu
June 24 – Midsummer's Eve or Juhannusaatto (non-official)
June 25 – Midsummer Day
November 4 – All Saints Day
December 6 – Independence Day
December 24-26 – Christmas period

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Euro (€) is the official currency for all transactions. One Euro is made up of 100 cents. Euro notes are common to all Euro zone countries.

Finland has one of the lowest usages of cash in the world with ATMs being used for most purchases.

Electricity and water

Finland's power supply is 240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Eating out is expensive especially in the evening with spirits prices being exorbitant.

Most restaurants serve a value-for-money daily lunch on a set basis, but these are not really suitable for entertaining business contacts and you should choose the a-la-carte menu.

Tipping was almost non-existent in Finland, however it has become more common recently.

Tourist attractions

For more information on tourist attractions in Finland please visit www.visitfinland.com.