Finland Travel Guide
The Bare Bones: What you Need to Know
Population: 5 million
Area: 350,000km2
Currency: Euro
Passports, Visas etc.
UK, EU and US citizens need only take a passport for stays less than three months. No visas are required for these countries nationals. Passports can be used as ID but it is advisable to carry a photocopy and leave the real thing safely at your hotel.
Safety Advice
Finland is a really safe place to visit. Apart from the very rare beggar or bag snatcher, the crime rate is low. However, common sense rules still apply.
The Roads
Main roads are good quality and cover the country comprehensively. Many side roads are well maintained but made of gravel. Melting snow and ice can be troublesome as can meandering reindeer. Rules regarding drinking and driving are as harsh in Finland as elsewhere in Scandinavia. Petrol and car hire are expensive, the public transport networks - especially trains and coaches - are so good that travel by car may not be an option.
Stay Healthy
There are no more worries here than in any other European country, no inoculations are required and the water is clean. UK citizens carrying an E111 form can get free medical help. Out patient treatment is generally free to all. US citizens should ensure that they have ample insurance.
Take sensible precautions against the effects of the weather. Mosquitoes can be a major irritation, so be prepared.
Insurance
Take out adequate insurance to cover health, accident, and theft of money and possessions. Also worthwhile is insurance against having your travel plans trashed by industrial action, machine failure, act of God etc.
Law and Order
Do not traffic or pedal drugs of any kind. Expect harsh treatment if arrested. Drink related anti social behaviour is not tolerated.
Cash and Plastic
Traveller's cheques are easily changed, credit cards are readily accepted and ATM machines are widely available.
Climate and When to Go
Short summers and long winters characterise this most northerly Scandinavian country. The temperature in the summer can be high in the day but chilly at night. In the winter the whole country is covered by snow, this lasts from November to March. Finland is geared up for this kind of weather, they shrug it off as commonplace, and it certainly doesn't disrupt anything.
The far north is the land of the midnight sun in the summer and the place where you are most likely to see the Aurora Borealis in the winter.
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