All about car tuning

What to take to Finland. Traveling to Finland by car: what you need to know

Travel tips: we tell you how to get there, where to stay and dine in Helsinki.

How to get to the country

For residents of St. Petersburg, the most cheap way to get to Helsinki is a bus. In the off-season, bus carriers often arrange sales (for example, on Black Friday) and you can leave for the capital for 600-700 rubles. You can catch very cheap tickets if you start monitoring them a couple of months before the trip (the golden rule applies here: the sooner the better). The most expensive tickets are for the New Year and May holidays. To learn about discounts and promotions, subscribe to pages about budget travel on social networks. It is also convenient to get to Helsinki by minibus. The fare will cost from 800 to 2400 rubles.

On a trip for a couple of days, of course, it is convenient to stay in the center. If you are not afraid of the prospect of using public transport, you can live in areas remote from the center, near the metro - these options are usually cheaper.

Do not forget to take a printout with the address of the hotel or apartment, or write it down on your smartphone, as they may ask at the border where exactly you will be staying.

So, the visa has been issued, the tickets have been bought, the accommodation has been booked, what else do you need to know before your first trip to Finland?

  • Finns speak English very well, especially young people, so with the knowledge of this language you will feel quite comfortable here. In large shopping centers, the tourist information office and museums, you can also be served in Russian.
  • Install apps to help you on your journey. For example, an application with free offline maps from around the world Maps.me and a currency converter XE Currency.
  • A free city map can be obtained from the Information Office (Pohjoisesplanadi 19).
  • Bicycles are a popular way of getting around. Finns ride them all year round, in Helsinki there are bike stands and bike paths everywhere. For a bike rental, go to the shops: Ecobike (Savilankatu 1b), Greenbike (Bulevardi 32) and Bicyclean Helsinki (Luotsikatu 14). In the Citybike service, renting a bike for a day costs 5 euros, for a week - 10 euros.
  • You can connect to the city's free Wi-Fi network. See a map with Wi-Fi points.
  • If you plan to thoroughly explore the city, then we advise you to invest in the Helsinki Card. You can buy a card for 24 hours (46 euros), 48 hours (54 euros) and 72 hours (66 euros). Its price includes admission to nine museums, including the Ateneum Art Museum, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sinebrychov Art Museum, a tour of the Suomenlinna Fortress, a bus tour of the capital and free travel on the city public transport. More information about the Helsinki Card can be found.
  • A good way to save money on the cultural program is to schedule a visit to the city's museums on days when admission is free for all visitors. A list of free days, as well as a brief description of the best metropolitan museums - in our article.
  • You can learn about interesting events that take place in Helsinki on the website http://www.visithelsinki.fi/en.
  • The lowest prices for groceries in German Lidl chain stores and Prisma supermarkets.

Helsinki resident Olga Korka especially for eFinland.ru gave some advice to novice tourists:

The city center is compact and easy to get around on foot. Using public transport is also convenient: it runs strictly according to the schedule, the ticket is valid for an hour for all types of transport. I recommend using the public transport route planner site reittiopas.fi.

A taxi costs a minimum of 20 euros, the price depends on the distance and the carrier. A trip to the airport usually costs 40-50 euros.

I advise you to walk along the Esplanade - the central park of Helsinki. Walk along the embankments, go to the Old Market, drink coffee here and eat a fish sandwich or a cinnamon bun. Climb to the observation deck to the Assumption Orthodox Church cathedral and see the city from above. You can go to areas where the northern modern dominates - this is either the Katajanokka area, right behind the Assumption Cathedral, or the Eira area, you can get there by tram number "2" or "3".

You can dine wherever you see the word lounas - this is a business lunch in Finnish. The standard time for a business lunch is from 10.00 to 14.00 or 15.00, the cost is from 10 to 14 euros.

Be sure to try the fish. Most of all, Finns value white wild fish caught in their natural environment.

If you are traveling with a child, you can safely ask in any cafe to warm up a jar of baby food, a bottle of formula or milk.

No need to spend money on bottled water. In Finland, you can drink tap water everywhere, in any public place.

If we talk about the nature of the Finns, they differ from Russians in that they value personal space more. Therefore, try not to come close in line, at a bus stop, in transport. It is not customary to talk loudly, waving your arms here.

Where to dine

Helsinki can hardly be called a cheap city, so you won’t be able to eat tasty food for a penny here. Salvation for tourists can be business lunches and special lunch offers. Below is a list of verified addresses of metropolitan cafes and restaurants.

1. Ekberg
An old bakery, pastry shop and cafe in the city center. We recommend trying brioche (3.30 euros) with cappuccino (4.40 euros), for a more substantial lunch you can choose a salad (6.90-14.50 euros) or salmon soup (11.50 euros).

Address: Bulevardi 9
Opening hours: Mon - Fri from 07.30 to 19.00
Sat from 08.30 to 17.00
Sun from 09.00 to 17.00

2. Cafe Bar No 9
Large portions and good prices. The menu includes Caesar salad with chicken or smoked salmon (12.50 / 13.50 euros), woks (10 euros each) and burgers (10-16.90 euros). The place is popular with locals.

Address: Uudenmaankatu, 9
Opening hours: Mon - Fri from 11.00 to 02.00
Sat - Sun from 12.00 to 02.00

3. Fazer Cafe
At the legendary Fazer Café on the eighth floor of the Stockmann department store, you can dine for reasonable money by Finnish standards. A salad bar will cost from 9.90 to 14.20 euros, a full lunch will cost 13.50 euros. For this money you will get a salad (or appetizer of your choice), soup, main course and a drink.

Address: Aleksanterinkatu, 52
Opening hours: Mon - Fri from 09.00 to 21.00
Sat from 09.00 to 19.00
Sun from 11.00 to 18.00

4. Tiedekulma Cafe
Cafe of the university art space Think Corner. Good coffee (cappuccino €3.50) and fresh desserts (local hit €4.90 banana cake). A salad bar is open for lunch, and you can order soup of the day.

Address: Aleksanterinkatu 7
Cafe opening hours: Mon-Fri from 08.00 to 21.00
Sat, Sun from 10.00 to 18.00

5. Kappeli
The menu includes traditional salmon soup (15/20 euros), meat dishes (22–42 euros) and green salad Kappeli (from 9 euros). Desserts such as creme brulee and cloudberry panna cotta cost about 10 euros.

Address: Eteläesplanadi 1
Opening hours: from 10.00 to 00.00

1. What documents to take
In addition to a passport with a valid visa, medical insurance and confirmation of booking a hotel or cottage, you will need:
– certificate of registration for the car;
– Russian driving license; it is desirable to have international rights when traveling to any country, but, as practice shows, Finnish border guards do not ask them;
- "green" - international insurance in case of an accident; you can get a "green card" in advance at any insurance company, and if you did not have time or forgot to do it, you can get insurance along the way: on the Scandinavian highway, there are mobile insurance points at every step;
- if you drive a car by proxy, then this document, notarized, must be with you;
- a vehicle technical inspection coupon (they don’t ask for it, but you need to have it).

2. What tires should be
The Finns are very meticulous about the use of different types of rubber at certain times of the year. From December 1 to February 29, the use of winter tires is mandatory - otherwise you simply will not be allowed into the country. The tread depth of winter tires must be at least 3 mm. Previously, there was a rule that winter tires must be studded, but now the use of studded tires is optional - at the discretion of the driver. Summer tires in Finland are used from 1 March to 30 November. The tread depth is at least 1.6 mm.

3. What to Avoid
It is strictly forbidden to take an anti-radar device on the road - in Finland its use is prohibited by law! Even if the “anti-radar” is not connected, and the Finnish border guards will find it with you during the baggage inspection, troubles are guaranteed, and the smallest of them is a large fine (up to 600 euros!). So when going on the road, do not forget to leave the "anti-radar" at home.

4. Parking in Finland
Parking in Finland is a whole set of rules and knowledge. You can leave your car in Finnish cities only in designated places! Otherwise - a fine of 50 euros and more! Moreover, it is necessary to pay the fine within a period of one to two weeks, since after that penalties of 50% will be charged for each day of delay!
- Paid parking. Usually, one bollard with two coin acceptors is equipped for two parking spaces; the cost of parking is on average 1-2 euros per hour. The scoreboard displays a countdown of the paid time, after which a red signal flashes. There are parking lots with ticket machines. The ticket says the time you paid. The ticket must be put in the car on the "torpedo" so that it can be seen from the outside. Such machines are usually installed in underground parking lots in large supermarkets.
– Free parking. A sign will help you identify free parking - a white "P" on a blue background. Beneath it is a parking lot. Pay close attention to what is written on the sign; if there are additional inscriptions, the meaning of which you cannot determine, it is better to look for another parking lot in order to avoid a fine. To use free parking, you need to buy a "parking clock" at the gas station or at the "R" kiosk (cost 3-5 euros). It's a blue card with a spinning disc that sets the time of arrival at the parking lot. "Parking hours" are also placed on the "torpedo". The time of such parking is no more than 4 hours. However, remember that most parking lots in Finland are free on Sundays (watch the signs)!

5. If the car suddenly broke down
SOS payphones are installed on all highways in Finland to call emergency services (the call is free of charge):
– repair service: telephone 9800-35000; the dispatcher will connect you with a Russian-speaking employee; after the problem is clarified, a mechanic or a tow truck will be sent to you. Remember that towing with a cable is prohibited on Finnish roads!
– police: telephone 10022; in addition, by calling 112, you can always call the police, an ambulance or the fire department from anywhere.

6. Penalties for violation of traffic rules
Fines in Finland are very high and are calculated on the basis, firstly, of the severity of the offense and, secondly, of the offender's monthly income. For example, if you exceeded the speed limit by 25 km/h and your income is 3,000 euros per month, then you will be fined 540 euros! In general, violations of the speed limit are punished very severely in Finland: speeding by only 3 km / h can go unpunished, and then sanctions begin. Moreover, there are many video recording cameras on all routes.

7. How to fill up a car at an automatic gas station
Understanding how automatic gas stations work in Finland is very difficult, especially for a beginner! You need to act as follows: stop the car, open the gas tank flap, look at the column number. Usually one payment acceptance machine works for two columns. Do not insert the gun into the gas tank yet! On the display of the machine, you need to select the language (Russian), find the slot for accepting banknotes and insert the required number of banknotes one at a time, in the correct position (as shown next to it). The entered amount will appear on the board. Then you need to indicate the column number (or select one of the two proposed arrows), receive a check (a question will appear - do you need a check, to which you need to answer “Kyllä / Ei” - “Yes / No”). And only after that you can insert the gun into the tank and pour gasoline.
If you want to pay with a bank card, then you need to find a card slot, insert a card there (it will go inside), enter the pin code, following the instructions on the scoreboard, and select the amount you want to refuel (the menu will show 20, 40 , 60, "muu summa" - another sum). After that, the card will be returned, and you can refuel.

Observing all these rules and knowing the features, your trip to Finland will be pleasant and unforgettable!

Judging by trips to Finland, according to the feedback of our passengers, we thought it was necessary to give some advice.

Attention, for wholesalers and passengers with bulky cargo - the purpose of our trip is light shopping, if your estimated volume of goods is more than 4 large bags from Prism or 25 kg per person, you will not be able to take it out of Finland. Finnish customs very strictly monitors the overweight of minibuses. 9 people (including the driver) with luggage - 1000 kg. And the customs norm is 25 kg. per person.

There are tourists who, having visited one of the cities in Finland, say that they really could not see anything for those 1.5-2 hours that they got at each planned stop, they could not choose, buy, or consider anything. The only thing that pleases them is that they rolled back their visa.
There is a second category of tourists: they liked everything, they managed everything, bought a lot of things that the trip allows, quickly crossed the border and managed to get home by 21.00. So why does it happen that the trip and conditions are the same, but the result is different? Our opinion is that everyone has a different level of approach to the upcoming trip.

  • Firstly, correctly place accents and priorities for yourself, for what purpose you are traveling. It is impossible to do everything in the 5 hours allotted to you. As a rule, tea, coffee, dairy products, sweets, olive oil, seafood, baby food are bought in Finca. If you need things, then tune in to children's products, sports equipment, cosmetics, household chemicals, necessary tools.
    It will seem to an inexperienced shopper that there is nothing to choose from, but if you know what you are looking for, then you will definitely find it.
  • Secondly, having determined for yourself that you just want to walk around the city, we recommend that you buy some groceries, take the necessary things and just wander the streets, take a break from everyday life and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Third, before, before and during the trip check for documents. In Finland, the time zone is an hour ahead of ours, so check the time. Often, mobile phones translate automatically. In any case, be vigilant, do not get lost, watch the time and do not be late for the agreed place, as you risk staying in the city. In addition, you can be blacklisted and let the whole group down. Remember that passengers and the driver DO NOT have to wait for you. Do not forget the documents for TAX-FREE.
  • Fourth, remember that Tax Free and Invoice is the issuance of value added tax, which is not required to pay those who are not members of the European Union. Tax-free is usually issued in the store only for things if you have accumulated more than 40 euros. The package with things is carefully sealed and it is given to you at the Tax-Free pick-up point only after you have passed the Finnish customs. There you will receive a tax of 10-14%.
    The invoice is sealed in the same way in the store, transferred to customs. When passing the Finnish customs, you will need to check in a special “invoice” box, and before half a year expires, you will need to return to the same store, present the printed invoice that you learned then, show your passport, and you will be returned 18%.

Our rules

You need to be as careful as possible with time, calculate and predict your time in Finland, without forcing those with whom you are traveling with to wait. They don't have to linger.

To behave properly, in accordance with the norms of decency in society, both abroad and during the journey. While in the minibus, do not drink alcohol, listen to music without using headphones.

Know and comply with the customs regulations for the goods that you import or export. No one except you is responsible for your documents.

If you have already been included in the list of those who are traveling, but for some reason it is impossible to leave with us on time, inform the dispatcher in advance - always a day before the trip. When booking a seat in a minibus, you undertake the obligation to pay for all the declared seats, regardless of whether you went or not. Cancellation of the trip no later than 24 hours before the appointed time and does not depend on the reason for the refusal. Otherwise, the next trips are possible only with 100% prepayment or you will be denied a trip without comment.

In the event that you take responsibility and enroll other people (from any address) on a trip, and they do not cancel the trip in a timely manner, you are liable for them. Or rather, you will have to pay for their trip!

Get out to the minibus in time in the morning.

Comply with our restrictions on the volume and weight of the goods.

If you are traveling with a child who needs a booster or child seat, inform the dispatcher about it.

Due to the fact that the routes are planned in the evening, and which of the passengers will be in which of the buses, the dispatcher does not know, it is not possible to book specific places in transport in advance. Exception for children, disabled people and people with a weak vestibular apparatus. In any case, children ride in the back seats with their parents, otherwise the minibus will not be able to cross the Finnish border.

If your weight is more than 100 kg, inform the dispatcher about it.

Dear Clients! We remind you that:

In all possible cases, the driver proceeds from considerations of passenger safety and traffic rules. In the event of force majeure circumstances, because the need for urgent medical assistance, man-made disasters, dangerous traffic conditions, etc. the driver has the right to make decisions to cancel or change the trip.

We wish you happy and pleasant trips with Peter Fin!!!

  • Drivers are not required to enter the yards, do not demand from them what they should not do!
  • While driving, do not distract drivers from driving the bus, do not eat and drink - this is not safe (you can choke when braking). Remember that a calm driver is the key to your safe trip.
  • Responsibility for Compliance customs regulations lies on the passengers. Goods such as fish not in vacuum packaging, according to the views of customs, are prohibited from being imported into the Russian Federation. The driver will “excuse” violators and will not wait.
  • The order of delivery to addresses at the discretion of the driver (traffic jams, road repairs).
  • In any situation, try not to splash out emotions on the driver, he is a living person and he is driving. You can always call the administration at 921-13-61, leave

The fairytale land of Finland is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus, the Snow Queen, and Moomintroll. Here you can see the northern lights and white nights. It is located next to Norway, Sweden, Russia. Recently, more and more tourists tend to go on a trip to the northern state.

In order for the rest to bring only good impressions and leave pleasant memories, you should prepare in advance for the trip and take care of your luggage.

No matter how strange it may seem, but many people take a laptop with them to work on vacation, since today a huge number of people work via the Internet. This also applies to Forex. In order for the work to be successful and make a profit, you need to choose a reliable broker, which is Trade12. Reviews about him are extremely positive.

First of all, it concerns the wardrobe. The local climate of the country requires stocking up with warm clothes: hats, sweaters, jackets, jeans, socks. Outdoor enthusiasts need to take care of outerwear and pants made of waterproof materials. Shoes should be warm, comfortable and with thick soles. To avoid blisters, don't risk taking new boots on your trip. For rainy days you will need boots.

If you are going to get to the local water park, of which there are a dozen and a half in Finland, take swimwear, swimming trunks, rubber hats, and flip flops in your travel bag.
No trip is complete without spending money. In Finland, the euro is used as the currency, but it is better to buy them in Russia. Do not take dollars with you. Of course, that they can be exchanged in any Finnish exchange office, but the rate will obviously not please you. Here you can also use MasterCard and Visa bank cards.

In view of the fact that Finland borders on Russia, many tourists go on vacation by private transport. And some take bicycles and skis with them. Although all these things can be purchased at the resorts for rent.

Pay great attention to the necessary documents. Take this very seriously. To travel to Finland you will need a passport, insurance, green card, children's certificates. If one of the parents stayed at home, he must agree to the departure of the child in writing.

Don't forget the first aid kit. Painkillers and heart medications, as well as medicines for allergies, runny nose, indigestion, should always be at hand on the road. If upon arrival in Finland you are going to go to the forest or to the lake, it is worth stocking up on mosquito and midge repellents.

It will not be superfluous to take a camera and a video camera. So you can capture the most beautiful landscapes, not only to show them to your loved ones, but also to admire and remember the pleasant days spent in Finland.

If you are calling from abroad to Finland, then dial the code 358. You can call abroad through various telephone associations by dialing 990 or 999. Phones are available both in kiosks on the streets and in public places and you can call either with coins, or a magnetic phone card, which can be bought at any kiosk. Reference and information service number 118.

Emergency Phones: Ambulance - 112, fire brigade - 112, police - 112 or 10022. These services are called free of charge from anywhere in Finland. Address reference service (telephones, addresses) - 118.

Embassies: Finland in Moscow: Kropotkinsky lane, 15/17. Tel: 246-4027, 230-2143, 230-2144. Embassy of the Russian Federation in Finland (Tehtaankatu, 1b, 00140, Helsinki, 14, Suomi): Helsinki, Vuorimiehenkatu, 6. Tel.: (8-10-358-9) 66-18-76, 60-70-50.

Money

Currency unit: euro (€ or EUR)., you can exchange currency in banks that are open from Monday to Thursday from 08.00 to 15.00, on Friday - until 14.00 or in exchange offices that are open after 17.00 and on weekends. Credit cards VISA, MASTER CARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS and travelers checks are widely used.

The currency is euro cents. 1 euro is equal to 100 euro cents. You can exchange currency at banks and special exchange offices, airports and train stations. Most hotels and travel agencies will also offer their exchange service, but will charge a commission for the transaction. The best exchange rate is in banks.

Euro is equal to 100 cents. There are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Traveler's checks are exchanged at banks and representative offices of the respective companies, but the commission for their exchange is quite high. It is better to pay current expenses in euros.

Currency exchange: You can exchange currency at banks, at some post offices ("Postipankki"), at many hotels, seaports and at Helsinki Airport (the best exchange rate is at bank branches), often you need to present a passport for exchange. You can also get cash from ATMs. Credit cards of the world's leading systems have become widespread - they can be used to make payments in most hotels, shops, restaurants, car rentals and even in some taxis. Traveler's checks can also be cashed at most banks. Banks usually work on weekdays from 9.15 to 16.15, days off - Saturday and Sunday. All banks are closed on public holidays.

When is the best time to go (weather)

The climate in Finland is warmer than one would expect based on the geographical position of the country, moderately cool; significantly different in the northern and southern parts of the country.

The northern territories of Finland are characterized by prolonged rains or snowfalls.
As for the natural conditions in the south, they are characterized by less rainfall.
Significantly different from the main part of northern Finland - here it can rain for 2 weeks without a break, and strong arctic winds blow literally to the marrow of bones.

The average temperature of the warmest month in Helsinki (July) is 13 - 22 °C, and the coldest (February) is from -8 to -3 °C. The average annual rainfall is 690 mm.

Even though Finland is in the north. Europe, the climate is not very severe due to the influence of the Baltic Sea. The average temperature in July in the south of the country is about 16° C. The average temperature in February is about -9° C. Snow lies for about 4 months a year in the south of the country and about 7 months in the north. Almost three-quarters of Finland is covered with forests, mostly coniferous. There are about 1200 tree and fern species and about 1000 lichen species in Finland. Among the representatives of mammals are bears, wolves, lynxes and polar foxes. Among the birds - wild geese, swans, tundra partridges, snow bunting, golden plovers. Salmon, trout, pike, perch are found in rivers and lakes. In coastal sea ​​waters- herring, cod, sea bass. The main attractions of the country include more than 300 museums, the main of which are: the National Museum of Finland, the municipal museum. the Mannerheim Museum, the Sports Museum and the Ateneum Art Museum, all in Helsinki; Art Museum in Turku; Museum of Contemporary Art in Tampere; Archaeological Museum Satankunna in Pori; Folklore Museum in Lahti. Among the architectural monuments: the Senate building, the Lutheran Cathedral and the Assumption Cathedral in Helsinki; Cathedral of 1907 in Tampere. There are also some Korkeasaari on the islands of the Baltic Sea; sea ​​fortress Suomenlinna (1748). Not far from Helsinki is the Seurasaari Leisure Park and the Museum of Wooden Architecture.

The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental, and continental in the north. Despite its northerly position, Finland experiences warm and Atlantic influences. During the year, the country is dominated by westerly winds with frequent cyclones. The average temperatures of all seasons are much higher than in more eastern regions at the same latitudes.

What clothes to wear

When traveling to Finland, you must remember that Finland is a northern country, and even in short summers it is quite cool here. Warm clothes will come in handy for both adventurers and romantics who want to take a walk in the northern lights.

Therefore, based on this, you need to choose clothes for traveling.

Don't take too many things with you. For a trip to Finland, it is enough to take a warm sweater or jacket, a waterproof jacket from your clothes (especially for those who prefer leisure- skis, sleds, snowballs), warm (preferably waterproof) pants and comfortable shoes, festive attire, if you are going to go to a concert or visit a theater, do not forget to take a hat and a scarf as well. Try to take only those things in which you feel most comfortable. In Finland, no one cares how you are dressed, so you will not feel the appraisal or sidelong glances of the inhabitants.

Do not forget to take a pair of practical and comfortable shoes for active movement around the city and local attractions. Well-worn shoes will not distract you with unnecessary inconvenience, and will allow you to completely surrender to adventures in magical Lapland. It is necessary to have comfortable sneakers and light sports slippers, you can also take women's sandals or men's sandals, in which it is convenient for you to go to the theater and which will not rub corns during long walks.

What to ride

Transport is well developed in Finland. The largest transport center of the country is Helsinki.

The country is well developed sea ​​transport- due to the convenient geographical position, it is possible to conduct active navigation, there is river navigation. An excellent network of highways and railways makes it possible to travel both by train and by car or bus. With the help of air transport, you can get from the country to any corner of the globe.

The construction of mountain railways and highways contributed to the development of forest, hydropower and other resources of mountain regions.

Road transport successfully competes with rail transport in the transportation of both goods and especially passengers. Now only intercity buses transport twice as many passengers as railways. Over the past decades, several sections of new highways such as motorways have been built. The pattern of the highway network is similar to that of the railways.

The maximum driving speed, in the absence of special designations, must not exceed 50 km/h in the city, 80 km/h on the Paris ring road, 90 km/h on highways, 110 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on motorways.

Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, even in the back seats.

Air Transport. Finland is very well developed both inside and outside the country. There are daily flights between Russia and Finland by the Finnish airline Finnair and Russian airlines on the following routes: Helsinki - Moscow - Helsinki; Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Helsinki. In addition, planes fly from Finland to Russia, in particular, those of the Dutch airline KLM. From Finland's largest airport, Helsinki-Vantaa, with flights all over the world. Domestic flights are operated by: Finnair and its subsidiaries KarAir and Finnaviation.

Taxis can be found at separate stands or called by phone. It will be delivered to any point of the city within 5 minutes. Estimated cost - 4-6 EUR per landing, then ~ 1 EUR / km.

Finnish buses are not required to stop at every stop: if a tourist at a stop, seeing him, does not raise his hand, he will calmly pass by. Another circumstance that is difficult for us to imagine: buses to Helsinki often arrive ahead of schedule. This should be taken into account if it is necessary to make transplants.

Car rental

Car rental in Finland is very developed. Finland is a chic country, and if you travel to different fabulously beautiful cities in Finland, then of course, only on a rented car.

At any airport, at major stations and rental companies, you can rent a car. The basic conditions for renting a car in Finland are prescribed in each agency.

To rent a car, you must have a valid international driver's license, you must also be 19 years old (different companies have different "critical" age), and at least one year of driving practice. In addition, it is necessary to have credit card(when receiving a car, a certain deposit is blocked on it). If the car is taken for a one-way trip only, the client pays for gasoline and driving the car in the opposite direction. The cost of car rental on average ranges from 200 to 400 fin. Marks per day +2, 35 - 4, 20 / km. You can also rent a bicycle.

In passenger cars, seat belts must be fastened both for the driver and for all passengers (both in the front and rear seats).
Vehicle traffic in Finland is right-hand traffic with left-hand overtaking. As a rule, the situation on the roads is calm, the average speed is 60 km/h, there are expressways with a speed limit of up to 100 km/h.

The road surface of Finland is one of the best in Europe, and the road network of the country has several thousand kilometers of roads! Therefore, car rental points can be found in most settlements of the country.

When traveling in Finland in a car rented in another country, you need to buy a special card for driving on the autobahn, which costs about 15-20 euros per week.

As for car rental rules in Finland, they are almost the same as in other European countries. It is necessary to have with you: international rights, but usually ordinary "plastic" Russian ones are enough.

The rental price includes unlimited mileage, car damage insurance and VAT.

Medical service

It is recommended to purchase medical insurance that provides medical assistance abroad, including the evacuation of the patient by air if necessary. If you do not have insurance, you may be required to pay for medical services in cash on the spot. Medical care in Finland is based on various forms of payment and fully complies with European requirements

Some public clinics and health centers charge 8-10 euros per visit. Hospital treatment is always paid, but in state hospitals only a day of stay in a hospital is paid (for those permanently residing in Finland), while in private ones you have to pay for medicines, examinations, and treatment in general.

Be carefull

Finland is a country with an overall low crime rate, so ensuring safety in Finnish cities comes down to general vigilance in matters of monetary settlements and to negate possible misunderstandings and inconveniences.

However, to ensure the safety of your belongings and property, a tourist can always use safes in hotels.

If you arrived in Helsinki (Vantaa Airport) from 10 am to 8 pm, pick up free booklets and maps in Russian at the Tourinfo office located in Terminal 2, Arrivals Hall A2 - this will help you navigate the area. Booklets can also be obtained in Helsinki, at the Turinfo office at Pohjoisesplanadi 19, as well as on the streets of Finnish cities from people in green uniforms - they work for tourists.

Do not stop a taxi on the road, this is not customary here. Order a taxi by phone (it will arrive within 5 minutes) or take it at a special parking lot. Please note that in Vantaa, in addition to ordinary taxis, there are also special airport taxis that take several passengers and deliver them along the route that is optimal for the driver. At the airport, do not forget to leave 2 euros for the porter. The taxi ride from Vantaa to the city takes 30 minutes. Fee - according to the meter (approximately 4-6 euros for landing and about 1 euro / km). From 22:00 to 06:00, on holidays and weekends, the tariff is higher.

In the city, stay in a hotel (less expensive options are a hostel or a campsite). If you are not familiar with Finnish or Swedish, then they will communicate with you in English language. If you are arriving after 14:00, please inform us at the time of booking. If you smoke, please specify this circumstance when booking - not all hotels allow smoking. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe. Keep a photocopy of the completed pages of your passport and visa with you and in a safe. Service is included in the room rate, but tips are well received.

Hiking and cycling are safe. Determine the route to your taste or buy sightseeing tour. Bicycle rentals are available at travel agencies, campsites, city rental points, and you can find bike route maps in bookstores and travel agencies.

Finland has a relatively low crime rate, but the number of thefts of personal property is quite high. You should especially beware of pickpockets at airports, railway stations, public transport, trains, museums and other popular places. Leave valuables, documents and large sums of money in the hotel safe, do not take out your wallet in crowded places. Also, do not leave things in the front seat of the car during stops. When walking, do not take bags over your shoulder with you - thieves on motorcycles are especially active.

With regard to crimes related to theft of personal property, it is increasing. Beware of pickpockets at airports, railway stations, public transport, museums and other places popular with tourists.

Leave valuables, documents and large sums of money in the hotel safe. Cars with foreign numbers more often than others become the target of thieves and car thieves.

If you are the victim of a crime, contact the nearest police station immediately.

When paying for purchases in large stores, do not put your wallet on the checkout counter: numerous thieves are just waiting for the moment to take advantage of your inattention.

Finland is a very safe European state that does not pose a threat to health. No vaccinations or medical certificates are required. Tap water is drinkable.

If you intend to visit forest areas, it is recommended to consult a doctor about vaccinations against the encephalitis tick.

Remember, despite the fact that the crime rate in the cities of Finland is surprisingly low. Well, it's still worth looking after your things in busy places where pickpockets often work. If you still become a victim of a crime, then immediately inform the police by calling 10022.