Heading to Finland (Helsinki) In a week

[Brando]

So my first international work-related trip. Interesting stuff. I'm heading to Helsinki with a coworker to do a dog & pony show. He's the sales guy and I'm the propeller-head (aka SME).

Anyhow... We're going to be there almost a week. I'd rather not be joined to the hip with the guy and if there's some Pelicans in the area that would be down for food/drinks/local culture. Has our community spread that far and wide?

I'm game for pretty much anything. Local dives, experience the culture, get out of my comfort zone.

Also... what should I expect when traveling there? Any faux-pas or things I should not do?

Thanks!

[Rikao4]

10 Things Not to Do in Finland
Here's how to avoid a faux-pas as a visitor in Finland.

By Terri Mapes
Scandinavia Travel Expert



In Finland, there are certain things you just don't do - subtle differences that you as a traveler should be aware of to avoid those dreaded moments of awkwardness. That said, many travelers who have never been to this part of the part of the world might be in for quite a culture shock. To prevent you from innocently stepping on some Finnish toes, there are a few social no-goes to be aware of:


1. Don't Interrupt a Conversation
This is a difficult one for most Westerners, as we all love to jump in with our own account of a story before the speaker has finished. It is rude, but we don’t seem to mind too much, as it is how our normal conversations go. In Finland, this is unacceptable. Serial conversation is the rule here. Think of it as a valuable skill to learn; to listen with the intent of understanding instead of responding. In fact, Finns generally don’t trust people who talk too much while saying too little. Foreigners might find the tolerance towards silence disconcerting, but Finns do not engage in small talk for the sake of just talking. Here, every word is intended to deliver a message.

2. Don't Compare Finland to Other Countries
Especially Sweden. And please, do not try to start a conversation by asking if Finland was once a communist country like its neighbouring Russia. It is like comparing Catholics to Protestants. It will be the end of the conversation, and quite possibly your undamaged nose. Remember that Finland is a proud entity on its own, so don’t group it together with the rest of Eastern or Northern Europe. Don’t be an ignorant foreigner, and educate yourself about the basics. You wouldn’t like it if people made inaccurate comments about your history on your own turf.

3. Tip Less
This rule applies to most of the Scandinavian and Nordic quantities. Tipping in Finland is not required and if you want to tip at all, you simply round up the final bill to the nearest 5 or 10 Euro amount or put something in the tip cup. Unless you're in a very touristy area, you may choose to avoid tipping altogether; some locals will not know how to react to it and may believe you have made an error. But if in doubt, simply ask if tips are accepted.

4. Don't Brag
Actually, no one likes a self-important braggart, but the Finns have an especially low tolerance towards it. Fins are modest and downplay their own accomplishments and hardly make a fuss about anything. Here, humility and grace will get you far, as they view modesty as the biggest virtue.

5. Don't Wear Clothes in the Sauna
In the sauna, I mean. That’s right; no clothes or swim suits are used in the public saunas. This is a concept that most of us might find strange, especially considering how high the Finns value their privacy, but it’s just how it’s done. Men and women don’t sauna together, thankfully, except in families. If you absolutely refuse to sit there in your natural glory, you can cover up, but this is not the social norm

6. Limit Public Displays of Affection
Hooked on public displays of affection? Don’t do it! Strolling hand in hand with your loved one is acceptable and even romantic everywhere in the world, but this is Helsinki, not Italy. Keep your passionate groping and wet smooching contained to your private quarters. Finns are not touchy-feely at all, and avoid public displays of emotion at all cost. In fact, touching, especially a hearty male-bonding slap on the back can be perceived as patronising. Overall, they like their personal space, so keep your hands to yourself, unless you greet someone with a firm handshake.

7. Don't Show Up Unannounced
When visiting a local, you only do so by invitation, or by at least arranging it advance. If you pop in unannounced, you might be greeted by a closed door. If you made plans with the host, be punctual. Making empty promises is also a no-go. If you set up a date with a Fin, they will keep you to it. They're punctual and reliable. Be polite and do the same.
8. Remove Your Shoes
Taking off your shoes when entering someone’s house is not something that is only practiced in the East. Most Finnish households will remove their shoes at the front door, and walk around wearing socks or slippers. This is not practiced in every household though, so if you are unsure, ask. If you see shoes stacked neatly by the front door, that is a good clue.

9. Don't Comment on the Finnish Ice Hockey Team
Unless it’s with words of praise. Don’t mention the Swedish team, unless you want a hockey puck up the yazoo. The Fins and the Swedes have a longstanding history together; it hasn't always been an amicable one. Think of siblings. Hockey between these two teams represents a peaceful manner of playing out the rivalry. Add to the equation the competitive streak of the Finns, you might want to avoid this topic altogether. The follow all their traditional sports religiously and with quite a bit of zeal.

10. Don't Stare at Nordic Walkers
When you see locals taking to the streets in exaggerated movements, armed with ski poles, don’t stare and point or think that the world has gone mad. Marathons and Nordic walking are the latest fitness craze that took Helsinki by storm. The action essentially mimics cross country skiing, without the use of skis. It may look just a little funny and clumsy at first glance, but the price to look silly is worth the workout. Even seasoned skiers practice between winters by mimicking the action on dry land. Grab a pair of Nordic walking poles in a nearby rental shop and join in.

All in all...

At first glance, the Finnish locals might appear almost hostile-like, but do not be deceived by appearances. The seemingly serious Finns have a dry but sharp and sarcastic sense of humor. Since they follow quite a bit of international news, the have strong opinions about events, so you can find yourself engrossed in stimulating debates if the opportunity presents itself.

Rika

[craigster59]

If anyone offers you Lutefisk ( Lipeäkala), politely decline. have a great time!

[Nostril Cheese]

I like lutefisk. Finns are good people, but very reserved.

[Skytrooper]

I was in Finland 3 years ago. Flew into Helsinki, then the train to Joensuu. It is a beautiful country and the people are quite friendly. I agree very much with the "10 things not to do in Finland" as posted above. I had a great time and definitely will go back again.

[Brando]

Do I need to pretend I'm Canadian, like in the Dominican Republic?

[crustychief]

Going to catch the world championship air guitar contest?

[RANDY P]

Just don't show up like this:

[Brando]

Randy nailed my travel attire.

Actually I'm looking forward to the trip. We'll mostly be in Helsinki but might stop by a few surrounding locales.

Any Pelicans in the area? Sights I must see?

[Highway-Star]

Welcome to Helsinki

On 1st Friday of each month, around 5-20 Porsche's gather on this parking lot, around 8PM'ish:
https://goo.gl/maps/UrDgN

- On Friday (4th September) evening (7pm'ish - 10pm'ish) there are some people driving their old American/European muscle cars around that area.

- don't expect too much. It is what it is, folks just killing time.

On Saturday (5th September) there is some sort of a car exhibition near main railway station

https://www.facebook.com/events/985485621486301/

Free admission.

People in Finland don't generally talk too much to newly met people. It may appear unfriendly, but it just means they are listening.

I am on vacation this week and travelling, so unfortunately can not join for drinks in Helsinki.

> Tipping rule above "Tip Less"

No tips at all. You get a receipt, pay with credit card what is on the receipt. (not 1 cent less, not 1 cent more).

If you want to exchange dollars to euro, you get better rates in destination (rather than change before travel). But a credit card is easiest, I'd probably have one 50 euro note in pocket for emergencies, rest use credit card, 99.9% of places accept it, taxis, trains, bars, small shops, exception is local buses.

Have fun!

[patz]

Have fun, be safe. Do they have a bikini team like the Swedes?

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Try not to get Helsinki Syndrome.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Brando

So my first international work-related trip. Interesting stuff. I'm heading to Helsinki with a coworker to do a dog & pony show. !

Let us know what you discover! Think of it as a chance to learn, show up as a student, and you'll have a great time.
I've been to Denmark many times and I was surprised to read Terri Mapes' list of what not to do in Finland. I thought Scandinavian countries were all very similar, but most of them don't apply to Denmark or Sweden. I do recall being asked by a Dane if I found the Dutch language ugly. I said they sounded the same as Danes to me. OUCH! - musta been the Aquavit.

[vash]

sounds like a sweet trip!! even it if is for work.

my wife doenst want to go. she knows they make and sell great knives over there. personally, i dont think i could handle her eyerolling at any of the factory tours

[Neilk]

I remembered a joke about Finns and shoes and when I googled it, it brought me to this official Finnish website about themselves. I looks like they have a good sense of humor though.

Here is the joke I was looking for: “An introverted Finn looks at his shoes when talking to you; an extroverted Finn looks at your shoes”.

Have a good trip!

[Otter74]

If you've got the time and the means to get there (you can take a train if you don't have a car), the lake district is wonderful. If you're into things like Modernist architecture, there is a lot of Alvar Aalto architecture to be found.