40 Things to Know Before Moving to Finland

Thinking of swapping your Starbucks for a steaming cup of kahvi (coffee in Finnish) and your morning commute for a snowy stroll through the forest? Welcome to Finland, land of lakes, saunas, and some of the most refreshingly honest people you will ever meet.

Before you start your new chapter in Finland, here are 40 things that will make you smile, surprise you, and probably save you from a few “why is nobody talking on the bus?” moments.

🌲 Culture & Daily Life

1. Silence is a love language Do not panic if your neighbor does not say hi. In Finland, silence is not awkward, it is golden. Small talk is optional, and quiet is respected.

2. Coffee is not just a drink, it’s ritualFinns drink more coffee per capita than anyone else. Expect multiple daily kahvitauko (coffee breaks), often with pulla and good company.

3. Recycling is a puzzle (at first) Plastic, bio, metal, glass, paper… yes, there is a bin for everything. You will be a sorting pro in no time.

4. Nature is never far Forests and lakes are not weekend getaways, they are part of everyday life. Hiking, berry picking, and ice swimming are all fair game.

5. Saunas are everywhere Homes, offices, gyms, ferries, saunas are a social and spiritual ritual. You will be invited. Towel is optional, but respect is mandatory.

6. Public spaces are quietPublic spaces in Finland have a special vibe: calm, soft, almost peaceful. You can chat, but maybe save the dramatic phone calls for later 🙂

7. Work-life balance is real Overtime is rare, vacations are long, and rest is respected. Yes, really.

8. Privacy is sacred Do not expect your neighbor to knock with cookies. But if you need help, they will be there.

9. Punctuality is expected Being on time is a sign of respect. Five minutes early is ideal.

10. Rules are rules From traffic lights to queuing, order matters. It is part of what makes Finland feel safe and smooth.

11. Honesty is the norm Lost your wallet? It will likely be returned. Trust is built into the culture.

12. Cash is so last season Cards and mobile payments are the norm. Even flea markets accept contactless.

13. Bureaucracy is surprisingly smooth Most things, from taxes to healthcare, can be handled online with your digital ID.

14. Your personal identity code is everything You will need it for banking, healthcare, employment, and most official tasks.

15. Shoes off, please Shoes stay at the entrance. Homes, some schools, sometimes even offices. Indoor spaces are for clean floors and warm socks.

16. Pets Are Family Dog parks, pet-friendly cafes, and high standards of care, your furry friend will love it here.

❄️ Weather & Seasons

17. Winter is long, dark, and totally doable Invest in proper boots, a warm coat, and a daylight lamp. Embrace the cozy vibes and snowy adventures.

18. Summer feels unending

 Midnight sun, lake swims, music festivals, and endless daylight. You will wonder why anyone ever leaves.

19. Spring is subtle Blink and you will miss it. But when the snow melts, the mood lifts instantly.

20. Autumn is stunning Golden leaves falling from trees, every shot is Instagrammable. 

21. You will talk about weather a lot Because it changes everything, from mood to mobility.

🍞 Food & Drink

22. Rye bread will win you over It might taste like cardboard at first, but give it time. Add butter and cheese, and you are golden.

23. Tap water is liquid gold Straight from the tap, ice-cold and pure. No bottled water needed.

24. Alcohol is regulated Want wine? Head to Alko, the state-run liquor store, but before 9 PM. Public drinking rules are strict, so read up.

25. Lunch is early and hearty Do not be surprised if lunch starts at 11:00. That is normal. The bonus? Restaurants across Finland have great lunch menus every day.

26. Grocery stores close early Especially on Sundays. Plan ahead or go hungry.

27. Vegan and gluten-free options are common Finland is surprisingly inclusive when it comes to dietary needs.

🏡 Housing & Living

28. Apartments often have shared saunas and laundry Book your slot, follow the rules, and bring your own detergent.

29. Digital services are excellent Most paperwork is handled online with secure digital IDs.

30. Rent includes heating And it works well. You will be warm even when it is -25°C outside.

31. Balconies are often glazed Great for drying laundry or sipping coffee in the snow.

🚍 Getting Around

32. Public transport is reliable Trains, trams, and buses run on time, even in snowstorms.

33. Cycling is popular year-round Yes, even in winter. Just add studded tires.

34. Driving requires winter tires And nerves of steel if you are not used to icy roads.

35. Parking rules are strict Do not risk it, fines are real and enforcement is swift.

🧠 Language & Learning

36. English works, Finnish wins hearts You can get by in English, but learning Finnish or Swedish opens doors and earns smiles. Even a few words go a long way. Start with “kiitos” (thank you) and “moi” (hi). 

37. Libraries are amazing Free, modern, and full of resources, including language learning tools. Education is free and highly valued.

38. Swedish is also an official language 

Especially relevant in coastal areas and Åland. 

39. Education is free and fantastic 

From daycare all the way to university, learning is treated like a national treasure. Finland takes education seriously, in the best possible way.

40. -  Coffee + conversation = class

Finns love coffee breaks, and they’re perfect moments to practice a new phrase.

Anything More?

So there you have it, 40 things you will want to know before you trade Target runs for Alko trips and “Have a nice day!” for a respectful nod of silence. Finland may challenge you with dark winters and quiet neighbors, but it will reward you with clean air, honest people, unbelievable tap water, and saunas that cure almost everything.

Move here with patience, curiosity, and a good pair of winter boots, and Finland will treat you just fine. And if all else fails? Just grab a cup of kahvi and pretend you are Finnish. Works every time.

And if you are looking for help, that is why we are here. Click here for individuals moving to Finland and click here for companies relocating employees to Finland.