Joitakin suomalaisia tapoja

"Behave in every country according to their customs."
(Finnish saying)

People who have already lived in Finland for a while have observed certain Finnish customs. We have collected some of those observations here. You may be able to think of some more and if you want to, please feel free to send them to us and we would be pleased to include your experiences on our list. Send a message to the Info Bank Editorial Team.

• Punctuality is very important to the Finns. Never be late for meetings, as this is considered very impolite in Finland. Be on time!
• Do not raise your voice when you talk to Finns, especially not in public! Speaking in a loud voice is considered rude, as Finns themselves are quiet.
• Remember to look Finns in the eye. Looking down or to the side is a sign of dishonesty in Finland. 
• If you want to visit a Finnish friend, always let them know in advance. Privacy is very important to the Finns.
• When you visit a Finnish home, always take off your shoes or bring a pair of shoes you can wear indoors with you.
• Always remember to say ‘Thank you’ after a meal if you have been invited for a dinner.
• It is usual for all Finns to pay for their own meal in a restaurant. You can still politely suggest that you would be happy to pay for your companion’s meal.
• Finnish people drink coffee all the time and everywhere, for instance meetings always begin with a cup of coffee.
• Do not be surprised if no one comes to sit next to you on the bus. Remember privacy!
• Dishonesty is the worst sin of all to the Finns.
• Going to a sauna in Finland, even without clothes, has nothing to do with sex – a sauna is a sacred place for the Finns.
• Remember to respect the nature. Nature is very close to a Finn’s heart.
• Finnish society is very organised. Also, remember to queue!
• Silence at night is required in tower blocks normally after 10pm. The communal hallways usually have information on the times of silence. Do not disturb!

The Helsingin Sanomat website has some views on the habits of the Finns, although some of them may seem odd. The link is in English.

Guide to Finnish customs is available in the following languages:

English
Spanish
German
Russian

Information on Finnish public holidays and their history is available in the following languages:

English
Finnish
Swedish