Don’t assume a Finn can speak Swedish, even though Finland is a bilingual country. Some Finns dislike "pakkoruotsi" (mandatory Swedish studies). On the other hand, if you travel to a predominantly Swedish-speaking area, not everyone may speak Finnish very well.
--Susanna
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Don’t try to impress with titles. Many workplaces are flat in structure. Of course, there are bosses and employees, but hierarchy is often downplayed in everyday interactions.
--Susanna
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Don’t try to buy a ticket in public transport with cash—it’s not possible.
--Susanna
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Don’t be surprised if a restaurant employee doesn’t speak Finnish. Nowadays, it’s quite common in the Helsinki metropolitan area for staff to speak only English, not Finnish or Swedish. So a restaurant might not be the best place to practice your Finnish skills.
--Anniina
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Finland is, in general, an equal country. Don’t make a big deal out of gender.
--Anniina
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It's best to not ask a Finn how they’re doing if you don’t actually want to know.
--Susanna
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Don’t stress about tipping in restaurants. Finland doesn’t have a strong tipping culture, and leaving a tip is completely voluntary. Employees’ salaries are designed assuming they won’t receive significant tips. Of course, tipping is still a nice way to show appreciation for excellent service!
--Anniina
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Don’t accidentally walk in a bike lane in Helsinki! Cyclists can go very fast, and they can get annoyed if you’re in their way.
--Seliina
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Drink tap water with confidence. Finland’s tap water is among the cleanest in the world. Finns rarely drink bottled water.
--Susanna
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At casual get-togethers, people often play board games, such as Alias or Afrikan Tähti. Delight your fellow guests by bringing along your favorite game! At a summer cottage, people often play darts and Mölkky (a Finnish throwing game).
--Susanna
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When you visit a Finnish home, you will most likely be offered coffee. Drinking coffee and chatting is a traditional way for Finns to spend time with their guests. However, if you don’t like coffee, you can ask whether there is any tea.
--Susanna
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Vappu, celebrated on May 1st in Finland, is different from similar holidays in other countries. On Vappu Eve (April 30th) or Vappu Day, go for a picnic in the park to celebrate this popular spring, workers’, and student festival. Be sure to bring sima (a traditional drink) and doughnuts!
--Seliina
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Try Fazer chocolate – it’s popular in Finland!
--Susanna
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Recycling is important in Finland, and waste is sorted carefully. Remember to flatten cardboard cartons so they don’t take up unnecessary space in the trash. Take bottles with a deposit to the store’s recycling machine, and you’ll get money back!
--Anniina
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If you want to buy Finnish coffee, Paulig brand coffees are the most popular among Finns.
--Susanna
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Expect the following when attending a Finnish wedding: Finnish weddings can be surprisingly relaxed, they often include games, and the after-party can get quite wild. There are, however, exceptions—if you’re unsure what kind of wedding you’re attending, don’t hesitate to ask!
--Susanna
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Gift these if you’re attending a Finnish graduation party: the most common gift is money (€20–100). Another popular option is practical items such as frying pans and dishes. Popular brands include Iittala, Fiskars and Marimekko.
--Susanna
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Eat tortillas or warm sandwiches on the weekend like a traditional Finn!
--Susanna
