FAQ Help Center
Welcome to the Helsinki Planner FAQ Help Center page!
Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with friends, our focus is to make your Helsinki experience better.
Helsinki, like other cities in Finland, is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Finland consistently ranks high in global safety indexes, and Helsinki is known for its low crime rates and overall security. The city is well-maintained, and public spaces are generally safe.
However, it’s important to exercise standard safety precautions, as you would in any destination.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone.
In the standard time, without daylight saving, Helsinki is in Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2.
During daylight saving time, Helsinki follows Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), UTC+3.
Daylight saving time typically starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.
Yes, many people in Helsinki and Finland, more broadly, are proficient in English.
English is commonly taught in schools, and Finns are generally fluent in the language.
In Helsinki, a popular tourist destination with a diverse population, English is widely spoken in various contexts, including shops, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation.
Tourists should generally be able to communicate in English while in Helsinki.
Finnish and Swedish are the official languages of Finland, but English is often used as a third language. Signs, menus, and tourist information are commonly in English.
The city of Helsinki offers free WLAN service for residents and travelers alike. No passwords or registration are required. Just look for “Helsinki City Open WLAN” among the available networks.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport has a free wireless network. The connection is called “Helsinki Airport Free Wi-Fi” and join the wireless network via the start page that opens in your internet browser. You don’t need separate credentials.
You’ll also find free Wi-Fi in many public places, such as cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
You can expect good 4G/5G coverage in Helsinki.
You should check international roaming fees and data plans with your mobile service provider.
Some travelers purchase local SIM cards to use local data plans. This can be a cost-effective way to stay connected during a visit.
The local currency in Helsinki, and throughout Finland, is the Euro (€). If you’re traveling to Helsinki, it’s advisable to use Euros for most transactions.
There are several places where you can exchange money in Helsinki.
In Helsinki and throughout Finland, credit and debit cards are expected to be used for most transactions. It is common for residents to not carry any cash with them.
Finland is known for being a highly digital, cashless society. Credit cards are widely accepted in various establishments, including shops, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation.
You can confidently rely on your credit or debit card for purchases. However, carrying a small amount of cash for situations where card payments might not be accepted, such as in some markets, is a good idea.
Reaching nearby attractions or islands from Helsinki is typically convenient due to the city’s well-developed transportation infrastructure.
Public buses, trams, and metro services connect various parts of the city and its surroundings. They are a convenient way to reach nearby attractions or suburbs.
Helsinki is surrounded by the sea, and there are regular ferry services to nearby islands. For example, you can ferry to Suomenlinna, an island fortress.
For the taxi, you can use your regular Uber or Bolt app.
Helsinki is generally considered to be a relatively expensive city for tourists.
The cost of living in Finland, including accommodation, dining, and transportation, tends to be higher compared to many other European cities.
However, expenses can vary depending on personal preferences, travel habits, and the time of year.
Many visitors find that spending 3 days in Helsinki provides a well-rounded experience. You can cover key attractions and experience the city’s atmosphere.
Whether you’re interested in iconic landmarks, cultural sites, or parks, Helsinki’s compact nature allows for thorough exploration in a short period.
If you plan to attend festivals or have specific interests, consider extending your stay to enhance your experience and allow for more exploration.