Navigating Finnish Etiquette: A Tourist’s Guide to Local Customs

Are you planning to visit Finland? Look no further than our guide to Finnish customs and manners.

Etiquette and customs in Finland combine European characteristics with unique national traditions and mindset.

In this article, we share some unspoken rules of Finnish etiquette. So, let’s explore these cultural peculiarities!

1. Time

Finns value punctuality, whether for a business meeting or a social gathering. 

While being 15 minutes late to a dinner party is acceptable, arriving early is not.

2. Language

You can start your conversation in English; no need to apologize for your lack of knowing Finnish.

English is widely spoken, especially in Helsinki.

In Finland, the predominant mother tongues are Finnish and Swedish, the latter spoken by about 5.6% of the population, with around 8,000 native Saami speakers. 

3. Efficiency

In service interactions, shortness is appreciated over small talk. 

Just saying “Big Mac and fries” is considered okay. “Hi, how are you? I would like a Big Mac and fries, please” might sound strange for natives.

4. “How are you?” in Finland

While in places like the US, “How are you?” is a casual greeting, people might consider it a genuine question in Finland. 

They often take a moment to think about their response, especially if the person is unfamiliar with its use as a greeting.

5. Tipping Culture

In Finland, tipping is not a common practice. Service charges are included in your bill. 

While tips are not expected, they are accepted in cases of exceptional service.

6. Smiling

Unlike many cultures, Finns typically do not smile at strangers. 

Finnish expressions are often serious and reserved.

7. Door Holding

Unlike in countries like France, there’s no strong norm in Finland to hold the door open for the person behind you.

While it’s a kind gesture, it’s not expected.

8. The Finnish View on Nudity

In Finland, nudity, especially in the context of a sauna and summer cottage, is not viewed through a sexual lens. 

For Finns, being naked in the sauna or dipping naked in the lake in the summer cottage is a completely non-sexual, natural part of the experience.

9. Personal Space and Social Norms

Finnish culture values personal space and privacy. In public transport, for instance, it’s customary to sit away from others if space allows.

Conversations with strangers are not as common, and physical contact, such as hugging or cheek kissing, is generally reserved for close friends and family.

10. Home and Hospitality

Remember to take off your shoes when visiting a Finnish home, especially in informal settings.

Guests might bring extra shoes for bigger home celebrations such as graduation parties and switch from outdoor shoes to nicer indoor shoes when entering.

If invited to dinner, bringing a bottle of wine is considered polite. Coffee-related presents are always a safe and appreciated choice. Flowers are a nice touch but optional.

Note that in Finland, both partners typically share housework, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry, and taking care of kids.

Go easy on perfumes and colognes in Finland. A subtle scent is always preferred over a strong one.

Finnish hosts value advance notice for visits, so avoid dropping by unannounced.

11. Handshake Etiquette

A handshake is the standard way to greet women and men in most social situations. 

A Finnish handshake is brief and firm. No need to make any supporting gestures, such as touching the shoulder or upper arm.

Unlike many other cultures, where kissing on the cheek might be a common greeting, this gesture is reserved for close friends. 

In public spaces, such as when entering a locker room of a public sauna, the greeting etiquette is relaxed. There’s no need to verbally greet anyone; however, a simple “Hello” is always appreciated if you choose to do so.

When you visit a Finnish friend’s home for dinner, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with just a wave and a casual “Hello” at the door, followed by your host returning to their preparations. As for greeting others already there, a quick nod and hello to everyone is perfectly acceptable.

12. Names and Titles

In Finland, introductions usually involve stating one’s first name followed by the surname, like “Matti Virtanen.”

Official titles are rare, except in business settings. Foreigners can comfortably use titles like Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

When meeting regularly, switching to first names is appropriate.

Using names in greetings, which is customary in the US, is uncommon in Finland but won’t cause offense.

13. Summer Season

The Finnish summer holiday season begins around midsummer and lasts until the end of July. Many locals head to countryside vacation homes, while others enjoy outdoor activities, including parks and beaches. 

Business communications slow down during this period, with many out-of-office email responses until August.

14. Communication Style

Direct and honest communication is the norm in Finland. Displeasure is expressed through tone rather than volume.

Finns do not use titles like madame, monsieur, or sir when greeting.

Silence isn’t necessarily awkward in Finland. Don’t feel compelled to fill every quiet moment with conversation.

Foreigners often notice Finns unusually quiet on public transportation, such as the metro, bus, or tram.

A tourist holding a map will have no difficulty seeking advice on a street corner, as the Finns’ hospitality effortlessly outshines their natural reserve.

Making polemical comments to spice dinner conversations might be frowned upon in Finland. Finns generally prefer more harmonious and less confrontational discussions.

15. Neighborly Greetings

In contrast to many other cultures, Finnish neighbors might not greet each other, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate poor relations.

16. Financial Etiquette in Finland

In Finland, it’s customary to avoid discussing personal finances. 

Asking about someone’s salary or wealth is generally considered intrusive and is best avoided.

It’s interesting to note that annual tax income information is publicly available.

17. Shopping and Public Etiquette

In grocery stores, you’re expected to weigh and label fruits and vegetables, a practice different from many other European countries and the US.

Self-checkout counters are common; hold on to your receipt, as you sometimes need it for exit by scanning the bar code.

Cash is very rarely used as most people prefer to pay by card.

18. No Bargaining

Haggling over prices is not a common practice in Finland. Prices are usually considered final. Prices include all the taxes and service charges.

19. Respect for Rules and Nature

Finns are known for their respect for rules and regulations. This includes waiting for traffic signals, queuing up properly, and respecting public space regulations.

The Finnish love for nature is profound, and visitors are expected to share this respect by disposing of litter responsibly and enjoying natural spaces without disturbing them.

20. Recycling in Finland: A Way of Life

Recycling and sustainability is a deeply ingrained practice in Finnish households.

• Waste is sorted into categories like regular trash, biodegradable waste, paper, cardboard, cans, glass bottles, and plastics.
• Additionally, textiles, broken electrical devices, chemicals, hazardous waste, and medications are sorted separately.

If you’re staying at an Airbnb or private rental, your host will likely leave instructions for sorting your waste.

Sustainability is well-aligned with the boom in second-hand shopping as about 60% of Finns purchased used items in the past year. And you can see it in the huge amount of new second-hand shops in Helsinki.

21. The Dish Drying Cabinet

A dish-drying cabinet above the sink is a standard feature in Finnish kitchens. 

Clean dishes are placed in this cabinet with wire shelves, allowing water to drip directly into the sink. 

The low lime content in Finnish tap water makes dishes dry without streaks.

22. Religion and Secularism

Finland is a secular country, and religion does not play any role in the daily life of most Finns. Discussions about religion are uncommon.

23. Gender Equality in Finland

Finland is known for its high degree of gender equality, which is evident in the significant number of women in advanced roles in politics and various sectors.

Chauvinistic attitudes are broadly deemed unacceptable, though they occasionally surface. 

Finnish women value traditional courtesy but judge men more on their stance towards equality. 

Financial independence is common among Finnish women, who often offer to split bills in restaurants. Men may decline this gesture, but accepting it is equally respectful. 

Notably, the Finnish language uses the gender-neutral pronoun “hän” for both genders, unlike the English “he/she.”

24. Don’t Wear a Hat When Eating

In Finland, it’s considered impolite to wear a hat while eating.

Although Finnish dining rules are generally straightforward and guided by common sense, removing your hat during a meal is essential to good table manners.

25. Nightlife Etiquette

When offering a drink in Finnish nightlife, do so without expectations; accepting a drink doesn’t mean obligation. 

Casual chats in social settings like dance bars are usually just friendly, so avoid assuming romantic interest prematurely.

Finnish women are known for their independence and self-reliance, and it is not uncommon for both parties to pay for their own drinks on dates.

Final Thoughts

If you are visiting Finland, do not worry about making mistakes or doing something wrong. Finns know you are new to their country and culture, and they understand that it may take time to get things right.

Happy travels!