Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Helsinki, Finland

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Helsinki

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

While in Helsinki, it is important to be respectful towards the local culture and customs. Avoid dressing too casually or wearing less conservative clothing in places such as churches, government buildings, and formal events. Additionally, be mindful of the use of personal space, as Finns tend to maintain a greater amount of personal distance than many other cultures. At the dinner table, avoid disrupting conversations, and speaking too loudly or increasingly. As a sign of respect, it is customary to wait for the host to start drinking any alcoholic beverages during meals, and commenting on the taste of food is also generally seen as offensive. Lastly, be considerate of the environment when exploring Helsinki, and take proper measures to minimize your impact.