Moving to Finland

"Finland is a great place to live, but there are a few things expats should know before moving there. Firstly, the climate in Finland can be quite cold and dark in the winter months, so it is important to be prepared for this. Secondly, the Finnish language is the official language of Finland, so it is beneficial to learn some basic Finnish before moving there. Thirdly, Finland has a high cost of living, so it is important to budget accordingly. Fourthly, Finland has a strong social welfare system, so expats should take advantage of the benefits available to them. Finally, Finland is a safe and welcoming country, so expats should feel comfortable living there," remarked one expat who made the move to Finland.

"I'm a student with limited possessions so I used voovit for the move- not bad but they did insist on me giving a Finnish landline number which we just don't have. Otherwise, it's basically the postal service. We live on the East side but it doesn't feel too rough so far despite its apparent bad reputation. There are a lot of other immigrants in this area, moslems are very visible. So I imagine there are facilities available here for moslems. I recommend living near a metro line as it's very easy to travel to the city but there are buses and trams in other parts of the city," explained one expat living in Helsinki, Finland.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Finland is to use online rental platforms such as Vuokraovi.com or Tori.fi. You can also search for rental properties on the websites of local newspapers, such as Helsingin Sanomat or Aamulehti. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties. Finally, you can also look for rental properties on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram," explained one expat living in Finland.

"I moved in with my partner so that was fairly simple. He's lived here most of his life," said one expat in Helsinki.

"Expat homes and apartments in Finland tend to be modern and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and a neutral colour palette. Many apartments come with a balcony or terrace, and some even have access to a sauna. Expats can expect to find all the necessary amenities, such as a washing machine, dishwasher, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Most apartments also come with a parking space, and some even have access to a gym or swimming pool. Expats can also expect to find plenty of storage space, as well as a good selection of furniture and appliances," explained one expat living in Finland.

"Tower block in the suburbs but not nearly as grim as I imagined. It's clean, modern and there's even a washer and sauna room. Might be because it's subsidised young people's housing. All the other ex pats I know have had to take jobs as nannies/au pairs so they live with their employers," said one expat in Helsinki.

"The average cost of housing in Finland is generally quite high, with prices varying depending on the location and type of property. Generally, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre can range from around €800 to €1,500 per month, while the cost of buying a property can range from €2,000 to €4,000 per square metre," said one expat in Finland.

"Lower rent but as I said it's subsidised. When we leave here it will be much the same as in the UK. They have a genius system that recycles hot water from power stations which helps stop the energy bills getting ridiculous," said one expat who made the move to Helsinki.

"Buying a home in Finland is a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and real estate market. However, it is important to consider your individual needs and financial situation before making a decision. Renting a home in Finland can be a great option if you are looking for a more flexible living situation or if you are not ready to commit to a long-term purchase. Additionally, renting can be a great way to get to know the area before deciding to buy. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Finland should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," said one expat in Finland.

"When moving to Finland, it is important to pack warm clothing, as the climate is cold and the temperatures can drop below freezing. It is also important to bring a good pair of waterproof boots, as the weather can be wet and snowy. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a few items of traditional Finnish clothing, such as a woolen hat and a pair of mittens. It is also important to bring a good supply of sunscreen, as the sun can be strong during the summer months. Finally, it is a good idea to bring a few items of entertainment, such as books, music, and movies, to help pass the time during the long winter months," explained one expat living in Finland.

"I wish I had brought ponds cold cream. Not missing much else! And more 3 pin to 2 pin plug converters- I forgot that all my electrical goods will need them here. I don't have any medical or dental records- maybe I should have requested copies of those. I wish I had left at home a lot of printed out info- it took up weight allowance moving and it's all available on the internet. Otherwise I travelled very light," said one expat in Helsinki.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Finland. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as Finns tend to dress more formally than many other countries. It is also important to be aware of the Finnish custom of personal space, and to respect the personal space of others. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Finnish custom of not discussing personal matters in public, and to respect this custom. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Finnish custom of not discussing religion or politics in public, and to respect this custom," said one expat in Finland.

"Finland is an attractive destination for expats due to its high quality of life, excellent education system, and vibrant culture. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, thousands of lakes, and the Northern Lights. Expats are also drawn to Finland for its strong economy, low crime rate, and generous social welfare system. Additionally, Finland is a safe and welcoming country with a diverse population and a high standard of living. With its modern infrastructure, efficient public transportation, and excellent healthcare system, Finland is an ideal place for expats to call home," wrote one expat living in Finland.

"Finland offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, mental health services, and public health services. The public healthcare system in Finland is of high quality and is funded by taxes. All Finnish citizens and permanent residents are entitled to use the public healthcare system, and foreign residents are also eligible to use the system, provided they have a valid residence permit. Expats in Finland can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local health center and obtaining a Kela card, which is a personal health insurance card. The Kela card allows expats to access public healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications," commented one expat living in Finland.

"In Finland, medical services are of a high standard and are easily accessible. The country has a comprehensive public health care system, which is free of charge for all citizens. The system is funded by taxes and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Finland also has a number of private health care providers, which offer more specialized services. In addition, Finland has a well-developed network of pharmacies, which provide prescription and over-the-counter medications," offered one expat living in Finland.