Finland

| Daily Life

Transportation Note The primary cause of death and serious injury to travelers under the age of thirty-five is road traffic accidents. While hazards are greatest in developing countries, many developed countries also have death and serious accident rates higher than those in the United States. Even in countries with low accident rates, you may be at risk if you are not familiar with local traffic rules. Be sure you familiarize yourself with traffic rules and road safety issues in your host country and other countries to which you may be traveling.

See Travel Links for more information.

The Finnish State Railways offer an inexpensive Finnrail pass ticket, available at any travel agency or railway station and good for 3, 5 or 10 days of travel within one month. Price reductions of 50 percent off are available to students. Seat reservations are obligatory on all long-distance trains. Private lines form an extensive bus network. Student discounts are available. An express service (pikalinja/express) is available on several routes. Within cities the local bus services are excellent.

The FINNAIR domestic service is one of the most extensive in Europe, with reasonable rates. Most international flights use the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. Youth and student discounts are available on certain domestic routes and on most international routes.

HELPFUL PHRASES

While most Finns do speak some English, it is always helpful to learn a few phrases before you go. Click the links for sound files of the phrases (sound files courtesy of Virtual Finland).

How do you do or Hello	Hyvää päivää (literally: Good day)
How are you?	Mitä kuuluu?
Hi	Hei
Welcome	Tervetuloa
Nice to meet you	Hauska tavata
Good morning	Hyvää huomenta
Good evening	Hyvää iltaa
Good night	Hyvää yötä
Nice weather today	Kaunis ilma tänään
Excuse me or Sorry	Anteeksi
Goodbye	Näkemiin
Sorry, I don't speak Finnish	Anteeksi, en puhu suomea
Do you speak English?	Puhutteko englantia?
What is this?	Mitä tämä on?
How much does this cost?	Paljonko tämä maksaa?
Could I have a cup of coffee please?	Saisinko kupin kahvia?
Excuse me, do you know where the post office is?	Anteeksi, tiedätkö missä on posti?
Excuse me, do you know where the railway station is?	Anteeksi, tiedätkö missä on rautatieasema?
Thank you	Kiitos