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Digital Nomad Guide to Finland | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Finland

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Finland is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Finland are Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. Digital nomads like living in Finland because of its high quality of life, excellent public transportation, and affordable cost of living. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around 1,500-2,000 euros in Finland. The culture of Finland is one of openness and tolerance. Finns are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Foods popular in Finland include salmon, reindeer, and berries. Popular dishes include Karelian pasties, herring, and mashed potatoes.

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How do I meet people in Finland?

When we asked people living in Finland about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"I recommend the American Women's Club. They have special interest groups as well as monthly meetings. You can find them in the Internet and go from there. The Club includes Americans, Finns and international english speaking women," remarked one member in Helsinki.

"Expats in Finland often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending events hosted by the local expat community. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as these can be great ways to connect with other expats and locals," explained one expat living in Finland.

What is life like in Finland?

When we asked people living in Finland what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Finland is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public services, a safe and secure environment, and a strong economy. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its vast forests, lakes, and islands. The country also offers a wide range of cultural activities, from museums and galleries to music and theatre. Finland is also a great place to work, with a highly educated and tech-savvy population, and a business-friendly environment. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's excellent healthcare system, and its generous social security system," remarked one member in Finland.

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Where should I live in Finland?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

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

"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Finland.

What do I need to know before moving to Finland?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Finland, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Finland should be aware that the country has a cold climate and long, dark winters. It is important to research the cost of living in Finland, as it is generally higher than in other European countries. Expats should also be aware that the Finnish language is widely spoken and it is beneficial to learn some basic phrases before moving to Finland. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Finland and make sure they have the necessary insurance coverage. Finally, expats should be aware that Finland is a very safe country with low crime rates," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Finland.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Finland?

"Expats in Finland appreciate the strong sense of community and the emphasis on equality. They also enjoy the country's commitment to sustainability and the respect for nature. Additionally, they appreciate the high quality of life, the excellent education system, and the safety and security of the country. Furthermore, expats enjoy the relaxed pace of life and the friendly people. Finally, they appreciate the country's commitment to innovation and its embrace of technology," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Finland.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Finland?

"Expats in Finland often find the reserved nature of the locals to be a challenge. Finns tend to be quite private and may not be as open to socializing with strangers as people from other cultures. Additionally, the long, dark winters can be difficult to adjust to, as the lack of sunlight can lead to feelings of depression and isolation. Furthermore, the Finnish language can be difficult to learn, as it is not related to any other language. Finally, the cost of living in Finland is quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy," explained one expat living in Finland.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Finland for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Finland for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a different type of residence permit. For example, if you are coming to Finland to work, you will need to apply for a residence permit for an employed person. If you are coming to Finland to study, you will need to apply for a residence permit for a student. You may also need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality," said one person in Finland.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Finland?

We asked people in Finland if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"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 person in Finland.

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What are healthcare services like in Finland?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Finland, they replied:

"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," said a member in Finland.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Finland?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Finland, with its excellent public services, low crime rate, and beautiful natural environment. They also enjoy the country's strong commitment to gender equality and its progressive social policies. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cold climate and long, dark winters challenging. Additionally, the cost of living in Finland can be quite high, making it difficult to live on a budget," explained one person living in Finland.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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