Climate and clothing

Owing to the vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, Finland`s climate is temperate. The average daytime temperature in June is usually between +6°and 20° C (+43 and +68 F). However, the weather may vary from sunny to cold and rainy, so warm clothing would be an appropriate outfit. Dress for all events will be informal.

Weather in Oulu

Electrical appliances

The electric current in Finland is 220V (230V), 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin continental sizes.

Finnish language - Suomi

Although most Finnish people speak good English, the basics of Finnish may be useful.

Money and banking

The currency units in Finland are Euro and cent. You can exchange foreign currency and traveller's cheques in all banks in the city centre. Banks are open from 10.00 to 16.30 on weekdays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are numerous automatic cash dispensers, Otto, in the city centre, open around the clock. One is also located right next to the symposium lecture halls.

Credit cards such as American Express, Eurocard, Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, department stores and even in most taxis.

Sauna

All over the world the sauna is known to be one of the best forms of relaxation. Nowadays saunas are found in almost every country, but they are never quite the same as in Finland, where there are about 1,6 million saunas - approximately one for every three habitants.

The sauna is part of the Finnish way of life, in fact, the word itself is Finnish. Saunas are found everywhere; in private homes, as well as in hotels, holiday villages and camping sites. Finns think of saunas not so much as a luxury, but as a necessity, and after trying a few saunas for instance in your hotel you will probably agree.

An introduction to the Finnish sauna

Shopping

Shopping hours are usually from 9.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 15.00 on Saturdays. Some larger department stores remain open until 21.00 on weekdays and until 18.00 on Saturdays.

Telephone

Important Phone Numbers:

General emergency number: 112

Taxi: +358-(0)600-30081

Finnair - Reservations 24 h:

+358-(0)9-818 800
0203 140 160 (local call within Finland)

SAS: +358-(0)20-386 000

International calls

The list of codes and charges can be found on the first pages of telephone directory.

To call directly from Finland, dial: 990, 994, 999 or 00
+ country code
+ area code (drop the prefix 0)
+ phone number

To call to Finland, dial: International code
+ 358 (country code)
+ area code (drop the prefix 0)
+ phone number

Time difference

Time in Finland GMT+3 during daylight savings time (summer time).

Tipping

Tips are customary only for hotel and restaurant doormen and porters. A service charge is automatically included in most hotel and restaurant bills. Taxi-drivers do not expect tips.