FINLAND
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Various things to consider when traveling to Finland.

Climate and Best Seasons

The best season for tourism is generally considered to be the summer period (June to August), when daylight hours are long and the climate is comfortable.
However, for aurora observation, autumn, winter, and spring, especially autumn and spring, are the best times as aurora activity becomes more active.
・Spring (March to May): A time when temperatures gradually rise and daylight hours increase, offering beautiful scenery from melting snow.
・Summer (June to August): Long daylight hours, with the Arctic Circle experiencing the 'Midnight Sun' where the sun doesn't set all day.
・Autumn (September to November): A time suitable for aurora observation in the Arctic Circle and ideal for trekking.
・Winter (December to February): A season rich in winter activities, with opportunities for aurora observation in the Arctic Circle.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Average temperature and precipitation in Finland (Helsinki)

Source: Weather Base (http://www.weatherbase.com/)

Cash, Cards, and Currency Exchange

・The currency unit of Finland is the Euro.
・You can exchange money in Japan and bring it with you, or exchange it at local airports or banks.
・Finland is highly cashless, and you can use credit cards almost everywhere, so there's little need to carry cash. However, some places do not accept American Express (AMEX) cards, so it's advisable to have Visa or Mastercard.

Tips

・Most hotels and restaurants include service charges in their fees, so tipping is not necessary.
・A €1 tip is required when using cloakrooms and similar services.

Safety

Finland is perceived as a relatively safe country in Europe, but it has a higher crime rate compared to Japan.
During the summer and winter tourist seasons, there are many cases of theft (pickpocketing and bag snatching) in urban areas like Helsinki, so caution is necessary.

Clothing

The country stretches from north to south, and the climate differs between coastal and inland areas, so Finland's temperatures vary greatly depending on the season and region.
Choose appropriate clothing based on the timing of your visit. Start with clothing suited to the most likely weather, and layering is recommended so you can adjust as needed.
Weather changes frequently throughout the day, and it may rain briefly, so having a waterproof windbreaker could be convenient.
Comfortable footwear like sneakers is recommended.

Things to Bring

Multi-plug adapter, regular medication, mobile battery, travel insurance, rain gear

Visa Requirements and Arrangements

For Japanese nationals traveling for purposes such as tourism or business trips without income, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
・However, in accordance with the regulations of the Schengen Agreement, to travel to Finland for a short stay, you must possess a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area and was issued within the last 10 years. ・Additionally, your passport must have at least two blank visa pages available.

Required Vaccinations

・There are no mandatory requirements for travel.