Practical information

Language

The language of the conference is English.

Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Street signs in Helsinki are in both languages. English is widely spoken and most Finns also master one or two other foreign languages.

Currency

The local currency in Finland is Euro (EUR). All major credit cards are widely accepted in Finland.
For an ATM machine, look for the sign “OTTO”. These 24-hour cashpoint machines are widely available and accept the following international ATM and credit cards: Visa, Visa Electron, EuroCard, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus and EC.
Banks are usually open on weekdays 10am–4:30pm.
In addition to banks, there are several foreign currency exchange points available around the city centre. See for example: 

  • Forex: Stockmann Department Store or Central Railway Station
  • Tavex: Fabianinkatu 12 or Asematunneli.

Weather

In Helsinki, the average high-temperature in August is about 20°C and the average low-temperature is 13°C. 
For the latest weather forecast by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, see website en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi.

Electricity

Voltage: 220–240 Volts. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Finland are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: ”Type C” Europlug and ”Type E/F” Schuko.

Time zone

The time zone in Helsinki is Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

Emergency number

General Emergency number for police, ambulance and fire department is 112.

Pharmacy and medical care

There are a number of pharmacies around the city. Look for the sign “Apteekki”, which means pharmacy in Finnish. Yliopiston Apteekki at Mannerheimintie 96 is open 24/7.

Emergency duty:

  • Haartman Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, +358 (0)9 3106 3231. Open 24h.

Medical care:

  • Terveystalo Kamppi, Jaakonkatu 3, +358 (0)30 6000. Open 24h.
  • Mehiläinen Töölö, Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 17 C, +358 (0)10 414 00.

WiFi

You can connect your laptop or mobile phone to a wireless network in many places throughout the city centre e.g. in several cafes, restaurants and libraries.  

For free WiFi, connect to “Helsinki City Open Wlan”. There are plenty of hotspotsThis link opens in a new browser tab. available in the city centre and at harbours. Also most hotels offer their guests a free internet connection. For the international research and education community, it is also possible to use Eduroam service while in Helsinki.

Tax free

Citizens of non-European countries are eligible for tax-free returnsThis link opens in a new browser tab. upon leaving EU territory. Purchases must be made in shops displaying the Tax Free Shopping sign. The minimun total sum of purchased goods must be €40.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Finland and a service charge is added in hotels and restaurants. Finnish people do tip (max 10%) only if they wish to appreciate good service or delicious food. It is not obligatory to give a tip to the taxi drivers.

Postal services

Post offices are open 9am–6pm (some offices even until 8pm) from Monday to Friday. Yellow mail boxes are available for collections on weekdays.

Stamps can be purchased at post offices, bookstores, newsagents, kiosks and hotels.

Helsinki General Post OfficeThis link opens in a new browser tab. is located at the centre of Helsinki, at Elielinaukio 2 F.

Public transport

Helsinki has the metro, trams, trains and buses. Helsinki metro has a single line. The nearest metro stop to the meeting venue is the University of Helsinki stop. The metro runs from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm from Mondays to Saturdays. On Sundays the metro runs from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm. 

The most convenient way to buy public transport tickets and search for routes is through the Helsinki Public Transport, HSL, mobile application.

Getting to/from the Helsinki Airport

The Helsinki Airport is located approx. 20 km from Helsinki city center. Travel time by local train (trains I & P) is approx. 30 minutes, by bus (bus 600) approx. 40-50 minutes and by car approx. 30 minutes. The airport is located on the public transportation zone C. For public transportation information, please see information above.

Drinking water

Tap water in Finland is of high quality and it is safe to drink it. Tap water is commonly served also in cafes and restaurants. Instead of buying bottled water from grocery stores you can simply just fill your own water bottle with tap water!

Helsinki tourist information

Useful information can be found on the Helsinki Tourism Website 
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/info/tourist-information 

Safety

Finland has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions, including on events, businesses, and entry into Finland.

War in Ukraine does not have impact in Finland. Travelling to and in Finland is safe – everyday life runs normally, and we warmly welcome travellers to Finland.