Finland has some of the most spectacular scenery and natural beauty in the world. Thousands of lakes dot the countryside. Helsinki is famous for its modern architecture, beautiful harbors, and vibrant cultural life. Travelers may choose to dine on world class cuisine in Helsinki, or sample traditional Finnish fare throughout the countryside. Either way you are in for a real treat!
To contact Auto Europe from Finland, dial 9800-1-56218

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Finland for visits of less than 90 days. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they are at least 10 weeks old and have valid vaccination certificates. Pets must be vaccinated at least 30 days but less than one year prior to the date of entry.

Local Time
Finland is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada. Daylight savings time is not observed between March and October when Finns are 8 hours ahead of the Eastern Seaboard.

Languages
Finnish and Swedish are the official languages. Finnish is a difficult language related, in Europe, only to Hungarian and Estonian, but English is widely spoken in cities and major tourist areas. Swedish is the first language for about six percent of Finland's population.

Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. The Continental two-round-pin plug is standard.

Local Tourist Information
Finnish Tourist Board (for all of Finland)
P.O. Box 625
Töölönkatu 11
FIN - 00101 Helsinki, Finland
Phone (+358) 09 4176 911
Helsinki City Tourist Office
Pohjoisesplanadi 19
FIN-00100 Helsinki, Finland
Phone (+358) 09 169 3757
World Wide Web: http:// www.finland-tourism.com
Dial 09 (long-distance access code 0 and Helsinki's city code 9) only if you're calling from Finnish locations outside the city.
Local tourist information offices are called Matkailutoimisto. They are centrally located in Finnish cities and towns and are marked with signs bearing a white 'i' on a green field.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 2 liters of liquor and 2 liters of wine; and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Banks generally offer the most favorable exchange rates. Banks are typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. weekdays. Outside banking hours, traveler’s checks and foreign currency may be exchanged at some railway stations, Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport and at the Katajanokka Terminal on Helsinki's South Harbor.

Tipping
Restaurant checks always include a service charge of 14 percent (15 percent on weekend evenings and holidays), but if service has been good a few coins left on the table is respectful. Taxi drivers, barbers and beauticians don't expect tips, but sauna attendants and hotel porters do expect a few marks.

General Business Hours
Business: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Shopping: 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. weekdays and until 2 p.m. Saturdays. Department stores and shopping malls stay open until 8 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. Saturdays. Post offices: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Restaurants: Lunch is served from 11 a.m. or noon to 1 or 2 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. (or later in Helsinki).

Value Added Tax
22%

United States Embassy in Finland
Itainen Puistotie 14B
FIN- 00140 Helsinki
Phone (+358) 9-616 250
Fax (+358) 09-65-68-46
Dial 09 (long-distance access code 0 and Helsinki's city code 9) only if you're calling from Finnish locations outside the city.