Finland

Practical Information

Below are some helpful bits of information for you to plan your holiday with.

Currency
The local currency is the Euro (€).

Exchange rate
£1 = €1.35 (approximate at October 2007).

Time Zone
Finland is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

Calling Home
Remember to add 00 44 and to remove the ‘0’ from the start of the local area code.

Electricity
Finland operates on 220 or 240 volts AC, the same as the UK but plugs and sockets are different which means you’ll need a continental adaptor.

Snowmobiling
Remember to take your driving licence if you are planning to go snowmobiling and ice driving - it’s Finland law to show it.

Lift Passes
Re-usable keycards are the norm in Finland, requiring a deposit/charge, often non-refundable.

Smoking
Recent legislation means it is not permitted to smoke in any indoor places including hotels, bars and restaurants.

Some Useful Tips

• Seeing the ‘Aurora Borealis’, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, is believed to bring good luck. High in the polar skies, solar particles collide with the earth’s atmosphere to create a spectacular light display. No-one can predict when it’ll happen although it’s most likely on clear nights between November and February.


• As long as you wear the right clothing, the cold, dry arctic climate is comfortable. Natural base and mid layers (e.g. thermal, cotton or wool) under waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential, as are waterproof boots, warm socks, mittens/gloves and a hat. All Neilson guests who participate in the Arctic Adventure Taster or any winter activity are provided with thermal suits and boots to go over clothing.


• Daylight hours vary. In the mid-winter months of December and January, days are shorter with around 5hrs of daylight. Sundown never reaches blackout as daylight turns to a unique blue twilight, the ski centres illuminate their downhill slopes & cross country trails, and hotels, restaurants and bars light their fires and candles so guests feel cosy and warm. By April, days are as long as 16hrs.
  


• Sauna areas tend to have separate male and female areas. This makes it easier to cope with most people being naked!


• There are more reindeers in Lapland than inhabitants! (not really a tip, but interesting anyway!)