DON'T DO These 13 Things in Finland

Summary

This script offers essential advice for visitors to Finland, highlighting the importance of respecting personal space, punctuality, and local customs. It touches on the Finnish-Swedish history, the significance of visiting beyond Helsinki, and the stereotype of Finns being reserved. It advises against asking about personal finances and wearing hats while eating, emphasizes the cleanliness of Finnish streets, and clarifies the non-essential nature of tipping. The video aims to demystify Finnish culture and encourages learning the language for deeper understanding.

Takeaways

• 😀 Respect personal space: Avoid getting too close to Finns early on in a relationship, and gradually increase physical contact as you get to know each other better.
• 🕒 Punctuality is paramount: Being late is seen as rude and disrespectful in Finland, so always be on time for meetings and appointments.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Be cautious with Swedish comparisons: While Finland and Sweden share history, some topics like ice hockey can be sensitive, so avoid overly praising Sweden in front of Finns.
• 🌍 Explore beyond Helsinki: Although Helsinki is a great city, don't miss out on the unique experiences and authentic Finnish culture found in other cities like Tampere and Vaasa.
• 😶 Understand Finnish reserve: Finns may appear unsocial or unexpressive, but they often open up more once they know you better, so be patient and invest time in building relationships.
• 💰 Avoid discussing money: Finns are generally uncomfortable talking about their salary or financial matters, so refrain from asking about their income.
• 👞 Shoe etiquette: Take off your shoes when entering a Finnish home, but wearing shoes in restaurants and workplaces is usually acceptable.
• 🍽️ Dining manners: Do not wear a hat while eating, as it's considered disrespectful in Finland, and use common sense to follow general table manners.
• 🚯 Keep the streets clean: Do not litter on the streets, as cleanliness is highly valued in Finland and trash is quickly cleaned up after events.
• 🤫 Listen before speaking: In Finland, interrupting others while they are speaking is frowned upon, so wait for your turn to speak in conversations.
• 💸 No need to tip: Tipping is not expected in Finland as service fees are included in the prices, but feel free to tip for exceptional service.

Q & A

What is the first cultural tip provided in the script for someone visiting Finland?

The first cultural tip is to respect Finnish personal space and not get too close too early when meeting new people. Shaking hands is fine, but cheek kisses might be uncomfortable until you know the person better.

What is the general attitude towards punctuality in Finland according to the script?

Punctuality is highly valued in Finland. Being late is considered rude and disrespectful, as it implies that you do not value the other person's time.

Why might discussing Swedish girls or ice hockey teams be sensitive in Finland?

The script mentions that Finland shares a history with Sweden, and there is a friendly rivalry, especially in sports like ice hockey. Over-praising Sweden in these areas might cause negative reactions among Finns.

What is the script's advice on visiting only Helsinki when in Finland?

The script suggests that while Helsinki is a great city, it's a significant loss to only visit Helsinki when in Finland. It encourages travelers to explore other cities like Tampere and Vaasa for more authentic experiences.

How are Finns typically characterized in terms of expressing emotions according to the video script?

Finn's are often stereotyped as grumpy, unsocial, and non-expressive. However, the script clarifies that they tend to open up more once they get to know someone better.

What is the script's stance on discussing money with Finns?

The script advises against asking Finns about their salary or financial habits, as it's considered a sensitive and uncomfortable topic for them.

What is the customary practice when entering a Finnish home?

The customary practice is to take off your shoes at the entrance of a Finnish home to keep the living space clean.

Why is wearing a hat while eating considered disrespectful in Finland?

Wearing a hat while eating is seen as disrespectful towards the food and other people at the table, as it's a rule that even dates back to the army practices in Finland.

What is the script's comment on the cleanliness of Finnish streets?

The script notes that Finnish streets are clean because people do not litter. It emphasizes the importance of not leaving trash in the streets to maintain this cleanliness.

How should one behave in public places in Finland according to the script?

The script advises to keep noise levels down in public places like shopping malls, public transportation, and libraries to avoid disturbing others.

What is the script's advice on tipping in Finland?

In Finland, tipping is not necessary as service fees are usually included in the prices. However, tipping for exceptionally good service is a personal choice.

What does the script suggest for those worried about offending Finns?

The script reassures that using common sense will likely prevent offense and that Finns are generally understanding of foreigners learning their customs.

What is the key to understanding Finnish people according to the script?

The script suggests that speaking the Finnish language is key to understanding Finnish people better and offers a free quick start guide for those interested.