Finland business travel information

Doing business in Finland

Since joining the European Union in 1995, Finland which has a population of 5,3 million, once viewed as a remote northern outpost, has become a strong competitor for international business.

Finland is an EU member state and shares its longest border with Russia. Finland has a unique position as the center of a rapidly evolving market formed by northwestern Russia, Scandinavia, and the Baltic republics, with over 80 million prospective consumers. Finland was also the first Nordic EU chairman country in 1999 and was the only Nordic country to replace its national currency Finnmark with Euro in the beginning of 2002.

Almost everyone has of course heard about the mobile revolution in Finland. The latest studies show that Finland’s mobile communications standard-bearer, Nokia, is one of the world’s most valuable, and prominent brands. However, Finnish high-tech is much more than just mobile phones and telecommunications technology, high-tech has also been an important factor in driving the impressive growth in Finland’s GDP typical of recent years.

According to the Global Competitiveness Report, Finland is the most competitive economy in the world. Besides holding a leading position in Information Technology, Finland has a strong paper and shipbuilding industry. Every fourth cruise line ship in the world is made in Finland.

Product tip: There are also nice looking laptop bags on the market! A laptop bag doesn’t have to be a dull conservative black bag. There are lot’s of great looking bags on the market these days. Special laptop bags with the protection that is needed for your laptop but also with nice designs in models and materials.

In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Finland you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

An emergency hospital is the Helsinki University Central Hospital, Meilahti Hospital (for both medical and surgical care), at Haartmaninkatu 4 (tel. 09/4711).

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Finland it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Finland. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Finland to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names and academic titles.
  Finns are direct, do not confuse this with rudeness.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  I you get an invitation to a sauna; accept it.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Little time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed.
  Make your presentation complete, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  You can eat only scrimps and bread with your hands.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Some phrases in Finnish

The language in Finland is Finnish, Finland is one of three independent countries where an Uralic language is spoken by the majority, the other two being Estonia and Hungary. Most people in Finland also speak excellent English.

Although most people speak some English, some Finnish phrases can always come in hand....

Good morning!	Hyvää huomenta!
Good evening!	Hyvää iltaa!
Welcome! (to greet someone)	Tervetuloa!
How are you?	Mites menee?
I’m fine, thanks!	Kiitos hyvin!
Good/ So-So.	Hyvä
Thank you (very much)!	Kiitos paljon!
You’re welcome!(for "thank you")	Ole hyvä
Good night!	Hyvää yötä!
Good bye!	Näkemiin!
Can you help me?	Voitko auttaa minua?
I’m looking for John.	Etsin John:ia
One moment please!	Hetki pieni
Write It Down Please!	Kirjoita se ylös, kiitos?
Yes/ No	Kyllä / ei
I Don’t Understand!	En ymmärrä!
My name is ...	Minun nimeni on
I’m Sorry!	Anteeksi?