Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our [Entry Requirements tool](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-and-visa-requirements/). Alternatively, check the Finnish embassy website in your country of departure.

Finland experiences a cold temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Weather conditions vary significantly between the south and north, and also between the coastal and inland regions. Summers (June to August) are generally warm and pleasant, with temperatures tending to float around 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F) in the south and slightly cooler in the north. Finland is sometimes referred to as the ‘land of the midnight sun’, so expect extremely long days at this time. Winters (December to February) are extremely cold with plenty of snowfall — temperatures tend to float around the \-15 to \-30°C (5 to \-22°F) mark in Lapland. Be prepared to wrap up warm and for very little daylight in the south and none in the north of the country. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) tend to fall somewhere in between.

The best time to visit Finland really depends on what you’re wanting to experience. For the best weather, hiking opportunities, and festivals, then summer (June to August) is the best time to go. This is also the time when the sun never really sets, so you’ve got plenty of daylight hours to enjoy yourself\! Winters (December to February) offer the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), as well as skiing, husky sledding, and snowboarding opportunities. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer less crowds and fantastic photo opportunities.

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers. Tipping is an expected — though not compulsory — component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per person, per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is very much appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Internet access in Finland is excellent — among the best in the world in fact — and almost all hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi.

Yes, there are ATMs in Finland, and they’re widely available in banks, shopping centres, and malls. Pretty much all ATMs here accept international credit and debit cards (such as Visa, Maestro, and MasterCard), though it's a good idea to check with your bank beforehand just in case. Please note that you may be charged a transaction fee for withdrawals too. Finland also tends to favour card to cash payments.

Yes, Finland is very LGBTQ+-friendly — in fact, it’s one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries on the planet, and you’ll find everyone to be pretty warm and welcoming here. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).

The official language of Finland is Finnish, and other languages spoken here include Swedish and English. Other languages include Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi, and Skolt Sámi.

Yes, you can absolutely drink tap water in Finland — in fact, it's some of the cleanest and safest tap water in the world. Make sure you bring a reusable water bottle, as you can easily fill it up wherever you are in the country.

Yes, Finland is one of the safest countries in the world — both for residents and travellers. Crime tends to be very rare here — the only thing you really need to worry about is wild animals when you’re hiking. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides leading your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [Travel Safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).