Practical Information

Business hours

Regular office hours are from Monday to Friday 9 am to 5/6 pm. Most shops are open seven days a week. 

Communications

To call Finland from abroad or from an international mobile phone, the international dialing code is +358.
Emergency (police, fire and medical) number: 112 

Credit Cards 

Major credit cards are widely accepted in all shops and restaurants. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are the most widely accepted cards. Please remember to save the emergency phone number for any credit card in case it is lost. Please note that almost all transactions by credit card require PIN verification.

Currency and ATMs 

The currency in Finland is Euro (€). Retailers do not accept other currencies. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, at banks, and at Forex service points.

Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are widely available and can be used to withdraw euros. The most common one is a yellow ATM machine called “Otto”. Many banks impose fees on cash withdrawals, such fees may be higher for international transactions.

Customs

Travelers to Finland are not required to fill in a customs clearance form unless they are bringing an item that needs to be customs cleared. Please visit the web-site of Finnish Customs(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window) for more information.

Electricity

The standard electricity supply in Finland is 220-240 Volts and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F. Although some hotels will provide converters and adapters, you are strongly advised to bring your own. 

Language

Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. English is widely spoken.  

Medical insurance & medical facilities

All participants are strongly advised to have international health insurance coverage for they stay. All participants are responsible for their own medical expenses. 

In all serious emergencies, please dial 112.

24-hour service
Haartman Hospital
Address: Haartmaninkatu 4
Tel. +358 9 3106 3231/emergency duty or +358 9 310 5018/switchboard operator
 
Mehiläinen Töölö (private hospital)
Address: Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 17 C
tel. +358 10 414 0200

Terveystalo Kamppi (private hospital)
Address: Jaakonkatu 3
tel. +358 30 6000

Pharmacies

The nearest pharmacy to Marina Congress Center is Katajanokan apteekki, Katajanokka pharmacy. 

Katajanokan apteekki
Kruunuvuorenkatu 1
00160 Helsinki
Open Mon-Fri 8.30–18, Sat 10–15 

The nearest 24/7 pharmacy is Yliopiston apteekki (Mannerheimintie 96, 00250 Helsinki) 

Public transport

Helsinki has the metro, trams, trains and buses. Helsinki metro has a single line. The nearest metro stop to the meeting venue is the University of Helsinki stop. The metro runs from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm from Mondays to Saturdays. On Sundays the metro runs from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm. 

Helsinki has a tram system that covers most of central Helsinki. Tramlines 4 and 5 go to Katajanokka where our meeting venue Marina Congress Center is located. The nearest tram stop to the meeting venue is Kauppiaankatu. To get to the meeting venue, take the tram to direction Katajanokan laituri. The trams run from Monday to Saturday from 5.30am to 11.30pm. On Sundays the trams run from 7am to 11.30am.

The most convenient way to buy public transport tickets and search for routes is through the Helsinki Public Transport, HSL, mobile application.

Special needs

Any delegate who needs arrangements regarding accessibility should contact the Host Country Secretariat in order to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made. 

Taxis in Helsinki

There are several companies offering taxi services, for example Taksi Helsinki (tel: +358 100 0700, e-mail info@taksihelsinki.fi).  

Taxes & Fees

All taxes are included in the marked prices in department stores, restaurants and hotels. 

Time 

Helsinki standard time is GMT +2 hours.

Tipping

Tipping is not required in restaurants, bars or taxis.

Water

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere Finland. You can drink water from any tap unless clearly indicated otherwise. Please use the reusable water bottle provided to you by the Host Country Secretariat and enjoy Finnish tap water. 

Weather

Finland has a much milder climate than most other regions of the world that lie as far north. Although the average temperature in Helsinki in May is only 12°C and 14°C in June, the daily temperatures may vary significantly in late May and early June. To check out the latest weather forecast for Helsinki closer to the ATCM, please visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute.(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)

Useful links

Public transport information(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
Helsinki-Vantaa airport(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
Helsinki information and city guides: MyHelsinki(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window) and Visit Finland(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)