There is no other better way to satisfy curiosity than an actual visit and firsthand experience of Finland. For a fact, many ex-pats have lauded its actual experience. Most people have moved to Finland and specifically live in Helsinki just to get to touch, smell, and encounter all that life has to offer there. Loaded with scenic beauty, and it being a generous welfare state, it is more like it to live in Finland.
For quality public services and high living standards, Helsinki has become an end destination for many ex-pats. Apart from that, there are several creative industries with a long list of jobs to take. Therefore, as long as you are not choosy, you cannot miss a thing to do for regular wages.
To be safe, consider knowing a hint or two about the dos and don’ts of the native population. Although Helsinki is multinational, Finns are more predominant. It, therefore, means that knowledge of their outdoorsy culture, reserved nature, and spoken language will do you good.
Furthermore, because of its healthy economy, many internationals have established foreign companies in Helsinki. In this city, everything is beautiful, from the surrounding scenic beauty to the unique architectural designs of the buildings. To add to that is the vast population of foreigners. It’s so certain that you won’t miss company from same originality.
What Expatriates Need to Know about Helsinki
Don’t you think that it is disingenuous to claim to live a quality life if you’ve never set foot in Finland’s Helsinki? Life is good in this part of Finland. However, you also need to know that the cost is living is high. There is also high taxation. However, Finns do not complain about the high taxes as it caters to free and quality healthcare and education.
From basic needs, insurance, subscriptions…name it, all require an extra penny. This is due to the high cost of living in Helsinki. Therefore, sometimes, people even opt for credit cards to supplement their salary in footing bills. As an ex-pat, it would only be wise to negotiate better pay with your employer beforehand. By that, you will manage such an expensive lifestyle.
It may sound exaggerated, but the truth is that the winter climate is something else. From Helsinki, you will experience the fullest of the dark and cold winter around January to mid-April. The four months are dreadfully gloomy, so heating and electricity are a must during the season. Therefore, a sauna is a common feature in most apartments to ease your shivers anytime you feel like it.
Life in Helsinki means nature right at your doorstep. Spare just a single summer vacation in Finland; you can never regret it. Did you know Finland is an everyman’s right? Therefore, whether you live in Helsinki or visit it for a short period, you can roam everywhere to explore everything but in a respectable manner. Everything is perfect, from the lakeside cottages, logged cabins, and unique fauna and flora. Above and all, carry mosquito repellent and give thanks later.
Is it Favorable to Bring along Your family to Helsinki?
First, before everything, you need a job to sustain your family’s needs. On that issue, Helsinki never disappoints. Not only will you get a job, but you will get one with a high salary for that matter. Besides, Finland has a name attached to its highest average salary worldwide. How nice, the salary scale for most employees starts from 2600 Euros, after tax deduction.
What is your view? Should safety top the list when it comes to a family affair? Of course, protection is vital among the primary issues. And without a doubt, Helsinki is safe for your people. It has always been that Finland is among the Nordic countries with a record of a lower rate of criminality in Europe. Not that they don’t exist, but they are rare and less fatal if they do.
Unlike many countries globally, Finland offers free education and healthcare to its residents. This means that you are unlikely to battle the popping medical bills as others do. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that public services in Helsinki are top-tier. For once, you are sure of good schools for your kids and quality healthcare.
By now, you must have known that Finns are eco-conservatives. They like it all natural and clean. Besides, the natives enjoy plenty of organic food products like berries. What a privilege to consume the most hygienic and healthiest food of all time! Additionally, the numerous lakes provide pure water within and beyond Finland.
If you are expecting parents, Helsinki is the place to live in. The Finnish government celebrates your joyous moment by giving you the best parental laws ever. You will likely enjoy 164 days of paid leave for paternal and maternal care. In addition, annual vacations and holidays are good enough for family bonding.
Expectations of Transport Systems in Helsinki
For records, Finland has the best public transport systems globally. Although there are several companies in charge, HKL is a prominent transport system in Helsinki. It has made going around by buses, trains, trams, and ferries easier.
Besides, natives use tickets, which you can buy via mobile apps, HKL stores, or vending machines. Interestingly, the likes of children, students, pensioners, and many more, have discounts on their bus and train tickets. Therefore, whenever you are in Helsinki, you need not worry about connecting to other places. Lastly, the failure to mention city bikes is unfair to readers, for it marks the oldest culture of Finns’ pastimes.