Helsinki is by all means, not an obvious destination for digital nomads for many reasons. Without the affordability, year-round pleasant weather and undeniably Instagrammable locations; you may be wondering whether Finland’s capital is worth your time and flight money. However, as one of the safest cities in Europe with a basic human right being a stable internet connection, Helsinki is completely doable as a digital nomad.
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How is Helsinki for Digital Nomads?
Personally, I found Helsinki to be a very livable city (temporarily – of course). Having said that, the atmosphere seemed to be at its greatest when the clouds parted above to present the blue skies, and the residents were out relaxing during the weekends. If you are to stick around for the duller days, then Helsinki may lack the spark that most digital nomads would travel far to find.
This travel guide of Helsinki for Digital Nomads will reveal the top tips, as well as the basic need-to-knows so that you can gain the most from your stay in the capital city.
Connectivity
In 2010, the Finnish government declared internet access a legal right (as opposed to a privilege). In fact, they were the first country to do so. They recognise that the internet has become as essential in society as the likes of water and electricity. Therefore, the internet speeds and availability across Helsinki are quality and reliable.
Wifi Speeds – It’s very easy to find free wifi in Helsinki, especially with Finland’s free public wifi network (Helsinki City Open WLAN). According to Ookla’s SpeedTest, Finland has an average download speed of 38Mbps.
Data Plans – Visitors can purchase a prepaid SIM card from Elisa, Telia or DNA (all of which have extensive coverage across Finland). These are available in the network’s official stores, at R-Kiosks around the city and at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Prices vary between €4-25.
If convenience is your ultimate goal, check out Airalo for either a local, regional or global eSIM. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM supplier. You can purchase the most suitable prepaid data plan without visiting any shop or swapping physical SIM cards. This is the technology we digital nomads have been waiting for!
Language
The official language of Finland is Finnish, although Swedish and English are both widely spoken. You’ll find that English translations are plentiful, for instance, most menus are in English or at least have some translations. German, French and Spanish may also be recognised by some of the locals.
Money
The Euro (EUR)(€) is the official currency of Finland. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted across the country, with there being an ample amount of ATMs too.
TIP: Tap water in Helsinki is completely safe to drink. Bring a refillable bottle to help prevent the overuse of plastic.
Community
There isn’t an obvious digital nomad community in Helsinki. Although you could try the Helsinki Expat Meetup Facebook Group to find other fellow foreigners to meet or ask for advice.
Cost of Living
Finland is a very expensive country to visit as a digital nomad. This is especially the case when you compare the cost of living to other digital nomad hotspots such as Canggu, Budapest, Sri Lanka and Portugal.
Transport
Helsinki’s city centre is fairly compact and easy to get around. Most will be pleasantly surprised at how straightforward the process of using public transport really is, but walking between popular attractions is also a very feasible option.
Public – Helsinki’s transport system is efficient and very well organised. The city runs on a network of buses, trams, trains and the metro. Single tickets can be purchased with ease through the HSL mobile app, from HSL ticket machines or R-Kiosks.
Taxi – Bolt is a ride-sharing app that operates in Helsinki. To give you an example of the prices to expect, a ride from the city centre to the airport could cost approximately €30.
Bike – The city bike system has been operating since 2016 with over 1000 bikes in the inner city area.
Scooter – eScooters are available in Helsinki via a number of different apps; Lime, Whim and Dott.
Ferry – One of the many beauties of Helsinki is its ease of accessibility from the surrounding countries by sea. It’s possible to sail into the city from Tallinn and Stockholm.
KNOW: Saunas have become entwined in the Finnish national culture, so much so, that you'll notice the sauna carriage on the city's ferris wheel.
You Should Know Before You Go
Is Helsinki Safe?
Yes. In fact, Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe – if not in the world!
REMEMBER: Stay protected with travel insurance made by nomads, for nomads. Safety Wing provides great flexible coverage across most countries, no matter how far and long you are travelling.
Length of Stay
Helsinki would be a great weekend city break. Better still, if you have a long weekend available then it will allow you the time to explore some islands and areas a little further afield. However, the optimal time to stay in Helsinki for digital nomads should be longer than a week, but not as long as a few months unless you have a bottomless bank account to support your trip amongst some of the higher prices in Europe.
Best Time to Visit Helsinki
If you are like most other digital nomads, then you will be looking for the warmest season for sunshine. In Helsinki, this would be between June and August with July having the lowest likeliness to have significant rainfall. However, February and March would be your safest bet if you’d prefer to experience snow in Helsinki.
As a reflection on the weather, July is the busiest month for tourism. This is followed by June and January. Therefore, you could expect prices to be higher during these peak seasons.
One other significant point to note is the times of sunrise and sunset in Helsinki. Finland’s hours of light within a day are consequentially influenced by the country’s very northern geographical position; the days in summer are long and short in winter. For instance, the sun sets at approximately 3:15 pm in December, but not until 10:50 pm in June. That’s a difference of over seven hours’ worth of exploring!
Travelling From The Airport
There are a few options for transitting between Helsinki’s International Airport and the City Centre.
Bus – There is a bus station situated outside the Arrivals Hall of the airport. Bus number 615 travels to Helsinki’s City Centre within about 40 minutes. Tickets for this journey can be purchased within the HSL mobile app or at the ticket machine nearby.
Train – There is a train station located in the Arrivals Hall of the airport (floor 1). The I and P trains only take 30 minutes to travel between the airport and the city centre. Tickets can be purchased before you enter the train through the HSL mobile app or from the machines in the station. Make sure to select the ABC ticket as the airport is situated in Zone 3.
Taxi – Taking a taxi will be the quickest and most convenient option. The drive will take approximately 25 minutes. If you’d like to arrange your transport before you arrive, then you can book your airport transfer here.
Bonus: Helsinki Recommendations
Although Helsinki is not one of the largest European cities, it’s still going to be quicker and more convenient if the search is narrowed with a few suggestions.
Working Remotely from Helsinki
Suggested Coworking Spaces –
Top Things To Do in Helsinki
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Places to stay in Helsinki for digital nomads will be expensive. Airbnb will be the most convenient means of finding accommodation for stays of more than a few days but less than 6 months.
Below are a few of our top recommendations for short-term stays…
Budget
Wake up for the in-house sauna then walk to the beach for a cool down; Eurohostel is simple but a very practical choice of accommodation for digital nomads.
Mid-Range
Be more centrally located at The Yard Hostel. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafés in the surrounding area. Plus, the Central Station is just a leisurely 5-minute walk away.
High-End
Peaceful and clean; Aikatalo Hostel is a safe haven from any city noise. It’s well-situated being 300m from the Railway Station, 600m from the Cathedral and 1km from the Bus Station.
In addition, VALO Hotel deserves an honourable mention as a great place for digital nomads to stay in Helsinki. It’s not as well located as the other suggestions, but the accommodation boasts modern working spaces, a fitness centre with a rooftop sauna, jacuzzi and pool.
Alternatively, you could have a whole apartment or house to yourself! Why not stay in wonderful homes by house-sitting and caring for adorable pets? This experience would not be for everyone but you could find yourself in free accommodation, whilst you live a more authentic lifestyle in the local area, by joining Trusted Housesitters.
ALSO: The Coliving Spaces that Digital Nomads Should Know About
Where To Go After Helsinki?
Tallinn – Estonia is a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki. If for nothing else, jump aboard with the locals to buy cheaper booze from the onboard duty-free shop.
Stockholm – Craving an even longer ferry journey? Stockholm is a 16-18 hour journey.
Looking to go even further? Check out the digital nomad guides for Dubai, Belize, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Morocco and the Adriatic Coast.
Let’s go!
@katie.maree
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4 comments
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