Finland

Helsinki is remarkably easy to navigate thanks to its integrated transport system. Upon arrival at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the I and P trains whisk you to the city center in about 30 minutes for €4.10 (approx. $4.40). For exploring the capital, the HSL app is your best friend for purchasing tram, bus, and ferry tickets to the historic sea fortress of Suomenlinna. To ensure you can download the app and access live maps the moment you touch down, it is wise to set up a Hello eSIM before your flight. This keeps you connected across the country, from the southern archipelago to the northern reaches of Lapland, without the headache of international roaming charges. If you are heading north to see the Northern Lights, the VR railway offers comfortable 'Santa Claus Express' sleeper trains to Rovaniemi. You can easily organize these travel segments within the Hello trip planning tool to keep your itinerary and booking references in one place.

You haven't truly experienced Finland until you have stepped into a sauna. With over three million saunas in a country of 5.5 million people, it is a cornerstone of the national identity. In Helsinki, visit the architecturally stunning Löyly for a modern experience, or head to Kotiharjun Sauna in the Kallio district for a traditional wood-fired vibe. Expect to pay around €16–€23 ($17–$25) for a public session. The etiquette is straightforward: always shower before entering, sit on a small towel called a pefletti, and embrace the löyly—the steam rising from the stones. If you are traveling with a group, use the Hello expense splitting feature to manage the booking fees for private sauna rentals, which are popular for social gatherings. Afterward, do as the locals do and take a 'cooling off' break outside, even in the depths of winter, often accompanied by a refreshing Lonkero (a gin and grapefruit long drink).

Finnish cuisine is deeply rooted in seasonal, forest-foraged ingredients. Do not miss out on Karjalanpiirakka (thin rye crust pasties filled with rice porridge) topped with egg butter, or a hearty bowl of Lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup), which usually costs around €12–€18 ($13–$20) at local markets like Kauppatori. For a unique treat, try Leipäjuusto, a 'squeaky' cheese often served with sweet cloudberry jam. Finland can be expensive, so using the Hello budget tracking feature helps you monitor your spending in Euros in real-time. Whether you are splurging on a fine-dining reindeer steak at Savotta or grabbing a quick Korvapuusti (cinnamon bun) at a cozy cafe, you can log every expense to ensure your holiday finances stay on track. This is particularly helpful when navigating the high-quality, but high-priced, Finnish design goods at the Iittala or Marimekko flagship stores in the Design District.