Welcome to Finland! If you just landed or are currently planning your trip, you have probably heard that Finland is one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. Finland offers something for every traveller, from world-famous attractions and fascinating historical landmarks to international conferences, business events, family-friendly amusement parks, museums, vibrant markets, and beautiful waterfronts.

Whether you're travelling within Finland or travelling from abroad, wandering through the trendy design districts of Helsinki, hunting for the Northern Lights in wintery Lapland, relaxing in a lakeside wooden cottage in Savonlinna or exploring the city of Helsinki, you are likely to feel incredibly secure.

Life is great! But let’s be honest: even in the safest places, the unexpected can happen; You could slip and twist your ankle, get lost while picking blueberries in a forest, or maybe your wallet falls out of your pocket on the tram, or you or a member of your family wakes up in the middle of the night with a fever.

Most situations are easy to resolve, and help is usually just a phone call away. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, who to call, and where to go if you need help during your stay in Finland.

1. 112-Your Lifeline: The Emergency Number & App

If you are facing an immediate, life-threatening emergency, there is only one number you need to remember: 112. Unlike some countries that have different numbers for different services, Finland uses a unified emergency response network. Call 112 immediately if you need an ambulance, the police, or the fire and rescue services in an emergency. Whether it's a serious illness, an accident, a fire, or a crime in progress, help is available 24/7, and operators can assist you in English.

Download the "112 Suomi" App

If you do only one thing to prepare for your trip to Finland, make it this: download the free "112 Suomi" mobile app before you travel. When you are in distress, especially in a foreign country, explaining your exact location to emergency operators can be incredibly difficult. You might not know the name of the road, or you might be in the middle of a vast, snowy forest with no landmarks in sight.

When you call the emergency services through the 112 Suomi app, the app automatically transmits your exact GPS coordinates to the Emergency Response Centre. This allows rescuers to find you much faster.

2. Medical Help & Healthcare

If you get sick or injured but it is not a life-threatening emergency, do not run straight to the hospital emergency room. Finland’s healthcare system is divided into clear tiers to keep emergency rooms from becoming overcrowded.

Step 1: Call the Medical Helpline (116 117)

Before going to a public health centre or hospital, you should call the national Medical Helpline at 116 117. They will assess your symptoms in English, tell you if you need to see a doctor, and direct you to the nearest open clinic or hospital.

The service is free, 24/7, available everywhere in Finland, except Åland. Calling does not cost anything. When calling with an international cell phone plan, your operator may charge a fee for the call.

Public vs. Private Healthcare for Tourists

Public Healthcare: If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you are entitled to receive necessary medical treatment in Finland's public system under the same conditions and costs as locals. You just need to show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you are from outside the EU, you will be treated, but you may face high out-of-pocket costs without travel insurance.
Private Healthcare: If you want to bypass waiting times, or if your travel insurance covers it, you can book an appointment at a private medical centre. The major private healthcare chains in Finland are Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, and Pihlajalinna. You can usually book an appointment online within hours.

Finding a Pharmacy (Apteekki)

If you just need minor remedies (like pain relievers, allergy medicine, or bandages), look for a shop with a green cross and the word Apteekki.

Keep in mind that pharmacists in Finland are highly trained professionals who speak excellent English and can give you great medical advice for minor ailments.

3. Lost Property, Theft, and the Finnish Police

Finland is generally a very safe country, famously a place where lost items are routinely returned to their rightful owners. But if you feel unsafe or witness suspicious activity, don't hesitate to contact the police. In non-emergency situations, you can reach the police on 0295 419 800 or visit the nearest police station.

Dealing with the Police

Finnish police are polite, approachable, and highly trusted.

For non-emergencies (like reporting a stolen bicycle, minor theft, or filing a police report for insurance purposes), do not call 112.
Instead, call the non-emergency police number at 0295 419 800 or file a report online on the official Finnish Police website (poliisi.fi)

Lost & Found Offices (Löytötavaratoimisto)

If you lose an item in Finland, the first place to check is the local Lost & Found Office (Löytötavaratoimisto). Many transport operators, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, and event venues send found items to a regional lost property office or to the Suomen Löytötavarapalvelu (Finland's Lost Property Service) network.

4. Surviving the Outdoors and Extreme Weather Safety

Finland's stunning wilderness is a major draw for tourists. However, the nature here is vast and can be unforgiving, especially in the sub-zero temperatures of winter. Tourists can also be vulnerable to the physical challenges of extreme Nordic environments. If you plan to explore the Finnish outdoors, keep these safety principles in mind:

Everyman’s Rights (Jokamiehenoikeus) but with Responsibilities

Finland operates under a beautiful law called Everyman’s Right. This allows anyone to roam freely through forests, pick wild berries and mushrooms, and camp temporarily. However, this freedom requires respect:

Never leave trash behind.
Do not build open campfires without permission or outside designated fire pits, especially during forest fire warnings.
Keep your distance from private yards and homes.

What to Do If You Get Lost or Stranded

If you are hiking, snowmobiling, or skiing and find yourself lost or unable to return:

Stay calm and conserve your energy. If it is freezing, find a spot sheltered from the wind.
Call 112 immediately (ideally through the 112 Suomi app).
Do not wander blindly. If rescuers are tracking your phone's GPS, moving around makes it harder for them to pinpoint your location.

Keep your phone warm. Cold temperatures drain phone batteries incredibly fast. Keep your phone in an inside pocket close to your body heat, and always carry a portable power bank.

5. What If You Lose Your Passport?

Losing a passport is a traveller's worst nightmare. If this happens to you in Finland:

File a lost property report online or in person at the Helsinki Police Station (Poliisi). You will need this official police report for insurance purposes and to get an emergency travel document.
Contact your country’s local embassy or consulate right away. All foreign embassies are located in the capital city of Helsinki. They will help you issue a temporary emergency passport so you can fly home safely.

Enjoy Peace of Mind

A little preparation goes a long way. Save important phone numbers on your phone before you travel, keep copies of important documents, and you'll be ready to enjoy everything Finland has to offer with confidence.

The most important thing to remember during your stay in Finland is that you are never truly stuck. The country is built to be resilient, and the local communities in major cities are generally educated in English. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or confused, take a deep breath, walk into the nearest hotel lobby, library, or shop, and just ask a local for help.

Have a wonderful, safe, and memorable trip to our beautiful country!

By Nicolette Che

What to Do If You Need HELP During Your Stay in Finland