Ettiquite/manners in finland

Chicago Maiden Fan · Post by **Chicago Maiden Fan** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:44

As we all know, these finland dates are coming up very soon, and I have some question about manners and ettiquitte in finland.
1. Are there any hand gestures (other than the middle finger) that are considered "rude" or offensive?
2. How common is tipping for cab drivers, bartenders, etc. Do you only tip for exceptional service, or do you always tip, and what percentage??

thanks see you all in helsinki!!!

Alex Machine · Post by **Alex Machine** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:22

1. Nothing special. Although we don't generally like hugging and stuff like that as much as you Americans. Unless we are drunk ofcourse.

2. We don't usually tip so don't worry about that.

Chicago Maiden Fan · Post by **Chicago Maiden Fan** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:40

Alex Machine wrote:1. Nothing special. Although we don't generally like hugging and stuff like that as much as you Americans. Unless we are drunk ofcourse.

2. We don't usually tip so don't worry about that.

thanks for letting me know!! I was going to hug and tip everybody!!!

so I take it a handshake is the standard greeting then??

Alex Machine · Post by **Alex Machine** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:36

^ The standard greeting is to look down and pretend you didn't notice anyone. Atleast here in Turku.

MuurarinEno · Post by **MuurarinEno** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:37

Chicago Maiden Fan wrote: so I take it a handshake is the standard greeting then??

Yes.

Post by **asa** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:55

You can tip the waiters/waitresses if you get good service, but It´s not that common because in Finland they have quite a good incomes, at least compared to some other countries.

Do not tip taxidrivers! Driving taxi in Finland is helluva expensive, so just pay what they ask you to pay. If you take a regular taxi, you don´t have to be afraid of beeing ripped off like in Eastern Europe etc.

Sakari Östermalm · Post by **Sakari Östermalm** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 18:27

1. We might find it offensive if you simulate masturbating while saying something to us. But we are grazy people anyway

2. This one has been clearly said already. Finnish people tip, if we find the service exceptionally good but it is not very common here. Me, on the other hand, tip almoust every time, IF the service has not been exceptionally bad. I think it is just a way to show, that I appreciate their work.

Hope you enjoy your time here