Prices are fixed in Finland.
Tipping
All restaurant checks include a service charge. It is not really necessary to leave an addition tip, although if preferred, it is enough to round the amount up to the nearest 5 or 10 euro.
Local Cuisine
As in other Scandinavian countries, the Smorgasbord is most popular, a buffet with a wide range of hot and cold dishes featuring plenty of seafood, not least the Baltic herring and smoked Salmon. There are a variety of ways of serving Reindeer, one of which is cold and smoked. Bear and Elk may appear on the menu and there is also plenty of game. The Finns enjoy pastries and desserts, a particular favorite being the Cloud berry, found extensively in northern Scandinavia, it is a variation of the Raspberry, slightly more tart.
Drink Specialties
Coffee is the most common beverage in Finland, although it is renowned for its Vodka. There are a number of local wines produced, made from berries and other fruits, as well as fruit liqueurs such as 'Lakka' which is made from Cloud berries.
Shopping
Shops are generally open from 9:00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although some store may close early on Saturday. Some of the more tourist orientated shops will open from Noon - 4.00 p.m. on Sunday.The main shopping areas are Pohjoisesplanadi, Aleksanterinkatu, the Forum Shopping Mall on Mannerheimintie and Iso Roobertink. The main items of interest are furniture designs, quality clothing, glassware and ceramics. Lapp crafts, wooden carvings and reindeer skin items are popular souvenirs.
Kauppatori Market is held in the area surrounding the South Harbor. It is quite fascinating, the most perfect display of fruit and vegetables can be seen throughout the morning.
U.S. Dollars are not accepted in Helsinki, although most major credit cards are.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is added to most purchases. Visitor who spend over a certain amount may be entitled to re-claim some or all of the tax paid. In Scandinavia many stores participate in "Tax Free Shopping", ask for a "Tax Free" receipt to get reimbursed.
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