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Cultural Etiquette
1. The handshake is the standard greeting for men and women. Friends, family and those who share some familiarity, however, do not use the handshake. Hugs and kisses are reserved for close relatives as Finns are generally not comfortable with gratuitous physical contact. Friendliness is better transmitted through the expression of a warm smile.
2. One should use the formal form of address such as Mr. or Mrs. followed by a surname, unless invited to move to a first name basis. Younger people are more apt to move to less formal forms of address quickly. Among men, it is common for last names alone to be used in forms of address. Outside the personal sphere, however, it is advisable that professional and governmental titles be used. In business, titles are used more rarely in verbal communication although they are customarily used in written communications.
3. If men wear hats or headwear, it should be removed when speaking to someone, especially a woman.
4. Direct eye contact is the norm during conversation, while speaking with one's hands in pockets in to be avoided. One should also avoid folding one's arms as this gesture is regarded as arrogant. Other common gestures include a toss of the head denoting "come here," but generally, the Finns do not use many gestures. As such, one should try to be restrained as well, avoiding gesticulation or excessive body language. (Naturally, this is simply a guide and should not dictate personal choices and behavior.)
5. Punctuality is the norm in this culture, so be sure to be consistently punctual for both business meetings and social occasions.
6. Finns tend to have fairly quiet dispositions. As such, one should avoid speaking loudly or indulging in any overt and flamboyant behavior. One should maintain a well-modulated tone when speaking. (Naturally, this is a generalization and should be regarded as such.)
7. In conversation, sports, sightseeing, travel, politics and culture are considered to be good topics of conversation. While many political and social topics are open for discussion, one should avoid criticism of other peoples or systems. Inappropriate topics of conversation include personal topics. One should also note that Finns are not generally talkative and long periods of silence may be regarded as perfectly normal. (Again, as above, please regard this as a generalization with exceptions to be expected.)
8. If you are invited to a Finnish home, stand quietly outside the doorway to the entrance of the abode and wait to be asked in; once you are inside the home, check to see if the host has removed his/her shoes and do likewise, and wait again until you are asked to sit down. When you are sitting at the table, wait for the host's invitation to begin eating.
9. Dining is typically continental-style with the fork steadfastly held in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
10. Initiate your own departure (usually around 10 p.m. during winter and 11 pm in the summer months), as your hosts will rarely do so.
11. In general, if one is invited for dinner, taking a gift is regarded as an appropriate gesture. Generally, most gifts should be wrapped. Suggested gifts include flowers (excluding lilies, carnations, white flowers or wreaths, all of which are associated with funerals), liqueurs, wine, liquor, or fine chocolates. Send a thank you note following the dinner to thank the host for the invitation and meal.
12. Dress is generally casual and should conform to the temperate climate. Business wear is more conservative; suits are the norm for both men and women. Women generally to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry, opting for a more natural look than other parts of Europe.
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