We go to Finland by car
And indeed it is very convenient, because from St. Petersburg to Helsinki you can get there in just 5 hours, and from Vyborg in 2-3 hours. Plus, you do not depend on anyone, and you can plan your trip as you please.
It is also important that the Russian driver’s license is valid throughout Finland, that is, you do not need to additionally receive an International Driving License.
You can enter Finland by car from Russia through one of the following border points:
Checkpoint Nuyamaa-Brusnichnoe
• Vaalimaa – Torfyanovka: works 24 hours a day, recommended for those traveling in the direction of Helsinki.
• Nuyamaa – Lingonberry: works 24 hours a day, recommended for those traveling in the directions of Lahti, Tampere, Mikkeli and Kuopio.
• Svetogorsk – Imatra: works 24 hours a day, it is recommended for those traveling in the direction of Savonlinna, Kayaani and Joensuu.
• Niirala – Vyartsilya: it works 24 hours a day, it is recommended for those traveling to Finland from Karelia.
• Vartius – Kiviyarvi: open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., entry to Finland through the city of Kostomuksha.
• Raya-Jooseppi – Lotta:
works from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., entry into Finland through the Murmansk region.
To cross the Russian-Finnish border you will need: a passport with a visa, medical insurance (original), as well as all technical documents for the car, compulsory motor third-party liability insurance and Greencard insurance policy (an analogue of our third-party liability insurance, it only operates in Europe).
You also need to have a notarized power of attorney to drive a car in Russian, indicating in it that you are allowed to take it abroad. This is for those who do not own the car.
We advise you to take enough food and drink with you to go through the border, because you can spend a lot of time there, and nowhere to eat. Photography and video shooting are prohibited at border points, this is strictly monitored.
Interested in renting cheap cottages in Finland? Book cottages with the Finnish tour operator Viking, it is profitable and very convenient, plus there is a really large assortment of houses for every taste and budget.
Well, are we going to Finland by car?
According to Finnish rules, from December to February, all passenger cars must be “converted” to winter tires. Studded tires are prohibited from November until Monday, following the week after Monday Easter.
Another important requirement is height, for winter tires – at least 3 mm, for summer tires – at least 1.6 mm. It is forbidden to ride with the so-called “naked” cord, as well as riding with the simultaneous use of non-studded and studded tires.
Toning: transmittance of at least 75% for the windshield, at least 70% for the side windows.
When entering Finland, it is allowed to have no more than 10 liters of gasoline in addition to a full tank.
In case of emergency stop on the highway, you must put the appropriate sign in 150-200 meters from the vehicle.
Roadside assistance (tow truck) in Russian can be obtained by calling the telephone number 800-3500 for the whole of Finland.
Typically, service stations are open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on weekends – on a shorter schedule.
Parking in Finnish cities is only possible where there are parking signs, that is, parking is prohibited if there are no signs, and a yellow line is drawn along the right edge of the road and a sign prohibits parking.
Most parking lots in Finnish cities are automatic and paid. The receipt of payment will need to be put under the windshield of the car.
All written fines are best paid in the same place in Finland (although you can of course in Russia). In case of non-payment, you will have problems with a future visit to this country, simply do not get a visa, or when you cross the border you will be sent to pay for it. In Finnish banks, another 5% for the transfer is taken to the amount of the fine.
In general, there were no problems with fines, but they are large in Finland, for example, for an unfastened belt – 35 euros, we advise you to comply with traffic rules, this is not Russia for you.
The maximum permitted speed outside the city is 80 km / h. On the highway according to signs – up to 120 km / h. For excess of speed by 40 km / h the rights will be taken from you and they will be returned only at customs.
MORE SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CARS IN FINLAND
Moose on the roads of Finland
When crossing the border, both on the territory of Russia and Finland, you are not obliged to sit in the car, that is, standing in the car queue you can get out of the car, go into the customs building, the toilets are free there by the way.
If you are denied entry, that is, the car has not passed customs, correct yourself and return, at least on the same day.
In order not to overpay Greencard insurance, it is better to buy in advance in St. Petersburg or Vyborg, because a passport and a registration certificate are enough for it.
Moose and deer are a real and very serious danger for untrained motorists in Finland, especially at night.