How to Use a Cell Phone in Finland

Finland's vast seasons, sparkling lakes and beautiful west coast make this country a wonderful vacation spot. While you're ice swimming in Vantaa and touring Tuomiokirkko, the Lutheran cathedral, you want to make sure that you are able to use your cell phone in the case of an emergency. Using a cell phone in Finland is easy if you follow the correct procedures.

Things You'll Need

• Plug adaptor
• List of important phone numbers
• Transformer

Instructions

1. Obtain the correct plug adaptors from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in Finland. Finland uses plug types "C" and "F."

2. Take a transformer that can handle 230 volts, which is the voltage used in Finland, to use when charging your cell phone. Your cell phone could be damaged if you do not use the correct transformer.

3. Contact your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Finland. Ask to be upgraded to international roaming.

4. Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Finland.

5. Know how to dial locally within Finland. If you are dialing a place in Finland with the same area code as which you are calling, just dial the number. If the number has a different area code, dial "0," plus the area code, plus the phone number.

6. Be prepared to call the United States from Finland. First dial "00" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Finland). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that by the area code and phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to charge your cell phone each night using the correct plug adaptor and transformer.