What budget for activities and outings Finnish Lapland?
The cost of living is high in all three countries, so Lapland is not a cheap destination, and this naturally includes sports facilities.
In Lapland, nature is everywhere, and even the national parks and nature reserves are freely accessible. All you need is a bit of equipment to set off on a trek, trail, bike, bivouac or even cross-country ski or snowshoe! In summer, cross-country skiers can practice their cross-country skiing skills on roller skates for the coming season. Lapland is a fabulous playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Life is expensive in the Nordic countries, and no less so in Lapland. Thrift stores are fairly widespread, and you'll find them in all the larger villages and towns in Lapland. They often offer more traditional objects and clothing at more reasonable prices. Souvenir stores are on the whole expensive, but more affordable than craft stores for certain products. Beware, however, of quality. Typical products are best bought in Sami stores or museums. Credit cards are widely accepted in Sweden, Norway and Finland, and there is no minimum. However, you should always carry some cash if you plan to stop off at small stores or cafés. The establishments are sometimes closed, but they leave cakes and coffee available for cash payment in a small box.
Alcohol is one of the most expensive items in the Nordic countries, and this is an inescapable problem.
Club entry is often around 150 NOK.
What budget to eat Finnish Lapland?
It will be difficult to eat for less than 10 euros, even in a fast-food restaurant. Count on 17 euros for lunch in a restaurant, and 20 euros for dinner. If you don't want to stop at a café or restaurant to eat, petrol stations act as fast-food outlets: all kinds of hot dogs, sometimes even burgers and salads. It's often a little cheaper than elsewhere, and the service is ultra-fast. Summer and winter alike, barbecues are very common! There are single-use barbecues available in supermarkets, in the form of a large aluminum tray with charcoal, a grill and charcoal-setting material inside. Make sure you always have some paper with you in case the fire doesn't take, and of course a lighter, or even matches/firestones in winter. In summer, strictly observe the fire bans.
What is the budget for accommodation Finnish Lapland?
Bivouacs are permitted throughout Norway, Finland and Sweden (except in special cases in national parks). It's a great way to stay anywhere, free of charge! Especially since bivouacs are very popular in Lapland. But beware of mosquitoes! Campsites often offer very reasonable rates for campers. Another inexpensive option.
Travel budget Finnish Lapland and cost of living
Cost of living. Overall, living in Lapland is more expensive than in France. The destination is therefore not particularly economical. In Sweden, Norway and Finland, it's possible to camp anywhere in the wilderness, except in certain parks, which can lighten the budget a little in summer.
Norway: The average budget for visiting Norway is around NOK 1,700 (€220) per day per person for hotel accommodation, and NOK 700 (€90) for camper-vans. This budget depends on the activities undertaken.
Sweden: The average budget is around SEK 1,500 (€160) per day per person. The cost of living in Sweden is generally the same as in major French cities.
Finland: For accommodation: between €50 and €100. Meals: between €15 and €30.
Banks and currency exchange. In Lapland, cash dispensers and banks are rare. Remember to withdraw cash before leaving a town.
Finland. Banks open Monday to Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and close on Saturdays.
Norway. Money can mainly be withdrawn from cash dispensers. Banks are open between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. without interruption. If you go there, remember to get a ticket from the machine and wait in line.
Sweden. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3pm on average. Here too, remember to take a ticket and wait in line if you go to the bank.
Bank cards.
- As Finland is a Euro zone country, you can make withdrawals and payments by bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) just as you would in France. All card payments are free of charge, and withdrawals are subject to the same conditions as in France.
- In Sweden and Norway, as the euro is not the currency of the country, a commission is deducted from each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank, and generally comprise a fixed fee averaging €3 and a commission of between 2% and 3% of the amount withdrawn. Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or allow you to benefit from their network and offer you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for details. Please also note that some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case this will be indicated at the time of withdrawal.
- Outside the Euro zone, bank card payments are subject to bank charges. Depending on the bank, a fixed fee of between €0 and €1.20 per payment applies, plus 2 to 3% of the amount paid by bankcard. The overall cost of the transaction is therefore lower than for foreign withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for more information.
- In the event of loss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you appropriate solutions to ensure that you can continue your trip in complete peace of mind. Before you leave, make a note of the assistance number printed on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 24/7. In the event of a stop payment, this is immediately confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number. Otherwise, the cancellation is recorded, but you must confirm it to your bank by fax or registered letter.
- Advice before you leave. Remember to tell your bank advisor about your trip. He or she can check with you whether your payment and withdrawal limits have been set. If necessary, ask for an exceptional authorization to increase your limit.
Money transfer. With this system, you can send and receive money from anywhere in the world in just a few minutes. The principle is simple: someone close to you goes to a MoneyGram® or Western Union® point (post office, bank, service station, grocery store, etc.), gives your name and pays a sum of money to the other person. On your side of the world, you go to a MoneyGram® or Western Union® point. Simply show photo ID and the transfer reference, and the money will be handed over to you.
Tips, haggling and taxes. In hotels, restaurants and cafés, service is included. Tipping is therefore not necessary. Naturally, it's a good idea to round up the bill, but here again, it's up to you to judge according to the service you receive. Cab drivers can expect a tip (10%), but rarely with young customers.