Other practical matters

There are several insurance companies in Finland that offer insurance to individuals. The most common are home insurance, motor insurance, Kasko car insurance and health insurance. Home insurance is often a condition for renting an apartment. Motor insurance is compulsory for all motor vehicle owners.

The most common insurance providers include If, LähiTapiola and OP. It is worth comparing insurance providers to ensure you get the best price.

There are several telephone and network operators in Finland, and there can be significant differences in subscription prices. It is worth comparing prices. Operators offer different options, such as monthly and prepaid subscriptions. The largest telecoms operators in Finland are DNA, Elisa, Telia and Moi.

You can share internet access to your home either via your phone (mobile broadband) or with a separate fixed broadband connection. The choice of your home network connection depends on factors such as where you live and how many people or devices use the network at the same time. The data transfer speed of an internet connection is described by the term download speed. Mobile broadband enables mobile internet access to a mobile device, which can be a mobile phone, router, handset or smartwatch.

In Finland, postal services are versatile and cover both letter and parcel services, provided mainly by the state-owned Posti Group Oyj. Ordinary letters, postcards and payment letters can be sent domestically and abroad as basic items or as faster services such as Plus-marked items. Parcel services have grown with the popularity of e-commerce, and Posti offers delivery options such as pick-up from parcel terminals, branch offices or home delivery. Vending machines have become more common and are often located in shops, petrol stations or other public spaces, offering an easy way to pick up and send parcels.

Posti also offers special services such as registered mail, insured mail, courier services and scheduled deliveries for important or valuable items. In addition, Posti provides the delivery of newspapers and magazines. It has offices throughout Finland and many kiosks, petrol stations and shops act as its agents. You can also buy stamps, cards, packing materials and other postal products through them.

In the Kotka-Hamina region, you can live in a rented, owner-occupied or condominium apartment. You can find accommodation on the private market or directly from your employer. Read more about finding accommodation here.

The Immigrant Guidance and Counselling Service provides free information on important everyday matters, such as how to function in Finnish society and the services available in your city of residence. The service is not affected by the reason for your arrival or how long you have lived in Finland. The service can help you with these things, for example:

• social security and benefits (Kela)
• training opportunities
• housing
• leisure