Practical links

Interested in studying in Turku?

Planning to move

Guidance and councelling

Registration of a foreigner

Bank Services

As most services in Finland are used and accessed online, you will need online banking credentials to log into them. In this manner, Finland is different compared to most other countries. You will need online banking credentials for paying bills, buying train/bus tickets and opening a mobile phone/internet connection etc.

Mobile Phones

Once you arrive in Finland and want to use your mobile phone inexpensively, it is best to purchase a prepaid mobile subscription. Prepaid sim cards can always be purchased from an operator’s store, located in the city center and several shopping malls. R-Kioski kiosks also sell prepaid sim cards.

ESN Finland has a partnership with local operator (DNA). Exchange students get free sim cards:

Living in Finland and Turku

Grocery stores

Finland has few supermarket chains and they are easy to recognize. Because distances are quite short, even hypermarkets are somewhat close by and always accessible by bus. In Turku, you will find most of your daily foodstuffs from these places. Opening hours in Finland vary from one store and chain to another. Commonly supermarkets are open between 7am and 11pm depending on their location and size – smaller supermarkets are usually open till 11pm, while hypermarkets close at 9pm. K-Citymarket Kupittaa is open 24/7.

Supermarket chains:

  • Prisma, S-Market, Sale and Alepa
  • K-Citymarket, K-Kauppa
  • Lidl

Restaurants, Cafes & Bars

The city center, especially along the River Aura, is a hotspot for all types of restaurants. Read more and find the ones best suitable for you:

Public holidays

On public holidays shops often have shorter/limited opening hours, the universities and UAS are closed, and public transportation follows the timetables for Sundays. Check the list of public holidays and festivities:

Studying Finnish

You can practice your Finnish language skills in a group at The City of Turku’s Osaamiskeskus this spring 2022. There are many groups with different skill levels.

Employment