20 Mar 2025
More than 30,000 people migrate to Finland annually. A large group of migrants are Africans, with most coming from Ghana. They work there and regularly send money to Ghana from Finland for their families. This is often seen as a cold and distant country, but for many Ghanaians moving there, life comes with unexpected surprises. From the world's happiest people to unique cultural habits, here are some surprising facts about life in Finland that every Ghanaian expat should know.
Finland has been ranked the happiest country for several years in a row. But what makes it so happy? Free healthcare, excellent education, and a strong social support system all contribute to a high quality of life. However, happiness in Finland isn’t about partying; it’s about feeling secure and content.
In Ghana, nights are always dark, but in Finland, summer brings the Midnight Sun. This means the sun can stay up almost 24 hours a day in June and July. Many first-time visitors find it strange and struggle to sleep without complete darkness.
One of the biggest surprises for many Ghanaians is that higher education in Finland is free for EU students, and some scholarship programs also support non-EU students. This makes Finland an excellent destination for those looking to study without massive student loans.
Unlike in many countries, Finland follows a "Housing First" policy, which means the government provides homes for anyone who needs them. The idea is simple: When people have a stable place to live, they can focus on work, health, and education.
Imagine getting a €50,000 fine for speeding! In Finland, traffic fines are based on income, so wealthier people pay higher fines than low-income earners. This system ensures fairness and discourages reckless driving.
Saunas are a huge part of Finnish culture. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland, more than the number of cars! People use saunas to relax, improve their health, and even hold business meetings. Some even roll in the snow after a sauna session!
Ghanaians who are used to warm weather may be shocked by Finland’s winter. Temperatures can drop to -30°C, colder than most freezers! To survive, you’ll need thermal clothes, gloves, and proper winter boots.
Unlike in many places where you always have to watch your back, Finland is extremely safe. Crime rates are very low, and people even leave their doors unlocked in smaller towns. If you drop your wallet, there’s a good chance someone will return it!
While rain can cause significant delays in Ghana, even a snowstorm won’t stop buses and trains in Finland. Roads are cleared daily, and public transport runs on time, no matter the weather.
In Ghana, cash is still widely used, but in Finland, almost everything is paid digitally. Whether it's a small café or a street vendor, most places accept card or mobile payments. This also makes online money transfers popular for expats sending money home.
Finns are the biggest coffee drinkers in the world. The average person drinks 4–5 cups daily, and coffee breaks at work are a big deal. If you’re offered coffee, it’s polite to accept!
Ghanaians are used to flexible time, but being late in Finland is unacceptable. Even being 5 minutes late to a meeting is seen as disrespectful. If you want to succeed in Finland, always be on time!
Finland has a top-tier healthcare system; most medical services are free or low-cost for residents. However, expats without permanent residency may have to pay for some services unless covered by insurance.
Finland has a special law called “Everyman’s Right”, which allows anyone to pick wild berries and mushrooms anywhere, even on private land. Many Ghanaians enjoy this because it helps save money on groceries.
Life in Finland is full of surprises, challenges, and opportunities. From free education to safer streets and a strong economy, it’s a great place for Ghanaians to build a future. However, the culture, weather, and social rules can take some time.
Despite these adjustments, the desire to maintain strong ties with loved ones back home remains paramount. And when it comes to supporting families in Ghana, reliable and efficient remittance services are essential. That's where ACE Money Transfer steps in, offering a seamless bridge between Finland and Ghana.
Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C or lower, so warm clothing is essential.
Yes! Services like ACE Money Transfer offer fast and secure online money transfers to Ghana from Finland.
Not necessarily, but knowing Finnish helps in finding better job opportunities.
Yes! Finland has a growing Ghanaian community, especially in Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere.
Yes, but it depends on your skills. Jobs in cleaning, IT, healthcare, and construction are in high demand.
