Shopping in Finland: what actually matters to know
Real experience of people from chats on «Shopping» in Finland — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Alcohol sales in Finland are strictly regulated. Retail stores (Alko) follow specific operating hours, closing on Sundays and public holidays. During major holidays like Juhannus (Midsummer), these stores remain closed, making it impossible to purchase strong alcohol regardless of location. Residents are advised to plan purchases in advance.
When carrying perfume (e.g., 2 x 50ml bottles costing 144 EUR) purchased online in Finland for travel to Russia via Turkey:
1. **Receipts Recommended:** It is advisable to carry the original receipts for purchased items.
2. **No Receipt? Not Critical:** If receipts are unavailable, customs officials may verify the item's price by searching online catalogs.
3. **Potential Price Adjustment:** Be aware that officials might assign a price based on their online search, which could be higher than your purchase price.
4. **Customs Check Probability:** While not all items are checked thoroughly, it's prudent to have documentation or be prepared for price verification.
5. **Departure Airport:** Flying from Vantaa (Finland), transit through Turkey, arriving in Russia.
In Finland, personal musical instruments (e.g., guitar, flute) are permitted to be carried through customs as personal belongings. They are not subject to confiscation for personal use.
When purchasing goods from Japan, such as watches valued at 300 EUR, with delivery to Finland, customs duties may apply. The estimated rate is 25.5% of the total cost, including shipping.
Users are seeking information on the availability of IQOS sticks in Tallinn and Finland. While direct purchase locations are unknown, there are observations of people using such devices, suggesting potential availability.
Border customs (specifically Estonia-Russia, e.g., Koidula) currently impose strict restrictions on electronics. Even used personal cameras and lenses are frequently confiscated. Confiscated items are often held in paid storage facilities at the border. Limit for duty-free import into Russia is 500 EUR, but sanctions often lead to arbitrary seizure regardless of the item's value or age. Travelers are advised to be prepared to surrender such items or refrain from bringing them across these checkpoints.