These 11 Things Will Screw Your Life in Finland! (Sucks to Be here)

11 Things in Finland that Will Screw You Up! In this video I will share 11 things that can be quite annoying in Finland. Finland is a great country, but every coin has a flip side so it's good to prepared for some things that might cause annoying moments.
Also note that this video was made with sense of humor!
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[@AleksiHimself]

The tax table shown in the video is not correct. If you want to check the more accurate taxes (from a more reliable source) check the link below. It's in Finnish but the 3rd column indicates the average tax percentage including all regular taxes and deductions. The 4th column indicates the margin tax percentage. Google translator should help you out as well. Link: www.veronmaksajat.fi/luvut/Laskelmat/Palkansaajan-veroprosentit/ This is what you get when you use Wikipedia as a source. :/

[@FesIRL]

Aleksi Himself - Videos about Finland jesus! Does are some high taxes.

[@paanikki]

@@FesIRL They are high indeed. What we get with these taxes is a good infrastructure, safe and well functioning society, the 3rd best corruption level in the world, outstanding public education (free from preschool to ph.d.), good public healthcare, etc. Those numbers (in the link) also include the mandatory pension contributions and unemployment insurance.

[@dabtican4953]

@@paanikki What church does the tax go to? Is Finland catholic or othodox or something?

[@NinjaBee81]

@@dabtican4953 Umm... The tax doesn't "go to" any church. Finland is mostly Evangelical Lutheran, but actually really secular nowadays as are most northern European countries. If you are part of some congregation by your own choice, you'll pay a tax for the support of the church and clergy. But if you're not part of any church then you don't obviously have to pay anything to any church.

[@kallekonttinen1738]

Yeah, table numbers are abou 20-25 % too high..

[@lillylazer429]

From what I read Finns don't like being phony with small talk. They don't brag and they are humble. I actually prefer quietness over having to talk when I don't feel like it

[@AleksiHimself]

You've got it right!

[@mattikiukas2523]

Lilly Lazer some are blabbers and most are not. Both are ok, be whatever you are. Being honest and true are the most respected values (or used to be).

[@sicknessnfilth1616]

That is true atleast for the most part. Yeah, we don`t commonly do any small talk in here with strangers ( If one does you must be some drug user, drunk or crazy). Exeptions are the elders that starts to talk with you like in the bus etc. They really love to talk and I love to talk with them :) But count on me, when you spend time like few hours at the same place the ice breaks and then it is no more small talk. It`s like telling a whole lifee story :'D and suddenly they are hugging you and tell how wonderful person you are. And I`m telling you, if a Finn says that they mean it.

[@soililundekvam6119]

Lilly Lazer nb

[@KjKase]

@@mattikiukas2523 Haha, yeah my whole Finnish half of the family is very reserved and quiet. Except one uncle who is always talking, but it can be nice from time to time for a change of pace. Until it starts to get on your nerves and you need peace and quiet again.

[@Kurtlane]

In Russia, Finns are known for: - politeness - being able to hold their liquor - politeness - reserve - good manners - reliability - did I mention politeness?

[@AleksiHimself]

That's interesting. Would be cool to street interview Russians about Finland.

[@mossmortis]

I hope that's sarcasm. The politeness and the manners part.

[@dtowel319]

Sounds like Canadians

[@hdahlia]

@@mossmortis Remember we're talking about Russia. It doesn't take a lot to top their average of politeness. :p

[@LazyUggugg]

Umm you forgot the ability to enjoy a nice sauna, without dying

[@paigiewinkles]

I love your pissed off face along with the dramatic music after every point you make 😂

[@AleksiHimself]

It made me laugh at the editing phase quite a few times too!

[@crystalrose2694]

I was cracking up!! You almost look like a cartoon character or a comic strip character!

[@mirvah7391]

I am a finnish person currently living on Madrid and I have to say I am missing Finland's little rude enviroment. I am sick of people being nice just because they are used to do so. I prefer people being nice when they mean it. 😂 Anyway most of these were really correct so amazing job with this video!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment and it's great to get some Finnish feedback as well. :)

[@pet_ricia]

That's why I want to move to Finland for a couple of months at least

[@MartinZanichelli]

If you dont like Southern Europe, then return back to your homeland instead of complaining. Possibly you enjoy rude treatment.

[@SolitudeMass]

I am a guy from Madrid living in Finland and I actually feel that finns are nicer :D

[@mirvah7391]

Martin Zanichelli Thanks for telling me but that has been my plan for a long time. And don't you think everybody can say their own opinion? Even if it's negative. Everybody experiences different countries different way because we do not meet the same people, we do not do the same things or have the same favourites. And actually to correct my original comment, other finns and I in Spain have agreed that finns are more polite and friendly people than spanish people which is the reason all of us are wanting to go back home as soon as possible but that is our experience. But for example italians are great too.

[@liameagles7]

In England, not saying thank you for someone who holds the door open for you is one of the worst things you can do.

[@AleksiHimself]

Interesting! In Finland there are quite a few who don't do that unfortunately. :/

[@mikitz]

I stayed in Britain for 2 weeks earlier this year and I had a real problem with remembering to say 'please' or 'can/may I' while ordering or shopping. When I did, it came out with a few seconds interval. In the end, people who I frequented with knew I wasn't being intentionally rude as they learned that I was being genuinely polite in other ways. I suppose we're just too honest and frank, but also equal. I asked one bartender if he could quit referring to me as 'sir', instead of e.g. 'mate'. We like skipping pleasantries. Great trip, cheers for that :)

[@masteraxe1453]

Same thing in the USA...even though....people in USA are not that friendly...

[@AlbaSaab]

liameagles7 In Scotland also!!!!

[@VarjoFilosofi]

Often my style in Finland is to give appreciate nod with small smile, if somebody is holding door open for me. ISN'T THAT ENOUGH?!

[@magemaatikko]

In Finland years of isolation and surviving mode has made us little bit rude. Customer service in Finland is frozen but if you say first" thank you" and smile you will get warm respond. Finland is so shy country so we are socially isolated and awkward but we are extremely polite and if somebody is in need for help we are first to go help. Finland foreign aid is over 200 million euros plus Finland is participating women education in many foreign lands and preventing racial segmentation.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the great comment magemaatikko!

[@dannymain542]

You can't really say that a whole country is like this or that. There's close to 6mil. people in Finland. I seriously don't see how customer service is shy in Finland, it's subjective. I haven't noticed any problems in customer service and if I try to compare it to the US then I would say that Finlands idea of customer service is miles better. Especially in kindness which the US still has a lot of work to do in order to achieve the same.

[@warsamebadar3526]

So u are sociopaths ...

[@nettikomissaari8597]

@Kelli Andrews that was brobably sarcasm

[@normasaunders4244]

warsame badar ........lol

[@NatureSmarter]

Moi Tšekistä, Aleksi! Opiskelen suomea yliopistossä ja rakastan nämä kulttuurinen videoita sinulta. Tosi hyödyllinen. Kiitos paljon ja onnea!

[@AleksiHimself]

Kiitos ja tsemppiä opiskeluun!

[@penttijyrinki]

wau, miksi opiskelet suomea?

[@NatureSmarter]

Koska pidän tästä kieltä, se kuulostaa tosi ihanalta! Se ei ole helppo (but I do like a challenge, haha). Pidän Suomi, suomalaiset, suomalainen elämä(natapa), sen luonteesta ja kaupungit. Se on erilainen minun maaltani, mutta, niinku, olen edelleen eurooppalainen, joka tarkoittaa, se on myös tuttavallinen minulle. Opiskeletko suomea?

[@AleksiHimself]

Whassup #EarlyFinntasticSquad! Was this video accurate to your opinion? I know some these things exist in other countries too, but these are definitely some things to keep in mind when weighing the pros and cons of Finland. 🇫🇮😀

[@TheCrosshare]

I think Finns just don't have wordy manners, they have manner manners. Oho for example is a very condenced "Oh i'm terrible sorry about that, do fogrgive me i'm in a bit of a rush and i wouldn't want to waste your time with unnecessary chit chat over it." and an opened door is met with a microscopic nod or look that only another Finn would understand as a "Thanks". It's part of this effective way Finns are. When we work, we *work* and when we party, we *party* . This kind of applies to language, manners, mannerisms and so on. Now the same litanny of words in a Finnish answer: Nii...

[@AleksiHimself]

Nice insights! Finns can't really express themselves verbally or at least they are not good at it.

[@jennamilesi7178]

@@AleksiHimself maybe it's because most of the words are half a kilometer long :D

[@elderscrollsswimmer4833]

@@jennamilesi7178 Kaikessa hurskastelevaisehkolaismaisuuksiissaankinhan ovat tosi pitkiä, ihan vain siksi ettei muka kuulosta tylyltä.

[@tonyharty3666]

TheCrosshare , I’m American of German blood. I am Stoic by nature, “ just the facts, Please!”. Remain as you are, the ice made you this way.

[@vic9781]

Menin suomen kielen kursille viime kesänä, ja ensimmäisenä päivänä avain jäi huonessa, en tiennyt että ovi oli lukossa. I definitely felt like a dumbass and I missed my first day because I had to wait for the locksmith. Oon meksikolainen ja kyllä Meksikosta Suomeen matkustaminen on joskus liian kallis. I can relate to that perkele moment when trying to find plane tickets. Muttä rakastin Suomea vieläkin enemmän, toivottavasti meen uudelleen pian ;) kiitos videosta.

[@AleksiHimself]

Kiitos kommentista ja tekevälle sattuu. :)

[@Otto3339]

Minä arvostan että olet opiskellut kieltämme

[@petrinisumaa4759]

Your knowledge of of Finnish language is impressive for a person who's only studied it for a year or - or even three or four years. Well done! I'm curious, though. What motivated you to pick up such a less known language? Suomenkielesi on todella hyvää!

[@tristanprice7236]

Absolutely fascinating. Scottish here, and hoping that when we get independence we will join the other Nordic nations, with whom we share so much. We have already learned a lot from you and our government works with other Nordic governments. I was particularly interested, though, in the Church tax which I found strange for a progressive modern country. Can you maybe explain that more in another video?

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment! I will link you a wikipedia article you can refer to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_tax#Finland

[@tristanprice7236]

Thanks, Aleksi. Most useful. :)

[@davie12]

@Karl Hanks We probably will, when the oil and gs run out and the English find somewhere else to store their rotting nukes. But no, until then they will keep us prisoner in their ghastly undemocratic fascist state.

[@Alaskan-Armadillo]

@horse with a steering wheel Bruh.. I am not even Scottish and I know that that is a cope response.

[@mixlllllll]

You don't have to pay church tax if you don't belong to church :D

[@wartal5595]

Nice video, great job! I was born in a country that located near to Finland so some of the things such as climate and darkness and some things in communication are similar but there's also a huge difference in everything else. Some of the negative aspects you've mentioned look positive to me, that's funny😊

[@AleksiHimself]

Interesting stuff there! Which negative stuff seems positive to you?

[@wartal5595]

Aleksi Himself - Videos about Finland Finnish language is definitely the positive one because it's awesome, locks on the doors- I find them very useful. Also, the way people interact with each other is very similar to my native culture and it just fine to me because I was raised and lived that way but there are some very small differences that actually exist. I live in the US right now and I see more similarities with my native country and Finland than my country and the US unless the weather and some other things are still similar to my country, especially the weather sometimes😊

[@Pokephosgene]

I don't think Finnish language should be on this list. It's unique in its own way, and it's much easier to pronounce than a lot of Indo-European languages. Upon listening to Finnish Pokemon episode intros, I was quickly able to sing along. Like, in 4-5 minutes.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment! What is your native language? Being easy or difficult is a subjective matter. I'm glad that you are enjoying Finnish. Btw season 1 intro is the best. ;)

[@maksymfrantsuzov1338]

Pokephosgene Absolutely agree with you, recently I discovered that I know 200 Finnish words. I just looked up a bunch of them on Google from time to time out of curiosity, didn't learn anything intentionally, they just stuck in my mind by themselves.

[@Pokephosgene]

Croatian, a South Slavic language, BTW, ˝sininen˝- one of the words in the video actually is a Slavic word- we have a similar word in Croatian- and of course Russian has it. It means ˝a shade of blue˝.

[@AleksiHimself]

Interesting!

[@AleksiHimself]

Also, what Finnish language does have, is a really phonetic pronunciation. Each letter has pretty much only one way to pronounce with a few exceptions, so learners who can pick this up early have definitely more fun with the language.

[@trenchrock]

In Canada we have a problem with manners too....We are wayyyy too polite🤣🤣🤣

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Shannon!

[@shellbythesea12]

No we're not

[@Embrabrummie]

I live in Scotland. A friend described Canadians as "Like Americans - but nice".

[@RockingDyde]

I heard canadians are sorry for every little thing they do. They even say sorry for being sorry xP

[@TheJyssy]

Finnish, scottish and moose is the same. Brothers.

[@jdg2313]

This video is so informative and funny, love it!

[@ToddAndelin]

I absolutely love all your videos. I just found you and I am binging on them now.

[@PhoenixsArt]

Actually i like that i would not have to smile all the time, it is annoying that people expect that everywhere

[@AleksiHimself]

It's not about smiling all the time... but smiling sometimes! :P

[@PhoenixsArt]

Aleksi Himself - Videos about Finland what i mean is that in countries like Germany smiling = being nice and friendly, which is totally untrue . I personally feel like a total idiot when smiling w/o any reason :D

[@backonlazer791]

Common default expression: ^u^ Finnish default expression: ._. P.S. I can't force myself to smile, it only comes naturally.

[@gibbsm]

I like to acknowledge and usually smile at other people, since they are people and it's nice to be nice, until there's a reason to do otherwise ;)

[@saturnjason]

Matt Gibbs - I agree, I just sorta stopped caring what people here think as such. Sometimes I even forget I'm in Finland (except for the language, mainly). Though yeah, in the states, you tend to get both - people that smile and behave like their trying to sell you a used car, and genuine people that would make sure you had something to eat and the shirt off their back, as it were.

[@Aurinkohirvi]

There's 2 kind of smiles. 1) "The genuine smile" where your whole face smiles, it's when you are amused or feel joy. And then 2) the smile where only your mouth and related muscles make the smile, it's a submissive expression, and its message is: don't hurt me or treat me bad, I'm a nice person, not a threat. Many peoples in sparcely populated regions or in isolation don't smile continuosly, because they aren't stressed by the society. But in highly populated regions people smile continuosly to maintain peace within the system and to reduce the stress. So why does the Chinaman smile all the time? Now you know why. In many cultures smile is considered an attempt to manipulate your mind. Someone smiles, he/she is trying to influence you. The submissive smile is also why women don't find smiling men sexy, because they are attracted to men of high social standing, and they do not show submissive face expressions. Women find men with proud and indifferent expressions attracting. And the same applies with apes. It's an evolution thing!

[@AleksiHimself]

Good points! I've been into social dynamics for sometime but this submissive smile was kind of a new stuff for me.

[@Aurinkohirvi]

www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/simply-smiling-can-actually-reduce-stress-10461286/ I'm interested of prehistory, and before that human evolution was one of my interests. It's well known in the social behavior of apes. Look for "genuine smile" or "Duchenne smile" (the same thing). Also, studies done with attractive faces have confirmed what I said above, I think Iltasanomat or Iltalehti had an article of such a study. If you want to be a boss, you don't (need to) smile!

[@rol_serie_b]

That is a really interesting point, although I don't completely agree. I can understand how the things work in Finland, but i don't get the theory about Southern Europe. In Spain, for instance, to smile is considered good manners and a sign of self confidence, not a submissive way of manipulating people. Good bosses tend to smile and to be nice as part of their social skills. A smile can be used for good or bad purposes of course, but it's rarely misunderstood because it's quite easy to recognise when it's fake by a person with developed social skills. Women are always more attracted on guys who openly smile and that are able to articulate emotions and strong opinions without fear. Don't get those studies too seriously... shyness and rudeness are not a sexy thing in 2018.

[@Aurinkohirvi]

You said yourself, good bosses smile and be nice. I agree, that's a good boss. But it's not a dominating boss. It is polite to smile among most cultures, but it is exactly to show that you are a nice, agreeable person. Yeah, I'm sorry but women prefer dominating high social status males, and social smile does not show such standing. A genuine smile is another thing, genuine smile is what shows joy, and that might be attractive to women, but social smile is not a plus when they look for a mate.

[@Aurinkohirvi]

I'm not happy about this scientific fact either. I've even pondered what does it mean to the human kind, if women are atracted with proud, autistic agressive bullies (whom women call often self-confident) with high social standing. Will it lead to the human kind becoming less empathic? While biology might say yes, I'm hoping culture will evolve other direction, and attraction to types who will elbow, kick and murder their way to the top standing in the society, will fade when women become more independent and don't need men to support family any more.

[@slayrx]

Great video. Nice to see such an improvement in your videos. Keep it up.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@smartart3097]

Love the quality of your videos!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thank you! ^^

[@jasonlk9472]

In Greece we pay lots of taxes as well, but many of them are totally ''crazy''. Moreover, I live in southern Europe (Greece), but I feel that I like the peace and quiet of a cold and dark winter. Of course, I have to experience it so as to see if my sense is correct. Finally, nice videos, Aleksi. Wish you the best.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Tasos for sharing your thoughts. :)

[@samisilaste1940]

Why do you a picture of Assad fixed to your bookcase?

[@davidzahalka2766]

Hey, a Czech here! Just came here to say that 6€ for a beer seems indeed quite a lot for us. The good brands of beer here are circa 1.50€ here, but it can get down to 50 cents if you know a good place and even down to 25c if you want to drink a can of a disgusting beer-resebeling water. Something like American beer.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good to know!

[@cwong5643]

I am from Singapore and really enjoy watching how you presented the 11 peeves in Finland. It's really interesting to know! Thank you for creating this video! 👏👏👏

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment C WONG!

[@rucsandrapaduraru3190]

I'm planning to move to Finland and I came across this video. Hilarious, True but hilarious. I will check your other videos as well, I need all the advices in the world

[@AleksiHimself]

That's great! You should also subscribe and join our Finntastic Squad!

[@rucsandrapaduraru3190]

Aleksi Himself - Videos about Finland I most definetly will! :D

[@ernab.565]

Great video, Aleksi!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Erna!

[@timetoknow3252]

really useful episode, its good to deal and consider with it.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Mos!

[@finlandiyarehberim]

This is a masterpiece man! You improved a lot, loved it all!! 😊 the darkness and wasted drunken Finns are the most pissing ones for me 😑

[@AleksiHimself]

Perkele thanks man!

[@normasaunders4244]

Then find another venue w/o Finns, you’ll both be much more secure and comfortable.

[@lailawilson6360]

Social awkwardness! Im Canadian born and raised (mom from Finland...Im dual) went there for the first time last summer...explained alot about that side of my family! I'm super friendly and made out ok! Finns once you engaged with them were lovely!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Laila Wilson!

[@koff41]

Nice name Laila!

[@LuzAGuevara]

well, most of this things make me like your country even more!

[@AleksiHimself]

That's great!

[@Foeniculum]

So funny! Thank you Aleksi, you made my day :) I have been in Finland a few years ago and the custmer service I encountered was very good!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks! I'm glad you've had positive experiences. :)

[@lorenamacedo18]

Geeat channel, learning a lot 😊

[@thejonex7949]

Your editing is awesome, just wanted to say :D jatka samaan malliin

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks a lot!

[@vellamo658]

I agree most things on this list, but the customer service one really makes me sad, because I work as a salesperson. Some of us are only "extra" people there from third company to cover up some shifts, so we don't know the places we work in. If we are a real worker in some shop, we might only know a part of the shop. Also, if some of us are on the cash register, we are told NOT to move from there. Even if we wanted to help, we might not know how or physically cannot move (or we'll get in trouble) from where we are set to.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Vellamo!

[@AnnaluisaSocher]

Hi! I just found you on youtube by chance abd watched the video. I'm from Italy and I've always been interesred in Finland and its language/culture, mainly because of the metal bands from there which I love so much. I like your contents, interesting & funny, never boring. I will watch your other video for sure.

[@AleksiHimself]

That's great! Welcome to the channel. :)

[@eddadamatta3479]

I've only recently found your channel. I think you're hilarious, so obviously you're not a typical Fin. I think you provide a fun way of learning more about Finland and its people. Well done!

[@CyberorgSFW]

I am from Estonia. So comparing Finnish and Estonian language was right. I can more or less speak them both. Grammar system is same, but difference in details. Also there are few words, that sounds similar, but means different: E ruum - space, room F ruumi - dead body Official estonian is based on northen dialect, but there is also south estonian dialects (also Võro keel) and they are closer to finnish language. Nice example of southern dialect can be found from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4HZd3Ssi7V3mtU

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Alex!

[@jorni3696]

Dead pody is RUUMIS in finnish word RUUMI doesn't mean anything

[@aardvark8127]

I find finns to be cool, my experiences in Finland is that I have never seen rudeness or bad manners ever and I find Finns easy to talk with and breaking the ice with them has never been difficult. I left Finland believing if more people around the world were like the finnish people there would be less wars and hate in the world. Rudeness never seen it!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment simon gislingham!

[@shellyconrad4598]

Very informative video and I love your humor! That's so wonderful that you're bilingual! Do you know any other languages besides English and Finnish? I'm from Iowa, USA so I can relate to the 4 seasons. You had me laughing during your videos...I'm going to keep watching and I'm subscribed! 😁

[@vickypetkova3551]

Greetings from Bulgaria! Thank you for your content. Very helpful videos filled with such a fine humor. I love it :) I have a friend who moved to Rovaniemi and she is incredibly happy. I also consider to move in some of the northern countries so I find your channel very useful. Good luck & lots of subscribers, Aleksi

[@sidbilly5220]

.LMAO I cracked up about the weather part. Here (in The Netherlands) it's kinda the same. Instead of snow it will be rain.

[@AleksiHimself]

I'm glad you liked that part!

[@miss8732]

The weather is kind of like that in northern USA states. I come from Wisconsin, and a big joke is about how winter looks like it's going to end and then it snows.

[@hauskalainen]

Ha ha. Happened today. I got to the door of the bar just as two guys were heading there from the other direction. Being a polite Brit I held the door open and let them go in first. The looks that I got from them both was a wonder.... like "what is this guy up to? Is he mad?" And you are so right that most people will not thank you if, after leaving a food store you hold the door open for the person behind you. They must think that I've changed my mind and want to go back in.

[@AleksiHimself]

Lol thanks for sharing the story! Them Finns :D

[@deepsouthNZ]

thanks mate, i enjoyed that and learnt a lot

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Linc, New Zealand!

[@lifejorno1360]

Thanks.. This video cracks me up.. :) especially the language part.. I am learning it now, i feel i want to pull my hair out one by one each time i learn..

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Jorno! Finnish is tough but not impossible. Keep going!

[@josedelsud]

I am from Argentina and like Finland we are here down the south, no matter where you want to fly, it's very expensive 😁 (a local tv show used to say "Welcome citizens from the ass of the world" kiitos paljon rakas Aleksi

[@AleksiHimself]

Haha thanks for the comment! :)

[@camjkerman]

From what I've learnt so far, the Finnish culture sounds like a nice one. I'm English, myself (I'm originally from London but live about 50km South East from there now), but my great grandma was Finnish, which I found out recently, and started learning the language because of it. Finnish is an awesome language. I think spending some time in Finland is very much on the bucket list now.

[@figurefiguras4104]

Awesome video Aleksi!!!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Figure Figuras!

[@maryseeker7590]

Mary here from California-I quite enjoyed your humorous introduction to your culture. I know absolutely nothing about Finnland!!! But I do look forward to watching more videos about your country

[@AleksiHimself]

That's great! :)

[@helenlloyd4509]

I'm so Finnish, even though I have lived my whole life in Australia,(my parents migrated). I'll have to watch out for that locking system next time I visit. Great video.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Helen I appreciate it!

[@Mogolito96]

The "OHO!" part made me laugh so hard. I cannot stress enough how accurate this is :'D

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Morgan Holmstrom!

[@kogelmogel3338]

thanks for this video, i really enjoyed it. what i noticed from my coworkers who are Finns they are always nice and very very patient, even tough do not smile often. And the suomi language is just amazingly beautiful! regards from Poland :) Kiitos

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Ogórek Kiszony!

[@missusd1130]

I worked in many a store where we weren't allowed to just take a customer somewhere when we were "understaffed" or if you were stationed at a desk or cash register. But I always went out of my way to give precise directions like "It's in the middle of Aisle 8, on about the 2nd or 3nd shelf" and encouraged the customer to let me know if they still couldn't find something. Most staff cannot or are not allowed even in the US to give personal service to every customer. The exception "commission" receiving salespeople and waitresses, but "taking someone somewhere" was something I was only rarely encouraged or even allowed to do.

[@AleksiHimself]

Wow that's interesting. It might be the same here.

[@alexjustice502]

Helsinki is still cheaper than California haha im always surprised to pay low prices for certain things in Finland

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Alex for the comment!

[@nettikomissaari8597]

I know a lot of city's in America what are cheaper than finland

[@allikatdreaming]

Could you give an example? I’d be interested to know.

[@Trukki]

About the coffee thing, in Finland, we have to our the coffee ourselves because it's easier for customers who want milk in there so that those customers can themselves decide how much milk they want in there. I mean I was in another country once and they asked if I wanted them to leave room for milk I said yes, they gave me a cup where there was WAY too much space for the milk and I couldn't call it "a cup of coffee" even after pouring the milk. So in my option, it's easier for customers that way.

[@rilaaleem3670]

Thanks bro for sharing

[@AleksiHimself]

My pleasure

[@Frank-wt6lg]

Thanks to Finland's location and high prices, one must really think before travelling somewhere. About customer service: I have many times asked a staff member to find me an item I'm looking for. That is for example in Prisma but also in other stores. And I am finnish.

[@Frank-wt6lg]

You speak quite fluent english with a nice finnish dialect. I once was on a holiday in Spain, and the bartender guessed right away that I was from Finland. So many finnish people travelled there. Fuengirola.

[@AleksiHimself]

Yea I know. :D But that makes us unique. :)

[@AM-fi2tq]

It is great video Aleksi. I came to finland before 2 years and it happens always this kind of finnish behaviors and there isn't social life.

[@AleksiHimself]

I see! Thanks for the comment!

[@Morhgoz]

The darkness is good, the coldness is the best. And I just love how our weather is so, umm, ever changing..? I just love our weather with it's little quirks... And I did think so even before I did start to embrace Buddhist beliefs. Also love your Discord channel!

[@meghatagore8894]

Am actually planning on a trip to finland. This was really helpful.

[@AleksiHimself]

That's great!

[@somedude5010]

I live in Sweden and I like the fact that in Finland silence is socially acceptable, because here whenever you are quiet for 5 minutes someone just has to tell everybody do be social and do fun things and talk together! Like no I have nothing to say in this particular moment why do I need to speak all the time

[@lolita5678]

In bookstores you can find the book "Eksytyssanakirja"= "Eksitussõnaraamat" . There you can learn difference of estonian and finish languages : really similar sounds but meaning different /fanny :-D (Y)

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment lolita5678!

[@ernestkovach3305]

informative and funny!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Ernest Kovach!

[@Javier-il1xi]

Lmao the OHO! thing cracked me up. Kiitos paljon!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Javier!

[@bluezeffer417]

Noted with the locks but can handle the cold and I could use less sun due my eye condition known as tetrachromia which can make me sensitive to sunlight and I burn easy.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment!

[@pet_ricia]

You have no idea how happy I was when I realized there is a country with the same social awkwardness as mine. I hate when people are nice too much or that I like spending time alone 😂 I don't drink too much but when I go to the club I only need two beers and I'm the queen of the dance floor 😂😂😂

[@AleksiHimself]

Nice! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Where are you from?

[@pet_ricia]

Aleksi Himself - Videos about Finland Poland, two hours by train from Gdansk 😂😅

[@mirvah7391]

Girl! You are definitely my sister from another mother. 😂😂✋

[@pet_ricia]

m h Poland is not so far from Spain 😎😁

[@schumispecial1]

Definetely agree for most parts! This would be one great information video for foreigners. Just a tip for the government: finnish juntti density will correlate with latest (or any) budget cuts to education, employment and the like. In business life the opposite would be called an investment.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment schumispecial1!

[@jennifertiitinen9006]

Great discussion. My Finn is more Americanized now but definitely has the classic Finn traits. Some drive me bananas!

[@VlastYs1]

Omg.. 😀😀 that door lock as you mentioned as first... 😀 I didn't know that's Finnish.. 😀 here we have it too sometimes on some places... and I am so sorry I hate it as fuck 😀😀😀 but never mind this vid was funny I enjoyed it a lot✌️ thanx for it :) you're good comedian 😀😀🤘

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Vlasty! The Abloy was invented by a Finnish dude, but the company is currently owned by a Swedish company. Thanks again. :)

[@Dwarf19864]

The good thing about abloy locks is that they are pick proof, your avarage burglar cant pick them open, and i think even the pros need specialized tools... And just in case someone wonders... if you live in apartment flat, you can call maintaince and they will open the door (with masterkey). If you live in a house, you usually just break the cheapest window and go get you keys ^^ I actually had to break my sisters window when i was taking care of her cat's and forgot the keys inside.. damn i felt stupid for doing that :)

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the additional info! The door openings cost here at my area 20€ so it's not that bad.

[@gl8763]

Now I just wanna go to Finland even more. I love winter and cold, I never leave home I don't like social contacts and I don't drink!

[@AleksiHimself]

Sounds perfect then!

[@SoloTravelStory]

I was hoping to spend Christmas & New Years in Helsinki, but the flights are eye-watering expensive from Brussels :( You mentioned Finns will give you a nudge at parties if they see you sober....will they drink shame people who generally don't drink (e.g. health reasons)? I managed to pick up a few basic words and sentences in Finnish, but agree it is difficult to remember...the words are extremely long and have (for an Indo-European) unusual sound sequences. Alone for "train station" there is like a 100 variations of it. I still managed to order coffee in Finnish and they also gave me the pistachio pastry that I asked for, so I must have done something right :D My favourite word has to be "pullapallautus". I practiced this all the way from the supermarket back to my hotel and got some weird looks but it's now saved in my long-term memory. Oh just continued watching more of the video.....regarding customer service....I noticed Finns who run cafes are super nice. Internationals can be a bit stand-off-ish if you approach them in Finnish and not English. I also witnessed a robbery at Kicks at the City Central Mall and when I flagged this to the staff, they shrugged shoulders and said "nothing we can do". As a German I was completely baffled why they didn't do anything, so after a serious talk they got the police involved. The culprit was found, all products returned, but yeah they would have been fine if I had helped myself at their Benefit counter and just left without paying.

[@AleksiHimself]

Drink shaming isn't really a thing. :)

[@jeacquishvictoranos6825]

thank you so much for all those awesome information, no need for me send james bond. I wanna move there asap, now the question is how

[@faithkariuki9918]

Yeah, the lock thing screwed me up day 1.. It cost 35.. for the company to open..

[@AleksiHimself]

Yea gotta be careful with those.

[@omonukuobruchelarry1757]

How is it like to live there as a black

[@tuoppi42]

I rather hear the brief "oho" when someone collides with me than lengthy flow of apologies, during which this person continuously invades my personal space and makes me think that while he has my attention with the apology process, his friend is stealing my wallet or car keys. Just "oho", nod a bit and fuck off. Unless you have my property with you.

[@AleksiHimself]

Nice!

[@thenjiwemabope3220]

Thanks for the heads up

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Thenjiwe Mabope!

[@cantbebotheredsometimes]

I appreciate this video so much, it made me laugh so much! the alcohol situation where people get wasted and become more sociable - this is very similar to NZ/Kiwi culture. Thank you for making a very funny and educational video. :)

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment R.N V.A!

[@frkenmina240]

I was close to die at nr. 2😂 it was hilarious. About the Norwegian, Swedish and Danish, you can say its just say its dialect of each other. Danish for me, sound like Norwegian with a potato in hes/her throat(hard to understand too) and swedish sound little of Norwegian. In norway, we got sugar tax so it gets more lucrative(?) To buy stuff, special food, alcohol and candy, in sweden amd other places. We can look like cold on the outside, amd when you break the ice, we are warm and great people. When i was in Denmark last summer and was in a supermarket amd saw they sold alcohol in any %, i was mindblown because i am not used to that, only stuf up to 4,6/4,7% amd rest in the government own store. And its cheap too. The lowest of price i saw a beer cost there, was ca 9 dkk(danish krone) for a 0,5l amd in Norway you get ca 23/24 nok for the cheapest one. And over all, a true video in a funny way

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Mina for sharing your thoughts! :)

[@iamhasrizal]

We need Aleksisation all over Finland

[@AleksiHimself]

Haha thanks for the comment! :)

[@kitsoundz]

Nice video. I had a problem with my finnish lock too

[@AleksiHimself]

They can be quite tricky!

[@p1k4x]

Hey, the whether darkness thing also applies to Sweden too! Living in Sweden since 1992, born in a South American country so the darkness is kinda depressing when living for work when dark and also the same when returning home....

[@AleksiHimself]

Yep it does affect all Nordic countries. :)

[@olavitaal8778]

Finnish language is like drunken estonian..

[@AleksiHimself]

Nice! Are you Estonian?

[@olavitaal8778]

Yes. Estonian soon to be moving to Finland.

[@0PageAccess]

For me it looks like Estonian is like drunken finnish :D Goes both ways I guess

[@backonlazer791]

As a kid I didn't know about estonian, so when our president at the time (Tarja Halonen) was speaking in estonian on TV, I thought she was having a stroke or something =P

[@jennityni5990]

And we think Estonian is like drunken finnish 😂

[@inevitablethursday]

Who the hell would keep their door unlocked in the first place? Stay away from the little thing that switches it open/locked, have your keys on you and keep your doors locked. (Yes, I'm Finnish and would never ever leave doors unlocked.) Also, your hair looks really cute in this vid Aleksi.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks! The point out is that usually people keep the door locked and that's why it's important to remember the keys. :)

[@XtreeM_FaiL]

Aleksi Himself - Videos about Finland Older lock systems allow you to lock yourself inside too.

[@elderscrollsswimmer4833]

Well helpful tips for that: hang tour key close to the door on sight; post-it note saying "remember keys"; and take a habit to hold the keys before/as you close the door. Can drop the first two once you get it down...

[@susannar2918]

I do :) also my car doors :D

[@chiyangamer2063]

Live in the countryside, we often leave our doors unlocked if we won't take long... No one would be dumb enough to go in, since neighbours would see and people know each other in such a small town, so the intruder would get caught quite easily. xD Plus, hunting, so many families own guns, if intruder comes, will they are fucked! xD

[@crystalrose2694]

Aleksi, you crack me up! This is the first video of yours I have seen. It is super awesome. Have you been to the US yet? How does Finnish partying weigh against US collegiate party norms? Also, I wish we had higher taxes (and income!!!!) to accommodate societies needs. And I am so very thankful that you also speak english so I can enjoy your view into culture. You raise some great points about traveling and interacting with Finnish folk. The customer service bit, however- It used to be that in the US, we trained employees to take customers to the item they were seeking. Then, at some rotten point, we stopped. Now, in the US, I find it 'normal' to get the exact thing you describe in Finland. What a shame that we no longer value the customer enough to take them to the thing they will be giving us their hard earned (and highly taxed) money for! Any how, I really like your video and will look for more- but first, I gotta write a paper!!!!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Crystal I'm glad you liked my content. I haven't been to US yet. That's a shame that the US customer service level has dropped. :/ Good luck with your paper!

[@Peace-Health-Enjoy]

Man you are the best! Do most people in Finland have that great humor sense???

[@AleksiHimself]

Some do, some don't. :)

[@pappysprite]

It's odd that you generalize that Finnish people don't want you to smile or engage in a conversation as they will think you are a "weirdo." I may not be an expert, but I at least have visited Finland once a year for the past 25 years and I have never once found that. I'm a very outgoing American and I absolutely have no problem engaging in conversations with complete strangers there and when I smile, I get smiles back.

[@AleksiHimself]

I was being kinda sarcastic and making fun of the stereotype. :)

[@pappysprite]

Yes..don't take me wrong, I enjoy your videos very much and think you're very funny...Im just saying I really truly haven't ironically seen that stereotype myself...and my Finnish friend can out-talk me and that is saying a lot! Love your caricature drawing behind you. It captures your likeness very well!

[@pappysprite]

If you haven't done videos on traditional foods for the Holidays, that would be great...for example although you don't have Thanksgiving in Finland...maybe there is something similar? Traditional dishes for Christmas?

[@AleksiHimself]

I have done Christmas foods already.

[@anastasiyamatyakh9730]

That's the same thing about most Slavic languages: Czechs speak a funny Russian and Russians speak a funny Polish. Coffee service was shocking when I first came to Finland. Like, "Can I have some milk?" - "Take it over there". After that I was too shy to ask for sugar lol. As for taxes, I'd pay half of my income in taxes with pleasure if it meant we could have the Finnish safety, education, social services, maternity services, healthcare and all that!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment! It's great that you look at the positive aspects of the matters.

[@Bartschv1]

I've been a Truck driver for 17 years and have always wanted to take a temp position in Europe is this a good idea or bad? Would be great to hear some opinions from Fins in this industry or any feedback about working in general.

[@AleksiHimself]

Can't say for sure. It could work out.

[@IonutTudorica]

I've been few days in Helsinki last year in november. It was a little dark, a little cold, but wasn't that annoying. It's interesting to see, and feel that. It's true what you said about the magic drink. Everyone was so serious and nice during the day. And in the night, they just saw i know some things about Finnish (metal, sports) culture, and, bang, all of them hugged me in the middle of the bar. And yell like nuts in the streets. I had a really great time in your country. I love it. Starting with landscapes, ending with people. Greets from Romania.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment Ionut Tudorica!

[@toomasargel8503]

Tervitus Soome. Greatings to Finland. Olkaa kunnalla suomaliset nyt. Mina vartija Virossa

[@AleksiHimself]

Hyvää settiä!

[@JV-bj4kx]

Moro vihaakko ryssiä viron veli

[@luciastefania1910]

Something disrespectful that i experienced few months ago in Finland (my first time there) : i accidently dropped my cup of coffee to the floor. It wasnt broken, luckily! but i got drenched and NO ONE came to Even ask if i needed something to wash my clothes or anything. They were just looking. When i told my girlfriend she said that was weird but still I got really angry! Anyway those months i had a nice experience there with my girlfriend (she is finnish) it was little hard for me to understand the culture since i'm totally opposite (Argentinian) but still learning and planning to move there!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks of for sharing your thoughts! That's a shame. Finns don't really act in such situations unfortunately. Understanding and getting into our culture might take some time, so keep your head cool! :)

[@lassesaikkonen501]

Just be glad you didn't get the sarcastic slow clap ;)

[@mikitz]

If you were male and did that in a bar with a beer, you'd be thrown out. Why does everything have to be so much easier abroad...

[@Nothingbutdust92]

Finnish people don't like to be in the center of attention, especially if it's due to an unfortunate situation. We rather ignore the one causing the attention so to not embarrass the one causing it further more, because we feel vicarious embarrassment. If I had been in your stead as a Finn I would probably rather have people not noticing my mistake or at least pretend they didn't notice me and just wish that nobody starts clapping their hands together and whistle as Lasse Saikkonen earlier wrote... Although that's probably more of a youngsters thing.

[@nolannernberg4627]

That tax receipt looks totally legit! Hahaha Keep the videos coming!

[@AleksiHimself]

More to come!

[@radman4049]

I like the number 6,that part is very interesting.What i figured and went trough the comments is that they will talk with you if it's a real conversation and something to just and forget about.

[@AleksiHimself]

Yea that's quite accurate.

[@balletcrazy16]

I got locked out a few times because of the doors...

[@AleksiHimself]

Happened to me as well!

[@Gibbetoo]

i keep my keys, phone and wallet at same place so i don't forget anything.

[@AleksiHimself]

Nice! I always check that I have all those three before closing the door.

[@91rummy]

as for customer service, staff from supermarket actually took me to the aisle to check the product.. they did not give me directions.. this happened a couple of times .. its been a close to a week for me in Finland.. Also, I got this understanding from several videos that Finnish are reserved and they don't like to be bothered so when I came across this Finnish young lady, I was passing by quietly but she said Hi to me while climbing down the stairs.. I was again surprised..

[@AleksiHimself]

That's great to hear!

[@stansmith4054]

Finland's weather is like here in Michigan! Some days you can experience all 4 seasons within 48 hours!

[@MorgueOfficialMusic]

Who forgets their house keys?!

[@AleksiHimself]

People like me. :D

[@nikkireed2477]

Me.. when I lived at home I broke Into the house twice lol.

[@MorgueOfficialMusic]

I literally can't even leave my apartment without checking I have my keys like 3 times

[@nikkireed2477]

@@MorgueOfficialMusic I didn't realize I locked the door 😑faceplam

[@MorgueOfficialMusic]

@@nikkireed2477 Even the second time?

[@ukriroutalempi5124]

Tetyn alan erikoisliikkeissä on paljon parempi asiakas palvelu ku normi kaupoissa

[@AleksiHimself]

Sekin vielä! Kiitos kommentista.

[@brakefluidbrain]

They way you describe finns makes me feel like I'm one Viisited Finland only one time on a school trip but damn it is a love at first sight (and then our bus was snowballed on the way out when we were passing some village, so I guess my love is unrequited 😁)

[@mamia4252]

It's so helpful information! And your hilarious expression & explanation are also good. But while I watched this video, I couldn't keep myself from gazing "神戸大学" on the card suspended from the shelf. You must have lived in Kansai.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks and I indeed lived in Kansai for a year.