1. Adapt to Costly Houses
Even though the Nordic countryside may appear to be the very image of solace and natural beauty, an increasing number of locals prefer city life, resulting in the already hefty housing prices to elevate even higher. These expenses have experienced a specific increase during the last year or two; the high standard of living naturally has its expenses, however there's been some discussion within the public regarding the potential for a real estate bubble. Whether or not this happens, anyone going to relocate to the Nordic countries in the future should be happy to spend more than they might be accustomed to for their housing (unless of course you're from New York or London, of course).
Once you locate a reasonably priced apartment close to the city center, you must stick to it. Once moving in, just find the nearest IKEA and get some low-priced furniture -- or should you prefer more distinctive classiness, there is really an abundance of high-quality (and high price) designer furniture; Nordic nations are better known for their simple and timeless home design.
Supposing you intend to live as a hermit in the wilderness, on the other hand, the housing prices are substantially lower. Several towns within the north are having issues with the net emigration, that has triggered real estate costs to drop in countryside regions.
2. Recognize the Reserved Nature of the Locals
Scandinavians and people from Nordic countries generally are generally stereotyped as timid and reserved, and -- depending on what you're accustomed to and what precise area you move to -- chances are you'll realize that the rumors aren't entirely based on misinformation. If you find yourself in an elevator with a native, it's recommended not to start a chat, as you will likely end up being branded as a weird weirdo. Instead, it's better to look at your feet (or the ceiling) or start twiddling with your iPhone. Giving a subtle smile is a nice gesture, although certainly not required.
Nonetheless, in main cities like Stockholm, the setting is, of course, considerably more multicultural than in the countryside; you may at times end up in a small-talk situation. Still, these cases are sparse when compared to many other countries. Numerous cities do luckily have many other expatriates, and communities such as InterNations can assist you find new friends.
In spite of being perhaps slightly taciturn, most local residents are courteous and in most cases have a very good command of foreign languages (some desire not to actually display these language skills may possibly occur, though). Respectable manners are expected from everybody, and jumping the queue or pushing people in a rush are greatly disapproved of.
Generally, they are very open-minded towards foreign people and cultures: racial or other discrimination is rare and again, disapproved of by the majority.
3. Be equipped for the Winter Blues
Norway, Sweden, and Finland cover one of those regions of our planet where all four seasons can be encountered to their full extent. Chilly winters and warm, pleasant summers allow you to enjoy the true range of the Nordic nature -- as long as you dress appropriately. Unlike many other nations around the world, the national infrastructure is made to resist serious climate conditions; commuter traffic (usually) operates efficiently and homes stay warm even throughout the heaviest snowfall.
In fact, normally it isn't the seasonal temperature or climate that's the primary issue for foreign people. Due to the proximity to the polar circle, the length of the day will depend on heavily on the time of the year; during the summers the sun rarely sets at all (in the north of the Scandinavian peninsula it really doesn't set) and in the winter the daylight is limited to merely several hours.
This feature has a tendency to impact sleeping patterns: those unfamiliar with having the sun up at 2:00 a.m. might go through some confusion. Also, considering the sunlight's affect on our feelings, winter depression is regrettably rather common.
4. Bring Your Family With you
Having already accepted the concept of social democracy a hundred years ago, the Nordic countries feature some of the most extensive welfare services in this world. Those who gain most obviously are families with kids, who enjoy free, high-quality education and healthcare. There are international private schools, of course, but parents planning a longer stay are recommended to sign up their offspring in a state-owned school.
The Nordic nations have always employed large income redistribution via significantly progressive taxation; this aspect has played an essential part for making the region probably the most "equal" places there is. The theory is to provide everybody with the same opportunities in life and this goal has been pretty much reached. Regrettably, this implies that huge salary families must be prepared to have a large slice of their salary taken by the government.
The municipal taxes and taxes on capital revenue are nearly flat rates, however.
5. Get Into the Magnificent Nature
Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there's not many who'd disagree about the appeal of the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, attractive Åland Islands in the Baltic Sea or the arctic mountains in Lapland. The locals are rather outdoorsy folks, with the majority of them having a summer time cottage by the seashore or a lake. Even the most inhabited places -- the capitals Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki -- have massive green locations and parks scattered throughout the city, usually occupied by families or students. Suggested parks include Hagaparken in Stockholm, Kaivopuisto in Helsinki and Frognerparken in Oslo.
While not everyone loves winter sports, many of us do, and you should not miss out on the opportunity to ski during your stay. The slopes might not be as extraordinary as those in the Alps but skiing is a preferred winter pastime nevertheless. Throughout the summer, sailing and hiking are widely enjoyed.
Even though the Nordic countryside may appear to be the very image of solace and natural beauty, an increasing number of locals prefer city life, resulting in the already hefty housing prices to elevate even higher. These expenses have experienced a specific increase during the last year or two; the high standard of living naturally has its expenses, however there's been some discussion within the public regarding the potential for a real estate bubble. Whether or not this happens, anyone going to relocate to the Nordic countries in the future should be happy to spend more than they might be accustomed to for their housing (unless of course you're from New York or London, of course).
Once you locate a reasonably priced apartment close to the city center, you must stick to it. Once moving in, just find the nearest IKEA and get some low-priced furniture -- or should you prefer more distinctive classiness, there is really an abundance of high-quality (and high price) designer furniture; Nordic nations are better known for their simple and timeless home design.
Supposing you intend to live as a hermit in the wilderness, on the other hand, the housing prices are substantially lower. Several towns within the north are having issues with the net emigration, that has triggered real estate costs to drop in countryside regions.
2. Recognize the Reserved Nature of the Locals
Scandinavians and people from Nordic countries generally are generally stereotyped as timid and reserved, and -- depending on what you're accustomed to and what precise area you move to -- chances are you'll realize that the rumors aren't entirely based on misinformation. If you find yourself in an elevator with a native, it's recommended not to start a chat, as you will likely end up being branded as a weird weirdo. Instead, it's better to look at your feet (or the ceiling) or start twiddling with your iPhone. Giving a subtle smile is a nice gesture, although certainly not required.
Nonetheless, in main cities like Stockholm, the setting is, of course, considerably more multicultural than in the countryside; you may at times end up in a small-talk situation. Still, these cases are sparse when compared to many other countries. Numerous cities do luckily have many other expatriates, and communities such as InterNations can assist you find new friends.
In spite of being perhaps slightly taciturn, most local residents are courteous and in most cases have a very good command of foreign languages (some desire not to actually display these language skills may possibly occur, though). Respectable manners are expected from everybody, and jumping the queue or pushing people in a rush are greatly disapproved of.
Generally, they are very open-minded towards foreign people and cultures: racial or other discrimination is rare and again, disapproved of by the majority.
3. Be equipped for the Winter Blues
Norway, Sweden, and Finland cover one of those regions of our planet where all four seasons can be encountered to their full extent. Chilly winters and warm, pleasant summers allow you to enjoy the true range of the Nordic nature -- as long as you dress appropriately. Unlike many other nations around the world, the national infrastructure is made to resist serious climate conditions; commuter traffic (usually) operates efficiently and homes stay warm even throughout the heaviest snowfall.
In fact, normally it isn't the seasonal temperature or climate that's the primary issue for foreign people. Due to the proximity to the polar circle, the length of the day will depend on heavily on the time of the year; during the summers the sun rarely sets at all (in the north of the Scandinavian peninsula it really doesn't set) and in the winter the daylight is limited to merely several hours.
This feature has a tendency to impact sleeping patterns: those unfamiliar with having the sun up at 2:00 a.m. might go through some confusion. Also, considering the sunlight's affect on our feelings, winter depression is regrettably rather common.
4. Bring Your Family With you
Having already accepted the concept of social democracy a hundred years ago, the Nordic countries feature some of the most extensive welfare services in this world. Those who gain most obviously are families with kids, who enjoy free, high-quality education and healthcare. There are international private schools, of course, but parents planning a longer stay are recommended to sign up their offspring in a state-owned school.
The Nordic nations have always employed large income redistribution via significantly progressive taxation; this aspect has played an essential part for making the region probably the most "equal" places there is. The theory is to provide everybody with the same opportunities in life and this goal has been pretty much reached. Regrettably, this implies that huge salary families must be prepared to have a large slice of their salary taken by the government.
The municipal taxes and taxes on capital revenue are nearly flat rates, however.
5. Get Into the Magnificent Nature
Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there's not many who'd disagree about the appeal of the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, attractive Åland Islands in the Baltic Sea or the arctic mountains in Lapland. The locals are rather outdoorsy folks, with the majority of them having a summer time cottage by the seashore or a lake. Even the most inhabited places -- the capitals Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki -- have massive green locations and parks scattered throughout the city, usually occupied by families or students. Suggested parks include Hagaparken in Stockholm, Kaivopuisto in Helsinki and Frognerparken in Oslo.
While not everyone loves winter sports, many of us do, and you should not miss out on the opportunity to ski during your stay. The slopes might not be as extraordinary as those in the Alps but skiing is a preferred winter pastime nevertheless. Throughout the summer, sailing and hiking are widely enjoyed.