Finland is a country located in Northern Europe that’s known for its clean environment, high quality of life, and unique culture. In recent years, it has become a popular destination for people who are looking to work or study abroad. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of living in Finland through the eyes of a vlogger who works as a housekeeping staff in the country.
As a professional cleaner in Finland, the work can be physically demanding, but it is also well-respected. The job requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. In general, cleaning is considered an essential and respected profession in Finland, and cleaners are often paid a fair wage for their hard work.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
A Vlogger’s Experience as an OFW Cleaner in Finland
The vlogger, whose name is Alan, and whose YouTube channel is called Just Prince, is a Filipino who works in Finland as a housekeeping staff. He is also a content creator who shares his experiences living and working in the country through his YouTube channel. In one of his videos, he talks about his salary, monthly expenses, and the country’s recycling program. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
Finland Cost of Living, Salary and Monthly Expenses
Alan earns 1,774 euros per month as a housekeeping staff, which is roughly equivalent to 101,118 pesos per month depending on the exchange rate. This does not yet include his overtime pay, which can increase his earnings. For his monthly expenses, he shares that his apartment rent is 630 euros, which he splits with his co-staff since the contract is under both of their names. This means that his share of the rent is only 315 euros per month.
For food, he usually buys groceries that can last for a week and amount to around 60 euros per month for his individual share. He buys food for four people since they often have visitors. This means that his total food expenses per month amount to around 240 euros. Other expenses, such as transportation and leisure activities, are not discussed in the video.
List of typical living expenses in Finland:
- Apartment rent
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Utilities (water, electricity, etc.)
- Internet and phone bills
- Insurance (health, car, etc.)
- Clothing and personal care products
- Entertainment and leisure activities
Recycling Program
Alan also showcases Finland’s recycling program, which encourages consumers to return empty beverage packages for recycling by issuing a deposit refund. The manufacturers and importers of beverages fund the return systems, while consumers return deposit packages to stores and kiosks. The program keeps bottles and cans off the streets and prevents them from ending up in nature or mixed waste.
In the vlogger’s visit to a supermarket, he demonstrates how to deposit empty bottles and cans to a machine that generates a cash receipt, which can be used to pay for groceries or exchanged for cash at the register. He also shows the different grocery products available, including fresh produce, marinated meats, bacon, ham, hotdogs, and even pizzas.
Grocery Shopping
One interesting aspect of our vlogger’s video is his visit to a Finnish supermarket. He showcases the different grocery products available, including fresh produce, marinated meats, bacon, ham, hotdogs, and even pizzas. He notes that the quality of food is high, but the prices can be steep.
If you’re an OFW in Finland, you might want to consider the following tips when grocery shopping:
- Look for deals and discounts – Many Finnish supermarkets offer weekly deals on certain products, so be sure to check the flyers and advertisements for savings.
- Buy in bulk – Some items, such as rice and cooking oil, can be cheaper if bought in larger quantities. Consider splitting the cost with your co-workers or friends to save money.
- Use loyalty programs – Some supermarkets offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or discounts on your purchases. Be sure to sign up for these programs if they’re available.
In Finland, grocery shopping is an interesting experience. For one, the country has a wide variety of grocery products available, from fresh produce to pre-packaged foods. Alan notes that the prices of groceries are generally higher in Finland than in the Philippines, but the quality is much better. In addition, grocery stores in Finland have a self-checkout system that allows customers to scan and bag their own purchases, which can save time and minimize contact with other people.
Aside from buying groceries in a supermarket, Alan also uses Facebook Marketplace to buy other items, such as bicycles. According to him, using Facebook Marketplace offers a wider range of options compared to buying from a store. He features the Prisma market in Pietarsaari, which is one of the big supermarkets in the area. He also notes that Finland is known for having a large number of lakes – 187,888 – in relation to its population of about 5 million, or one lake for every 26 people.
How Much the Vlogger Spent Moving to Finland from the Middle East
Many of the vlogger’s followers inquire about the process of going to Finland for work. To summarize, an agency assisted him in processing his documents to work in Finland. For his residence permit in Finland, he first spent around 800 plus Saudi Riyal on medical reports, including a negative salmonella and tuberculosis report and the fit-to-work certificate.
This expense already covered the transportation to and from the clinic. These reports needed to be uploaded to enterfinland.fi. He then paid 2018 Saudi riyals, equivalent to 490 euros, for his residence permit at the Finland embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The last expense he paid was for his plane tickets and visa in Dubai, where he obtained an exit-reentry visa instead of the final exit visa because his IQAMA was about to expire.
His former employer in Saudi Arabia didn’t approve of the visa he obtained, but he had no choice as he wanted to stay in Finland. His expenses for the visa and itinerary from Saudi to Dubai amounted to 450 dirhams, while his round-trip plane ticket cost 4,646.43 Saudi Arabia riyals.
Working as a Professional Cleaner in Finland
If you’re considering a job as a professional cleaner in Finland, there are a few things you should know before making the move. As a cleaner, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of various buildings, such as schools, offices, and hospitals. While the job can be physically demanding, it’s also a rewarding way to earn a living and support yourself or your family.
Job Responsibilities
As a cleaner in Finland, your job responsibilities will vary depending on the type of building you work in. For example, if you work in an office, your duties may include vacuuming, dusting, and taking out the trash. If you work in a hospital, you may be responsible for disinfecting surfaces and cleaning patient rooms. Regardless of the specific tasks, the goal of a cleaner is to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for those who use the building.
Salary and Benefits
According to the vlogger who shared his experience, the average monthly salary for a cleaner in Finland is around 1,774 euros. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location and experience. Additionally, cleaners may be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation time.
Expenses
In terms of expenses, cleaners in Finland can expect to pay for their housing, food, and other living expenses. The cost of living in Finland is generally higher than in other European countries, so it’s important to budget accordingly. Here’s a breakdown of some of the expenses a cleaner in Finland may incur:
- Housing – Depending on the location, a cleaner in Finland can expect to pay anywhere from 500 to 800 euros per month for rent. Sharing an apartment with a roommate or co-worker can help lower this cost.
- Food – As with housing, the cost of food in Finland can be higher than in other countries. However, by shopping at discount stores and buying in bulk, a cleaner can save money on groceries. It’s important to note that many employers offer lunch benefits to their employees, which can help lower the cost of food.
- Transportation – While public transportation is generally reliable in Finland, it can be expensive. Cleaners may be eligible for transportation benefits from their employer, or they may choose to bike to work to save money on commuting costs.
- Leisure Activities – While not necessary for daily living, leisure activities can be a way to unwind after work and enjoy the local culture. From hiking in the forests to attending music festivals, there are plenty of things to do in Finland. It’s important to budget for these activities and take advantage of any free or low-cost events.
Challenges
While being a cleaner in Finland can be a fulfilling job, it’s not without its challenges. For example, the work can be physically demanding, and cleaners may be required to work early mornings or late nights. Additionally, as with any job, there may be language barriers or cultural differences to navigate. However, many employers offer language classes and cultural training to help their employees succeed in their new role.
To summarize, here are the challenges when working as a professional cleaner in Finland:
- Language barrier – Finnish is a challenging language to learn, especially for non-native speakers. This can make communication with co-workers and employers difficult and could lead to misunderstandings.
- Limited social life – Since most of the people in Finland speak Finnish and Swedish, it can be hard for Filipinos to find a social circle outside of work. The country can also be quite isolated, making it challenging to travel and meet new people.
- Cold climate – Finland is known for its harsh winter weather, with temperatures that can reach as low as -30°C. This can be especially difficult for Filipinos who are not accustomed to the cold weather and may struggle to adjust.
- Limited job opportunities – As a non-EU citizen, it can be challenging to find work in Finland. This can make it difficult for Filipinos to find jobs in other industries, making cleaning one of the few job options available.
- High cost of living – While the salary for cleaners in Finland is relatively high, the cost of living can also be quite expensive. Accommodation, food, and other necessities can be costly, and this can be a challenge for Filipino cleaners who are not used to these high expenses.
Benefits
Despite the challenges, being a cleaner in Finland comes with its own set of benefits. Here are some of them:
- High Salary – The salary of a cleaner in Finland is relatively high compared to other countries. Filipino workers can earn enough to support their families and even have some left for savings.
- Good Working Conditions – Cleaning companies in Finland provide their workers with good working conditions, including comfortable uniforms and proper equipment. They also provide training to ensure that workers can perform their duties efficiently and safely.
- Job Security – Due to the high demand for cleaning services in Finland, there is a constant need for more workers. This provides job security for Filipino workers, as they can expect to have long-term employment and opportunities for advancement.
- Social Benefits – Workers in Finland are entitled to various social benefits, including health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacations. This means that Filipino workers can have peace of mind knowing that they are covered in case of any emergencies.
- Cultural Exchange – Working as a cleaner in Finland can also provide opportunities for cultural exchange. Filipino workers can interact with people from different backgrounds and learn about the Finnish culture, language, and way of life. This can be a valuable experience for personal growth and development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vlogger’s video on his experience as a housekeeping staff in Finland provides a glimpse into the country’s cost of living and unique features, such as its recycling program and abundant lakes. With a monthly salary of 1,774 euros, he is able to cover his expenses for food and housing, as well as enjoy some of the country’s offerings, such as biking. Other professions may offer more lucrative salaries as well. For example, if you are a nurse, you may be interested to know that Finland also offers job opportunities in the healthcare sector, particularly in nursing.
Moreover, Finland’s recycling program is an excellent example of how a country can promote sustainability by involving both manufacturers and consumers in the process. The deposit refund system incentivizes people to return empty beverage packages, thus preventing them from ending up in nature or mixed waste. This program also has the added benefit of keeping the streets clean and free from litter.
Overall, the vlogger’s video highlights the positive aspects of living in Finland, including its efficient recycling program, scenic lakes, and convenient grocery options. As more people become interested in sustainable living and minimizing waste, Finland’s recycling program could serve as a model for other countries to emulate.