The short answer is you can survive easily without a car if you are living in the big cities.
My friends from the USA and Canada (especially the USA) become so surprised when they find out that I do not own a car. It freaks them out, and they often say, “How are you even surviving?”
Well, here I am. More than two years without a car, surviving ABSOLUTELY fine. How did I do that?
Because of the incredible public transport system. There are a lot of options to commute everywhere, and the frequency of public transport is very high. I will write a separate blog where I will introduce everything you need to know about public transportation in Finland.
There are a few reasons why I do not prefer any car, such as:
- Additional expenses: For fuel, insurance, and maintenance, I will have to spend a good sum of money every month. I am not interested in these additional expenses.
- Hassle of parking: Parking the car during office hours is very troublesome, especially in Helsinki. There are hardly any free parking options regardless of the area. At the same time, I have to pay for the parking, which is also quite a few bucks every day unless you get free parking.
- Heating issue: In the winter, I have to plug in the car about an hour before I leave (which is literally the largest time of the year). I don’t really feel like doing this either.
Yes, you have to clean up the snow of your car before you leave.
However, I really believe for some people it is very convenient to get a car. For example:
- If you have a family, it is quite convenient to get a car. Your life will be much smoother with a car for dropping your kids at school and then going to your work.
- If you are delivering food or parcels, a car will be convenient, especially during the winter season. It is extremely difficult to do these tasks on a bicycle during winter.
- If you like to hang out in different places every week, a car will help you to carry your stuff with you. Also, a car will save a lot of time.
- If you are planning to drive a taxi and earn, I think a car is a good investment for you.
- If you are living in a small town where the public transportation system is not easily accessible, you should get a car. I know people who drive even 35 KM to get to their workplace.
Drive safe.