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The Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts, 50 Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Money: The Estonian currency is now the Euro, as the Kroon (EEK) was discontinued from 2011. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at hotels, banks and exchange bureaux in the larger towns, at the airport and main railway station. Major credit cards are generally accepted in the larger hotels, main restaurants and shops, but it is wise to check first. Preferred travellers cheques in Estonia are Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque. Banking hours are weekdays 9am to 4pm. Exchange bureaux are open till 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Some open on Sundays. ATMs are available in most towns.

Currency Exchange Rates

€ 1.00 = A$ 1.23 C$ 1.29 € 1.00 NZ$ 1.60 £ 0.83 US$ 1.27 R 10.70
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: Locals speak Estonian, which is part of the Finno-Ugric family of languages. English is widely used and understood among the younger generation and those involved in the tourist industry.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Estonia. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a half-year period for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom). Holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom', do not require a visa to visit Estonia.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a Document of Identity issued by the Australian government to nationals of Australia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. Temporary passport holders will not be allowed entry into, nor transit through Estonia. A Schengen visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign passengers entering Estonia must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the country. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Travel Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to Estonia. Lyme disease is often reported from April through October and travellers should wear protective clothing if embarking on a nature trip and check themselves for ticks. Estonia's medical professionals are highly trained. Good health facilities can be found in Mustama and East Tallinn Central Hospital. Immediate cash payment is expected from visitors requiring care. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for all nationalities.

Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice, but there is a growing trend to leave tips in restaurants; generally 5-10% of the bill according to level of service; some places do however include a service charge on the bill. Taxi drivers appreciate the spare change.

Safety Information: Visits to Estonia are usually trouble free, but with an increase in tourism there has also been an increase in tourist-related crime. There is a risk of pick-pocketing and mugging around Tallinn's Old Town, at ferry ports and major hotels. Be vigilant and take precautions like avoiding unlit side streets and parks after dark.

Local Customs: Estonians are at first glance generally quiet and reserved, and do not like to draw attention to themselves. A handshake is the practised form of greeting.

Business: Business is conducted formally in Estonia. A formal dress code is expected. Shaking hands is the common form of greeting for men and women. The person should be referred to as 'Harra' (Mr.), 'Prova' (Mrs.) or 'Preili' (Miss) followed by the surname. Relationships based on trust need to be developed and several meetings may need to take place. Business cards are often exchanged and it is polite to have the alternate side translated. Decisions are not necessarily made during the meetings. Business hours are generally 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.

Communications: The international dialling code for Estonia is +372 and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The country has area codes, except for the capital, Tallinn. Pay phones using cards are widely available. Cards can be purchased from hotel reception desks, tourist information offices, post offices, newsstands and some shops. There is a GSM mobile network available. There are several Internet cafes in Tallinn.

Duty free: Travellers over 18 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on goods to the value of €175. The following items are duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits higher than 22% alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with alcohol content lower than 22% (includes sparkling wines, liqueur wines, still wine), and beer to the value of €175. Goods for personal consumption include 50g perfume, 250ml eau de toilette and medical products for personal use. Travellers arriving with goods purchased in EU countries have more leeway.

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