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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Duty Free:
Travellers over 18 years arriving from non-EU countries do not
have to pay duty on goods to the value of EUR175. 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 EUR175. 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.
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.