Information about Estonia
For information about Latvia click here.
Tipping
Tips is not included in prices. It will be appreciated if you show you are satisfied by giving some extra.
Drinking Water
The tap water in town is safe to drink. This doesn''t mean it always tastes good.
Electricity
Estonian electricity is 220V, 50Hz. Plugs are standard European 2-pin plugs.
Estonian Embassies
You will find a list of Estonian Embassies on the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_135/1425.html
Facts About Estonia
Capital: Tallinn
Inhabitants: Approx. 1,4 million, out of which approx. 400.000 in Tallinn
Language: Estonian, which is similar to Finnish and related to Hungarian. Knowledge of Russian is widely spread among the older and younger people usually have a good command of English.
Currency: Euro (EUR), 1 euro = 100 cent.
Religion: Lutheran Protestants and Russian Orthodox.
Population: 65% estonians, 27% russians, 3% ukraineans and others 5%
Public Holidays 2011
1 January - New Year''s Day
24 February - Independence Day - Anniversary of Foundation of the Estonian Republic
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
1 May - Spring Day
Pentecost
23 June - Victory Day
24 June - St John's Day or Midsummer Day
20 August - Day of Restoration of Independence
24 December - Christmas Eve
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
Internet
Internet cafés are easy to find. There are many free of charge WiFi hotspots. Please ask a tourist information centre in Estonia for more details.
Credit Cards
Major credit cars, especially Visa and Mastercard, can be used in all larger stores and restaurants. American Express can only be used in a few stores. But always check before you make a purchase. ATMs where you can make a cash withdrawal are available all over Estonia, but it is always wise to carry some cash.
Passport and Visa
For most European nationals, no visa is required. At the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs you will find a complete list of which citizenships require a visa:http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_132/915.html
A valid passport is always required for entry into Estonia.
Travel with Your Own Car
In general, the following documents are required when you bring your car to Estonia. You should also carry these documents with you whenever driving the car:
- Registration certificate (original)
- International Green Card for insurance (non-EU nationals)
- If the car''s owner is not travelling with the car, you need a power of attorney showing that the user of the car is entitled to use it by the rightful owner. This also applies to company cars and rental cars. The power of attorney may be in English.
In Estonia you drive on the right side of the street. Traffic rules and signs are mainly in accordance with European standards. There is a heavy presence of traffic police in towns and on major roads and the consequences of being caught speeding, breaking other traffic rules or not carrying the proper documents are unpleasant. You are strongly recommended to behave well when driving in Estonia.
Foreign Embassies in Estonia
At the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs you will find a list of Estonian embassies abroad.http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_149/
Taxi
In Tallinn there are plenty of Taxis. They are cheap in a European perspective. We recommend newer cars from ESRA, Tulika and VIP-Takso as problems have been reported with independent taxi drivers.
Tourist Information Centers
Tourist information centres are found in major towns (and villages). For instance in Harju Street near Raekoja Plats (town hall square) in the middle of Tallinn''s old town.
Important Telephone Numbers
Police: 110
Fire fighting and ambulance: 112
Opening Hours
Stores and shops are usually open 1000-1800 in weekdays and 1000-1600 on Saturdays. Most department stores, shopping malls and supermarkets are open later and also on Sundays. There are gas stations and convenience stores open 24/7 in Tallinn.
Museums are usually closed Mondays.
