Welcome to Estonia 😊

Quick Facts About Estonia

Money and Finances

The currency used in Estonia is Euro (EUR). The coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and the banknotes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available across Estonia, including in rural areas and small towns.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels in Estonia. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while AMEX is less common.

Internet and Phones

Estonia is one of the world leaders in internet connectivity, with an average download speed of 75 Mbps and upload speed of 30 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Estonia are Telia, Elisa and Tele2. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around €10-€20 per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Estonia

To call Estonia from another country, dial +372 followed by the local number. Estonia uses a four-digit area code system, with 6 being the code for Tallinn and 7 being the code for Tartu, the two largest cities.

Transport Around Estonia

Air Travel

Estonia has one major international airport, Tallinn Airport, located in the capital city Tallinn. There are also smaller regional airports in Tartu, Pärnu, and Kuressaare.

Train Travel

Estonia has a limited inter-city train network, with a few routes connecting major cities. Example journey times and ticket prices include Tallinn to Tartu taking 2.5 hours for €12, and Tallinn to Narva taking 3.5 hours for €11.

Metro / Local Trains

There is no metro system in Estonia.

Buses

Estonia's bus network is extensive, with many routes connecting even the smallest villages. Example journey times and ticket prices include Tallinn to Tartu taking 2.5 hours for €6, and Tartu to Pärnu taking 3.5 hours for €10.

Rideshare

Estonia has rideshare companies such as Bolt and Uber, with prices varying depending on distance and demand. A 10 km ride in Tallinn typically costs around €6-8.

Driving by Car

Driving in Estonia is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and good signage. The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h, outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, and on highways is 110 km/h. Estonia uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Estonia, it is not common to tip service providers, but rounding up the total bill is appreciated. Locals greet each other with a handshake, and close friends may hug. Bowing is not a common custom. Estonians are reserved and may seem unapproachable to strangers, but once a relationship is established they are warm and friendly. Men and women address each other equally and informally, using first names instead of titles. It is considered impolite to interrupt someone while they are speaking.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Estonia has a national healthcare system that provides universal coverage for its citizens. Private healthcare is also available. A visit to a doctor can cost around 30-50 euros. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

COVID Situation

Estonia managed the COVID-19 pandemic fairly well, with early measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus. As of August 2021, the rates of coronavirus are relatively low in the country.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Estonia include tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. It is recommended to wear protective clothing and use insect repellent when outdoors. Food and water-borne illnesses, such as salmonella and hepatitis A, can also be a risk. It is important to practice good food hygiene and drink only bottled or treated water.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Estonia, the legal age to purchase and consume alcohol is 18. Public drinking is prohibited, and it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. Binge drinking is a concern in Estonia, and the government has implemented various measures to discourage excessive alcohol consumption.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Estonia, and penalties for possession and distribution can be severe. However, the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is decriminalized and punishable by a fine.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are legal and widely accepted in Estonia. Cohabitation is common, and there is no legal requirement for couples to get married before starting a family.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex relationships are legal in Estonia, and the country has recognized registered partnerships since 2016. However, LGBTQ individuals still face discrimination and harassment, and hate crimes against the community have been reported.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms ownership in Estonia is tightly regulated, and only individuals who have completed the necessary training and background checks are allowed to possess guns. Automatic weapons are prohibited, and gun owners must undergo regular medical and psychological evaluations to retain their firearms license.