- Destinations
- Europe
- Estonia
Estonia
Estonia is a beguiling mix of the ultra-modern and firmly
traditional, a northern Baltic land of primeval forests, rivers,
and sea islands, with one of the smallest populations of any
country in the world.
Most Estonians have opted for city life, leaving the countryside
rather wild and filled with rare birds, plants and roaming deer,
elk, wild boar, bears and wolves. The low, largely flat landscape
is also dotted with relics of Estonia's medieval glory, when the
Teutonic knights reigned supreme and built castles which are now
left as decaying hulks, testifying to the wealth of the traders who
made use of the country's ports. The main port, Tallinn, today
still the capital city, was part of the mighty Hanseatic League in
the 13th century. Its medieval prosperity has given the romantic
city a wealth of attractions for modern-day tourists to
explore.
Historical and natural attractions are only one reason why
Estonia is experiencing an upsurge in tourism. The country is
sandwiched between east and west Europe, also easily accessible
from the south, offering fresh and unspoilt opportunities for those
who enjoy the Nordic experience. The country lies along the Baltic
Sea, just below Finland, with Russia to the east and Latvia to the
south. Estonia has only recently (in 1991) thrown off the shackles
of Soviet domination, and a vibrant spirit of freedom and rebirth
pervades the air not only in the capital but also the lively
university town of Tartu, the busy industrial centre of Narva and
the idyllic summer vacation capital of Pärnu on the south-western
coast.
Information & Facts
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.
Climate
Estonia has a temperate climate, with warm summers and severe
winters. Temperatures range from a summer average of 70°F (30°C) to
a winter average of 18°F (-8°C). Being on the Baltic Sea, the
country is subjected to sea breezes and humidity and its northern
latitude means long summer daylight hours (the longest summer day
stretches to 19 hours), and dark winters when daylight sometimes
lasts only six hours. The cold winter does not necessarily mean
constant snow; in fact snowfalls are few and far between. When it
falls it stays though, and there tends to be a layer of snow
constantly on the ground between December and March. Summertime
brings unexpected rain showers, so an umbrella and light raincoat
are recommended.
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.
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.
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.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
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.
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.
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.
Passport Visa
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.
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.
Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to
the last Sunday in October).
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.