Practical information

Here are some practical tips you need to consider when visiting Tallinn:

Money and currency in Estonia

Estonia joined the EURO-zone in the beginning of 2011 - and now, EURO is the official currency.Changing money in Estonia is easy at the many ATMs, banks, hotels and bureaux de change that offer currency exchange services. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard/Eurocard etc. are accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and shops. Use of American Express is not as common.

Climate

The weather in Estonia is largely dictated by its closeness to the Baltic sea. In June the skies are usually blue and temperatures can reach up to 30° Celsius but the summer average temperature in Estonia is a very pleasant 16.5°C. In summer there can be 19 hours of daylight, known locally as the “white nights”.

Visas, Passports

Since Estonia joined Europe (EU) in 2004. EU citizens, Americans, Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders do not need visas to visit. However if you do need one, you at least have the consolation that an “Estonian visa” is valid throughout most of Europe as Estonia is in the Schengen area. Equally if you have started your tour in another Schengen country, the visa it issued is valid for Estonia too. For more information please visit The MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website.

Communications and Electricity

Estonia offers all the comforts of modern communication as well as valuing old traditions. Access to wireless, free internet is approaching 100% in Tallinn - even in the parks - and no hotel dares charge for it now.

Electricity Electrical current in Estonia is 220 V/50 Hz. Round, European-style two-pin plugs are used.

Language

The official language is Estonian. Most people are also fluent in English and often in German, Finnish, Russian and Swedish as well.

Distances

In Tallinn everything is very close. Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is 5 minutes’ drive away and conference venues are 5 to 10 minutes’ walk away from city center or major hotels.

Price Level

In general, prices in Estonia are cheaper than in many other EU countries, so it’s a great shopping destination. Larger shops and shopping centers are usually open 7 days a week; smaller ones are closed on Sundays. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Bus ticket in Tallinn costs 1.3€ per hour, average lunch special in restaurant costs 5€, bottle of beer in supermarket 1€.

Security in Tallinn

Estonia is a remarkably safe country. Obviously it is not totally crime-free, but very few incidents affect tourists. In fact this is one of the reasons why we attract many of our visitors. They feel happy on our streets during the day and equally so during the evening.