ESTONIA

TRAVEL MANUAL
Capital: Tallin

Area: 45.228 km

Population: 1,341,140

Density: 28 per Km

GOVERNMENT
The Parliamentary Republic is a form of government in which the democratic representation of the will of the people
is entrusted, typically through political elections, to Parliament and its members, which, as such, elect differently
both the Government and the President of the republic.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
Estonian is the only official language.

OFFICIAL TIME
Time zone: EEST (Eastern European Summer Time)
Winter time: UTC (Universal Time Coordinated)/ GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
DST: Daylight Saving Time (+ 1 hour).
Difference in winter time with
Italy: +1 hour
Poland: -1 hour
Romania: no difference
Turkey: no difference

MONEY
The present currency of Estonia is the euro (), due to the countrys eurozone membership. When Estonia declared
its independence in February of 1918, the country didnt yet have its own national currency. The German occupying
powers at the time designated the German mark as the main currency in Estonia and the only legal payment
method. Though during this period, there were other currencies floating around the Republic of Estonia as well (the
Russian ruble, the Finnish markka, and the German ostrouble).
The Germans left Estonia in November of 1918 with WWI having come to an end in the west. At this time, the
Estonian Provisional Government established the Estonian mark as the national currency in Estonia.Because of the
inflation of the mark and a decrease in gold reserves in Estonia, a new Estonian currency was established, the
Estonian kroon. Due to occupation by the Soviet Union in 1941, the Estonian kroon became invalid and Estonia had
to use the Soviet ruble until 1992. The Estonian government reestablished the Estonian kroon in 1992 for around 20
years. It was the last Estonian currency before the euro. On January 1, 2011, Estonia joined the eurozone. The
exchange rate at the day was settled at 1 EUR being worth 15.65 EEK.
The euro is the only currency accepted in Estonia.

COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONES
To call from abroad to dial the international access code 00, the country code 351, the area code and the city code.
To call abroad from Estonia, dial the international access code 00, the country code, the area code and then the
number wanted.
Italy: 00 39 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Poland: 00 48 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Romania: 00 40 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Turkey: 00 90 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

MOBILE PHONES
There are three network service providers in Estonia (Telia,Elisa,Tele2) that have roaming agreements with most
international mobile phone companies and provide users with a good coverage nationwide.

DRIVING
Vehicles drive on the right. All passengers must wear seat belts.
Citizens of the European Union countries
can enter Estonia with a valid passport or with their National Identity Card.

ENTRY FORMALITIES
Citizens of the European Union can enter Estonia with a valid passport or with an identity card to enter Estonia. In
addition to their identity card, minors must also present authorization from their parents to travel.
Citizens from other countries need a visa, which may be requested at the Estonia Embassy or Consulate of their
country for stays of up to 90 days.

TIPPING
Tipping in Tallinn and in Estonia is highly voluntary. Under no circumstances can anybody demand you to leave a tip.
Also Estonians are pretty casual about tipping, but here are some basic unwritten rules and manners about tipping:

As mentioned, tipping is voluntary. If you do not like the service, you do not have to tip.
However, 10% of the bill is polite and in many places expected for a satisfactory or good service.
If you are really happy with the service received, leave more, just as you please
Tip is never included in the bill (it is not allowed to do so)
In general, you can feel quite free about tipping and do it as your conscience tells you, as there are no set rules. But
remember that it is always nice to show some appreciation if someone has served you really well.

ETIQUETTE

Meeting and Greeting

Greetings can come across as rather formal and rather reserved.

Men should initiate greetings with women and the younger person always greets the older person.
When meeting someone make sure you are stood up, offer direct eye contact and give a nice firm handshake.
The most common greeting is "tere" ("hello").
Titles are very important. "Hrra" is for Mr, "Prova" is Mrs and "Preili" is Miss. Allshould be followed with the
surname.
Only use first names once you have been invited to do so.
Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts are usually exchanged for birthdays and at Christmas.

Gifts need not be expensive as it is more about the thought than monetary worth
If you are invited to an Estonian's house, bring a box of chocolates or flowers.
Flowers should be given in odd numbers.
Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

Arrive on time. Punctuality is expected. Call if running late.

Check to see if shoes are being worn in the house.
Do not expect a tour of the house - homes are private.
Dress conservatively.
Try and offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served. This will be
turned down but is nonetheless polite.
Do not discuss business.
Reciprocate any hospitality received.

USEFUL PHRASES

Hello Tere

Goodbye Head aega

Good morning Terehommikust

Good evening Terehtust

Good night Head d

How are you? Kuidaslheb?

Have a nice meal Head isu!

Please Palun

Thank You Tnan

I'm sorry Babandust

Yes Jah

No Ei

Do you speak English? Kassargidinglisekeelt?

How much is it? Kuipalju see maksabOneuks