Why Estonia surprises first-timers
Estonia is small, digital and easy to explore. Tallinn's medieval Old Town, the bog boardwalks at Lahemaa National Park and the laid-back student city of Tartu are all reachable in a few hours. It is one of the most connected countries in the world, so getting online and getting around is simple once you know the basics.
Plugs and voltage
Estonia uses Type C and Type F plugs (the round two-pin European style) at 230V, 50Hz. UK, US and other visitors should bring a European adapter. US devices that are not dual-voltage will also need a converter, though phones and laptops usually handle 230V fine.
Language basics
The official language is Estonian, which is unrelated to Russian and closer to Finnish. English is widely spoken in Tallinn and among younger Estonians. A few words go a long way:
- Tere - hello
- Aitäh - thank you
- Palun - please / you're welcome
- Jah / Ei - yes / no
- Head aega - goodbye
Packing for the weather
Estonia's weather changes fast. Summer days can be warm and very long, while autumn and spring are cool and wet. Pack:
- A waterproof jacket and a warm layer, even in summer
- Comfortable shoes for cobblestones
- A swimsuit for the saunas and Baltic beaches like Pärnu
- Sunglasses for the long white nights in June
Connectivity
Estonia has excellent, fast and cheap mobile internet, with free Wi-Fi in many cafes, buses and public spaces. The euro is the currency, and the country is almost cashless - cards and contactless payments work nearly everywhere, even at small kiosks.
7 quick tips
- Use the euro and a card. You rarely need cash; tap to pay is universal.
- Try the saunas. A smoke sauna in the countryside is a real cultural experience.
- Buy a Tallinn Card if you plan several museums and free public transport.
- Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Estonia.
- Validate transit tickets or use the contactless card reader on buses and trams.
- Visit in summer for white nights, or December for the Tallinn Christmas market.
- Tipping is modest - rounding up or 10% in restaurants is plenty.
Stay connected in Estonia
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