Estonia Travel Notes

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Access to your government’s embassy while travelling

Australia www.dfat.gov.au
New Zealand www.mfat.govt.nz
Canada www.travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom www.gov.uk
America www.usembassy.gov

Time Zones

Tallinn, Estonia is GMT +3 hours.
To obtain the current local time and date in the cities and countries you are travelling to, please visit: www.timeanddate.com

Electricity and Plugs

Estonia uses 230 volts. Plugs are of the two-round-pronged European type (type F) – www.korjo.com/adaptor-guide

Currency

To obtain the most up-to-date exchange rate you may wish to visit: www.xe.com/currencyconverter

The official currency of Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Bank notes come in denominations of EUR5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200. Coins come in denominations of Cents 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, Euro1 and 2 (100 Cents in 1 Euro).

Most banks, exchange bureaus (only in larger cities) or hotels will exchange major currencies in cash, including US dollars (USD) and British pounds (GBP). However, Euro’s are easy to purchase prior to departure and this will save you time when arriving in Estonia.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Estonia, particularly in tourist areas, but they may not be accepted in smaller towns or by street vendors.

ATMs are readily available; however please note many banks are now lowering the limits for cash withdrawals from ATM machines. ATM machines will also charge a withdrawal fee.

Visa

Estonia is a member of the EU and Europe’s 27-member border-free Schengen Zone.

Citizens of more than 60 countries are permitted to travel to Estonia and other countries in the Schengen Zone visa-free for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. This only applies if you are travelling as a tourist or visiting family and friends. These nations include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, as well as certain South American countries. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after your departure date and has at least 2 clear pages in your passport. You may be asked to provide documentation outlining the reason for your visit and confirming your departure date. For other nationalities, please check with your local authority, consulate or embassy for requirements.

Telephone & Communication

Mobile Telephones

Most mobile telephones work in Estonia and coverage is good. Check with your local provider regarding ‘Global Roaming’ and coverage in the places you are visiting. If you are planning to purchase a local sim card, please check with your local provider prior to departure to make sure your phone is unlocked and will accept another sim card.

WhatsApp Messenger is an economical way to stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling service.

ASA tour leaders use WhatsApp to communicate with tour participants while travelling, so the app should be downloaded to your mobile devise prior to joining the program.

Internet

Internet access is widespread and available throughout Estonia. Many hotels and cafes offer access; some charge while others have free Wi-fi zones.

Personal Safety

Tap water is safe to drink, why not bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill it daily.
Estonia is overall safe to travel to, the crime rates are relatively low, pickpockets are around in the towns, especially tourist areas and do work in small groups. It is advised that you remain vigilant at all times, especially on the streets.
We strongly recommend the use of a money belt to keep your cash, cards and travel documents safe. This should be kept under your clothes at all times. This is a precaution that should be taken anywhere due to the difficulties that can be experienced when trying to replace stolen items.
Take photocopies or photos of all important documents (passport, credit cards, E-tickets, insurance).
It is generally helpful to take a business card from the hotel you are staying at. This can assist hugely if you get lost or if there is a language barrier. If you have a key card for your hotel, make sure you keep these two cards separate.
Take extra care in crowded places and avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your hip pocket.

Australians Studying Abroad takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and every measure is taken to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

Australia Smart Traveller
New Zealand Safe Travel
Canada Canada Travel Information
United Kingdon UK Foreign Travel Advice
USA US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Health

It is advisable to consult with your doctor or local travel clinic in the weeks leading up to your departure, allowing enough time to obtain any relevant vaccinations or travel medication that may be required.

Travelling with Medication

Not all medications available in your home country, over the counter or by prescription, are available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by a doctor. If unsure, travellers should check the regulations on importing or transporting medicines to their chosen destination by contacting the relevant embassy or high commission for clarification.

All medication should be carried in their original packaging and in your hand luggage. If you are taking medication whilst travelling, please make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is and what it is for
your required dosage
that it is for personal use

For more information, contact the Latvian Embassy in your country.

Australia www.dfat.gov.au
New Zealand www.mfat.govt.nz
Canada www.travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom www.gov.uk
USA US Department of State

What to Pack

Clothing (general)

The time of the year you visit this destination will dictate the type of clothing it is appropriate to bring. It is always advisable to take a raincoat or a waterproof windbreaker. For daytime activities, we suggest a wardrobe that is versatile, casual and comfortable. It is recommended that “layered” clothing might offer the best comfort in a variety of conditions. Always expect the weather to be changeable.

Beyond the normal wardrobe, we suggest the following:

Day pack or a cross-body handbag. Site visits often involve walking on cobbled streets and uneven ground, up numerous steps and may be of a reasonable duration. You will want to have your hands free to hold rails or steady yourself as applicable. A day pack/ cross body bag will allow you to easily carry your ancillary items: camera, torch, waterproof, sunhat, sunscreen, bottled water, sunglasses etc.
A hiking pole (fold-up) should be considered as many sites have steps and uneven ground, often without handrails.
Comfortable walking shoes are very important (hiking boots are not required); sandals or open shoes are only suitable for the evening.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
Travel torch.
Folding umbrella and/or waterproof, windproof jacket.
Fleece or pullover. It can be cold in the mornings / evenings.
Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser. (see note below – Toilets)
Camera: Please take all necessary equipment/spares as will be difficult to purchase additional supplies while on tour.
Shorts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate at religious sites.
Extra prescription eyeglasses (if required).

Toilets: Clean and flushable toilets are generally available across the country. Carry your own supply of soap/sanitiser and toilet paper, as these aren’t always provided. There may be a nominal fee at some public toilets, however they are usually free.

Etiquette

No attempt should be made to photograph anything remotely connected with the armed forces or in the vicinity of defence installations. Many people do not like being photographed, while others may try to obtain money from you. Always ask permission before photographing someone.
Handshaking is the normal form of greeting.
Tipping is not expected in restaurants, coffee shops, taxi’s etc – however for good service 10% is common. Always check your bill prior to paying to make sure the price is correct and to see if a tip has been already added.

Climate

In Estonia, a flat country with low rolling hills and many lakes, overlooking the Baltic Sea, there is a humid continental climate, very cold in winter, and mild and sometimes rainy in summer, the coastal areas are a bit more temperate. We suggest checking the weather forecast for the most up-to-date information, prior to your departure.
www.worldweatheronline.com or www.weather-finder.com

Average minimum/maximum Temperatures (˚C)

City

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Tallinn

-5/-2

-5/-1

-3/2

1/7

6/14

11/19

14/21

10/16

5/9

2/5

-3/1

The information above has been compiled with care and provided in good faith however it is subject to change.