Estonia
Last checked:
- Capital
- Tallinn
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Estonian
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Tallinn Old Town · Tallinn
UNESCO-listed medieval town with walls, towers and Town Hall Square.
- Toompea Hill · Tallinn
Upper old town with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and viewing platforms over the rooftops.
- Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour · Tallinn
Maritime museum in historic seaplane hangars with a walk-in submarine.
- Lahemaa National Park · About 50 km east of Tallinn
Forests, bog boardwalks, coast and restored manor houses.
- Tartu · Tartu
Historic university town with a lively student scene and the Estonian National Museum.
Getting around
Public transport
Tallinn public transport (TLT)
Buses, trams and trolleybuses. Tap a contactless bank card on the validator (about 2 EUR per ride, capped daily) or use the green Ühiskaart card from kiosks. Validate every time.
Ride-hailing app
Bolt
Bolt is Estonian and the most used ride app; fares are low by Western European standards. Uber and Forus also operate in Tallinn.
Taxi
Licensed taxis
Taxi companies set their own rates, shown on a yellow price sticker on the rear window. Some cabs at the port and airport show very high prices. Check the sticker or use an app.
Trains
Elron trains
Modern regional trains to Tartu, Pärnu, Narva and others. Buying online or in the app is cheaper than buying on board.
Buses
Lux Express / tpilet.ee
Comfortable intercity and international buses; compare and book on tpilet.ee.
E-scooters
Bolt / Tuul scooters
E-scooters and e-bikes in Tallinn and Tartu; Tartu also has a city bike share (varies).
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Estonia is very digital: cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, including Tallinn buses (tap a contactless card). Carry a little cash for rural cafes, markets and some parking machines. Always choose to pay in EUR.
Tipping
Tipping is optional in Estonia. Around 10% at sit-down restaurants for good service is common, and people often let taxi drivers keep the change. No one expects tips at counters.
| Restaurants | About 5-10% for good table service if no service charge is on the bill. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Rounding up or leaving small change is enough. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Rounding up is common but not required. |
| Hotels | Not expected; a small tip for porters is optional. |
| Tours and guides | Optional; tip free walking tour guides. |
| Food delivery | Optional; can be added in the app. |
Service charge: what’s true
Most bills do not include a service charge, but some restaurants add about 10%, more often for groups (varies). If it is added it should be shown on the bill; check before adding a tip.
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics around tips. The bigger issue is overcharging at certain Old Town bars and clubs; check prices before you order.
Useful phrases
- Arve, palun. The bill, please.
- Kas ma saan kaardiga maksta? Can I pay by card?
- Aitäh, jätke vahetusraha endale. Thank you, keep the change.
Etiquette
- Estonians are reserved and value personal space; smiling at strangers is less common, which is not rudeness.
- Take your shoes off when entering a home.
- Be punctual.
- Sauna is an important social tradition; follow the host's lead on clothing and towels.
- Avoid praising the Soviet period; the occupation is a sensitive topic.
- Bargaining is not normal in shops.
Scams and how to handle them
Overpriced taxis
Where: Tallinn port, airport, Old Town and bus station
How it works: Some taxis legally display very high rates on their price sticker and charge tourists many times the normal fare.
How to avoid it: Read the yellow price sticker before getting in or book with Bolt, Uber or Forus.
Bar and strip club bills
Where: Tallinn Old Town nightlife
How it works: Bars or clubs, sometimes working with taxi drivers or promoters, run up huge bills on drinks with hidden prices.
How to avoid it: Ignore street promoters and drivers' recommendations, see a price list first, and pay as you go.
Inflated tourist restaurant prices
Where: Restaurants around Town Hall Square
How it works: Menus without clear prices or 'market price' items lead to high bills.
How to avoid it: Check the menu prices before ordering and check the bill.
Pickpocketing in bars and clubs
Where: Old Town bars and nightclubs
How it works: Thieves target phones and wallets of drunk tourists.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables zipped and do not leave phones on tables.
Drink spiking
Where: Old Town nightlife
How it works: Drinks are spiked to rob victims or run up card charges.
How to avoid it: Watch your drink and those of your friends, and do not accept drinks from strangers.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: ATMs and card terminals
How it works: You are offered your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Always choose EUR.
Safety
- Estonia is generally safe; most problems are petty theft and nightlife incidents in Tallinn Old Town.
- Unmarked taxis are illegal: use cars with a TAKSO sign and visible meter, or a ride app, and check the plate matches.
- Drinks in Estonian bars can be stronger than visitors expect.
- Keep your accommodation address saved on your phone and avoid walking alone after heavy drinking.
- Reflectors are required by law for pedestrians walking on unlit roads at night.
How widely English is spoken
Good among younger people and in Tallinn's tourist areas; limited among older people. Russian is widely spoken in Tallinn and the northeast (Narva).
Sources
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.