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Estonia Practical information Estonia

 
 
Area : 17462  sq.mi - Population 1500000 hab.
Estonia

Our expert Estonia

map

map Estonia

Weather

  • Tallinn  16°C 18°C 18°C 18°C
  • Tartu  16°C 20°C 18°C 20°C

Practical information Estonia

superficie

Area

17462  sq.mi
vol

Flights

Three direct flights a week between London and Tallinn on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with Estonian Air. The journey takes 4 hrs.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

1500000 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

Tallinn's airport is 2.5 miles away from the town centre. A bus will take you into town for around 10 Kroons. You can also catch a taxi. This should cost around 100 Kroons.
securite

Security

There are no specific recommendations,but you should still be cautious. Tallinn is not a dangerous city on the condition that you follow a few precautions. Some areas in the suburbs are to be avoided, espescially at night. It is recommended not to carry around flashy equipment or accessories (video equipment, cameras, bags and wallets). It is not wise to go to isolated areas alone.
langue

Languages

The official language is Estonian (Finn-Ugric origin). Russian is spoken by one third of the population. English, Finnish and German are widely spoken in all the major cities.
formalites

Requirements

Following its entry into the European Union on 1st May 2004, European citizens only need to show a valid identity card at customs. A valid passport is also accepted.
An insurance certificate, covering hospitalisation and repatriation is required upon entry into the territory, but not systematically checked.
religion

Religion

The predominant religion is Lutheran. There is a Catholic and Orthodox minority as well as a Baptist and Methodist one (23%).
monnaie

Currency

Although Estonia joined the European Union on 1st May 2004, it has not yet adopted the Euro as its currency, though this is planned for 2010.
For the time being, the currency is still the Estonian Kroon (EEK). The exchange rate is fixed against the Euro. 1 EEK = £0.058 Sterling; £1 Sterling = 17.35 EEK. Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm. Some branches are also open on Saturday mornings. Travellers cheques (primarily Eurocheques) can be exchanged in most banks, but are not always accepted in shops. International bank cards (Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express) are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants. ATM machines can be found in airports, cities and tourist resorts.
transports

Local transportation

The state of the roads is only averagely satisfactory. The signposting is deficient and poorly visible at night. Road markings are close to inexistant. International Driving Licences are valid FOR one year in Estonia. It is possible to rent a vehicle. Several agencies, such as Avis, Budget or Europcar are found locally. Careful: the legal limit, concerning drink and driving, is zero! The railways are old fashioned, slow and uncomfortable. It is preferable to use the buses for interior links as they are secure and regular: the Tallinn-Valga link allows you to cross the whole country in just over 5 hours(164 miles). Interior flights only exist between mainland and the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands. There are very few flights and the planes are small.
sante

Health

No vaccine is required. However, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is justified for stays in the forest. Vaccinations against typhoid, and hepatitises A and B are recommended. Check that your DTP vaccine (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) is up to date. You also need to be vigilant about tap water and the water you swim in. Tap water can transport a large number of diseases such as typhoid. Thus, when possible, use boiled, filtered, or treated water or bottled water with unopened caps.
electricite

Electricity

Voltage is 220 V.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

In 2005, Estonia welcomed 1.9 million visitors.
taxe

Taxes and tips

Service is generally included, but you can always leave a 10 to 15% tip.
telephone

Telephone

To call Estonia from the UK, dial 00 + 372 (country's code) + the city's code (6 for Tallinn, 7 for Tartu).
To call the UK from Estonia dial 00 + 44 (international code used to dial to U.K) + 20 + (local area or city code used to dial to London) + the number without the initial 0.