Welcome to Estonia!

Volunteering abroad is an exciting adventure, but we know adjusting to a new country can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’re here to help! This guide is packed with practical tips to help you settle in and fully embrace your Estonian experience.

Essential Estonia: Quick Facts

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Emergency Number: 112
  • Electricity: 220V
  • Languages: Estonian (official), Russian, and English are widely spoken.
  • Ethnic Groups: Estonians (majority), Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Finns, and more.
  • Safety: Pedestrians must wear a reflector in the dark—it’s the law! You can grab one for a few euros at any supermarket or souvenir shop.
  • Weather: Estonia experiences all four seasons. Summers range from 16–30°C, while winters can dip below 0°C. Expect long summer days and very short daylight hours in winter.
  • Tap Water: Safe to drink everywhere.
  • Population Density: Relaxed and uncrowded.
  • Religion: One of the least religious countries in the world.

Beyond Tallinn: Explore Estonia’s Hidden Gems

While Tallinn is Estonia’s crown jewel, there’s so much more to see:

  • Pärnu – Stunning beaches and vibrant summers.
  • Tartu – A cozy city with brilliant architecture, hills, and lakes.
  • Haapsalu – A charming old town with a gorgeous castle.
  • Viljandi – A medieval vibe with breathtaking lake views.

Each corner of Estonia has its own unique charm, waiting to be discovered.

Getting Around Estonia

Public Transport

  • Tallinn: Use a prepaid Smartcard (Ühiskaart) for buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Buy and reload it at supermarkets or online at pilet.ee.
  • Tartu: A similar system is available for local buses.

Buses Across Estonia

  • For travel outside Tallinn, check schedules and prices at tpilet.ee.

Trains

  • Estonia’s main train hub is Balti Jaam in Tallinn. Find schedules and buy tickets at elron.ee. (Pro tip: Carry cash—they don’t accept cards!)

Ferries

  • Explore Estonia’s islands (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu) via praamid.ee.

Taxis

  • Use the Bolt app for affordable rides with verified drivers.

Most public transport options include free Wi-Fi, so staying connected is easy!

Food & Groceries

Supermarkets
Estonia’s main supermarket chains include Selver, Rimi, Prisma, Maxima, and Coop.

  • Some stores require a 1-euro coin or token to unlock shopping carts.
  • In some, you’ll need to weigh produce and print a price sticker before checkout.

Dining Out

  • Lunch specials (päevapakkumine): Many cafes offer these for €3–6 during weekdays.
  • Brunch culture: Growing in popularity, especially in Tallinn.
  • Dinner time: Typically between 18:00–19:00.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

  • Many restaurants cater to plant-based diets. Apps like Wolt can help you find nearby options.

Shopping & Online Orders ️

Shopping Malls
Estonia’s top malls—Viru Keskus, Solaris, Kristiine, Ülemiste, Rocca al Mare—offer a mix of retail, restaurants, and entertainment.

Pro Tips:

  • Bring cash for market stalls and small shops.
  • Plastic and paper bags are not free, so bring a reusable one!

Online Shopping
Local options like hansapost.ee or kaup24.ee are great for quick delivery. Amazon works too, but expect longer wait times.

Postal Services & Media

Postal Services
Look for orange mailboxes across Estonia. Use Omniva.ee for details.

Media in English

  • Check out local news at news.err.ee or estonianworld.com.

 

Estonia is more than just a destination—it’s an experience waiting to unfold. Dive in, explore, and make the most of your time here!