General Info

Money and Banks

The currency in Estonia is Estonian crown (EEK). EEK is pegged to EUR at the rate of 1 EUR = 15.64664 EEK. Euro is not accepted in cash in almost any context.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Tallinn and Tartu, but mostly not in the countryside. You may be required to present your passport or driver's licence in proof of identity when paying with a card.

Bank offices and currency exchange points are numerous and have very reasonable opening hours. You may also use ATMs for cash advance, but the usual service charges apply.

We would not recommend exchanging your currency into Estonian crowns at home. All major currencies are exchanged easily, and the rates are probably more favourable here.

Buses and Taxis

Buses and taxis take cash only. Most drivers don't speak English (or any other foreign languages).

Bus tickets may be bought either from the driver or in advance. Inner-city bus tickets are cheaper when bought from a newsstand. Inter-city bus tickets have the same price either way. Most inter-city buses have reduced rates for students, and some extend this to foreign students as well.

Phones

International calls to Estonia: dial the prefix for intl. calls (00 in most countries), then the country code 372, then the trunk code (excluding the initial 0, if one is included in the number), and then the subscriber's number. International calls from Estonia: dial the prefix 00 for intl. calls, then your country code etc. Calls within Estonia: dial the trunk code including the initial 0, then the number.

The emergency number (fire brigade, ambulance) is 112. For police only, dial 110.

Payphones are many, but take phonecards only. The cheapest ones cost 50 EEK and can be bought from newsstands and supermarkets.

Most of mainland Estonia has GSM 900 coverage, Tallinn and Tartu also have GSM 1800 coverage. Of course, you need a roaming service contract with your provider for your phone to work here. NMT service was discontinued a few years ago.

General Tourist Information

For tourist information on Estonia, check the Estonian Tourist Board. For tourist information specifically on Tallinn, check the Tallinn Tourist Board. For tourist information specifically on Tartu, check the Tartu Tourist Board. For weather information, click here.

The Tourist Information Office in Tallinn is located at Raekoja plats 10. The Tourist Information Office in Tartu is located at Raekoja plats 14. (Raekoja plats = Town Hall square in both cases.)