Banks: 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 07:30 to 20:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 18:00, Saturdays
Government Offices: 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10:00 to 19:00, daily

Tallinn is widely regarded as a safe travel destination for visitors. Crime is rare, although pickpockets and petty thieves operate around the transport centres and major tourist attractions. As in any city, don’t carry around too much cash and keep your valuables close at hand, especially in crowded places. Pedestrians should also take note that the traffic in Tallinn doesn’t stop for pedestrians, even at crosswalks.

Police: 112

220V, 50Hz with standard European plugs widely used.

There aren’t many health concerns to worry about when visiting Tallinn. The tap water is officially considered safe to drink, but it’s still advisable to use bottled water. The city’s restaurants are up to international standards of hygiene, but always check that meat and seafood has been thoroughly cooked.

There are a number of private clinics in Tallinn that have good service and high quality health care. These clinics, however, are not the place to go for a medical emergency. Tallinn’s Central Hospital is the best facility for a serious illness, and the staff should be able to speak English. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of any unexpected visit to the hospital, but EU nations have access to discounted emergency health care in Estonia.

Tallinn Central Hospital: +372 602 7015
Emergency services: 112

The residents of Tallinn speak Estonian, which is similar to Finnish and notoriously difficult to speak. Russian is also widely understood, but English is fast becoming the new second language of choice among Estonians.

Estonia uses the kroon (Kr) as its national currency. One kroon has 100 sents. Notes come in denominations of Kr500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins come in denominations of Kr5 and 1, as well as 50, 20, 10 and 5 senti. Estonia hopes to join the EU monetary system.

All visitors to Estonia aged 18 and older may bring: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 1 litre of alcohol over 22 per cent or 2 litres of alcohol up to 22 per cent, 2 litres of wine, 1kg of food products, 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette without incurring a customs duty.

Estonians can come across as standoffish to nationals of other countries, but this is because they do not commonly display their emotions. Estonians pride themselves on keeping a cool head in all situations and have a rational approach to solving problems. Visitors are advised to follow suit and not lose their temper when something doesn’t go their way.

A valid passport is required for all travellers visiting Estonia, except citizens of the EU, who need only show their valid national identification card. Since March 2008, Estonia has been part of the Schengen Agreement. Visas are not required by EU nationals and nationals of select other countries to enter Estonia for stays of up to three months within a six-month period. You may be required to show proof of sufficient funds, health and travel insurance, however. All other visitors will need to arrange a visa in advance at an Estonian embassy.

There are two useful tourist information offices in Tallinn. One is in the old town and the other at the harbour’s Terminal A.

Tallinn Tourist Information Centre
Kullassepa 4/Niguliste 2 (I-2)
Phone: +372 645 7777
Website: www.tourism.tallinn.ee