CLIMATE
The climate in Tallinn is characterized by a fairly cold winter, a cool spring with little
precipitation, a moderately warm summer and a long and rainy autumn. However,
some summers have weeks at a stretch of temperatures around +30°C, and a warm,
sunny summer can keep autumn at bay until mid-October.
Average temperature in July +16,7°C
Average temperature in October +6°C
Weather forecast in the Internet:
www.weather.ee/tallinn
TIME
Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours. In summer: GMT + 3 hours.
POPULATION
The population of Tallinn is 403 547 (01.09.2008). Nationalities: Estonian 52.3%, Russian 38.5%, Ukrainian 3.9%, other 5,3%.
LANGUAGE
Estonian’s official language is Estonian. Russian, Finnish, English and German are also understood and widely spoken.
RELIGION
The largest denomination is Lutheran (30%) followed by Russian Orthodox (28%), and Catholic (3%). However, only about 20% of Estonians practice any religion.
VISA REGULATIONS
As of 21 December 2007, Estonia is a part of the Schengen visa area.
Nationals of EU and EEA member states are free to enter Estonia. The required travel document for entry is a national ID card or passport.
For all the details, contact the consular department of the Foreign Ministry, tel. +372 631 74 40, or check their website - http://www.vm.ee
FOREIGN REPRESENTATIONS IN ESTONIA
For specific information, please check the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website http://www.vm.ee/eng
POWER SUPPLY
The current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.
TAX FREE SHOPPING
Travellers residing outside the European Union are entitled to claim back the VAT/GST on purchases,
if exported from the European Union within three months plus months of
purchase. Total sales price of the goods purchased must exceed 2500 EEK (incl.
VAT) in a store per day. Stores offering Tax Free Shopping service are
displaying well-known Tax Free logo. A store will provide special Refund
Cheque, which must be presented together with a passport and purchased goods to
customs official for export verification when leaving the European Union.
Purhcased goods must be exported in an unused condition. Check refund options from
www.globalrefund.com
For further information please contact Global Refund info@globalrefund.comor +372 669 0545, the local customs office or a customs officer on duty. Customs helpdesk: +372 696 7435, +372 696 7436.
CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
National currency: Estonian kroon (EEK) = 100 cents Fixed exchange rate: 1 EUR= 15.65 EEK.
Most larger hotels, stores and restaurants accept Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, Diner’s Club and American Express. However, it is advisable to carry some Estonian kroons with you.
Traveller’s checks can be exchanged in most banks but are less likely to be accepted in shops.
Eurocheque is the most widely accepted traveller’s check, but American Express
and Thomas Cook are also accepted.
Banks are plentiful
and easy to find in Tallinn. Most are open from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays,
while some offices are also open on Saturday mornings. All banks offer currency
exchange services. Exchange offices can also be found in larger hotels, the
airport, harbour, railroad station and major shopping centres.
COMMUNICATIONS
To call Tallinn from abroad, dial your international access code and 372 for Estonia and then the telephone number.
Within Estonia, you
can make local and international calls from card-operated public payphones.
Telephone cards costing 50 and 100 EEK are sold at newsstands and post offices.
Calling abroad, dial 00 and the country code.
The GSM mobile phone system is available; please check compatibility with your operator.
INTERNET
Public Internet
access points have been set up all over Estonia. They are located in local
libraries and post offices. There are over 100 free wireless Internet zones
around the country, many of them in rather unexpected places - beaches, Old
Town squares, stadiums, and concert halls.
POST OFFICES
Tallinn Central Post Office is located in the centre, at Narva maantee 1, and is open Mon-Fri 7.30-20.00, Sat 9.00-18.00, Sun 9.00-15.00. Ph. +372 661 6616, info@post.ee, www.post.ee.
Toompea Post Office is located in the Old Town, at Lossi plats 4, and is open Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00.
MEDICAL SERVICES
For entry into Estonia no vaccinations or health certificates are required. Health insurance policy is optional.
Pharmacies are usually open from 10:00-19:00, but one stays open all night (Tõnismäe Apteek, Tõnismägi 5, ph: +372 644 2282). Ordinary medication is available in all pharmacies.
In case of accident or illness, call for an ambulance free-of-charge from any phone: 112.
POLICE
Free-of-charge call from any phone: 110.
Useful links:
Estonian Tourist Board
General information on tourism possibilities in Estonia - http://www.visitestonia.com
Tallinn Airport
Tallinn airport information - http://www.tallinn-airport.ee/index.php?page=458
Port of Tallinn
http://www.portoftallinn.com
Tallinn This Week (TTW)
http://www.ttw.ee
Estonia in your pocket
Country information - http://www.inyourpocket.com/country/estonia.html
The Baltic Times
News from Estonia - http://www.baltictimes.com
Estonian Institute
Estonian Institute Activities Publications Estonian Culture Estonian Literary magazine Estonian Art Links EST Estonian Institute Branch-offices In Finland In Sweden In Hungary In France - http://www.einst.ee
Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
http://www.koda.ee
Explore and experience Estonia
http://www.visitestonia.com
Explore and experience Tallinn
http://www.tourism.tallinn.ee/eng
