GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Estonia.
Capital
Tallinn.
Geography
As a country located in Europe according to usaers, Estonia is the northernmost of the three Baltic republics and borders the Baltic Sea to the north and west, the Russian Federation to the east and Latvia to the south. Extensive forests, dune beaches, 1500 lakes and around 800 islands characterize the beautiful and varied landscape. The largest cities in the country are Tallinn, Tartu and Narva.
Government
Republic since 1918. Occupied by German troops from 1941-1944, occupied by Soviets in the post-war period. Regaining independence in 1991. Constitution of 1992. Parliament with 101 members. Definitely independent since 1991. The president is elected by parliament and has a five-year term of office. Estonia is a member of the EU.
Head of state
Kersti Kaljulaid, since October 2016.
Head of government
Jüri Ratas, since November 2016.
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz. Euro standard plugs (thin, flat plug, without protective contact) fit, Schuko plugs not always.
Time zone
Eastern European Time: CET +3 (CET +4 from March 26 to October 29, 2017)
MONEY
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). There are banknotes in values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Note: As of January 1st, 2011, the euro has been legal tender in Estonia.
Credit cards
Common credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express etc. are usually accepted by larger hotels, restaurants, shops and banks. Most banks only accept the credit card with the passport. Cash can also be withdrawn with a credit card in many places at the numerous ATMs in all smaller and larger cities. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
With EC / Maestro card and PIN number, cash in the local currency can be withdrawn from ATMs across Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay in shops with the ec / Maestro card. Further information from banks and credit institutes. The same applies to the German Sparcard, the successor to the postal savings book as a means of procuring currency in other European countries. With a Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from European ATMs with the Plus logo.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers inside and outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare cash from the equivalent of € 10,000 (including travelers checks, other currencies or checks made out to third parties).
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or in exchange offices at airports, in larger hotels and in many places in the city center, at the train station and at the port. The exchange offices are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some exchange offices also offer their service on Sundays.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Estonian. Around a third of the population speaks Russian. In the areas with a high proportion of Russian speakers, Russian is the lingua franca. Much of the younger population speaks English.
CULTURE
Religion
Mostly without religion; 26% Evangelical Lutheran and Russian Orthodox; catholic, muslim and jewish minorities.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: Shake hands to greet you. Estonians are very proud of their culture and history, which as a visitor should be respected.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in restaurants. However, guest establishments can have smoking areas, which are closed off by walls and doors and equipped with ventilation systems.
Tip: A tip of 10% is customary in the restaurant if you are satisfied.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Maritime to moderately continental climate. Warm summer. Spring and autumn are relatively mild. Cold, long winters (November to mid-March) with heavy snowfalls. Precipitation year-round, in August the amount of precipitation is highest. The best time to travel is from May to September.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +372 Area (sq km) 45 228 Population 1265 420 Population density (per sq km) 28 Population in 2015 Member of the EU Yes main emergency number 112
