Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Electricity: The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.

Money: The Estonian currency is the Kroon (EEK) and is broken down into 100 sents; the Kroon is tied to the Euro. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at hotels, banks and exchange bureaux in the larger towns, at the airport and main railway station. Major credit cards are generally accepted in the larger hotels, main restaurants and shops, but it is wise to check first. Preferred travellers cheques in Estonia are Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque. Banking hours are weekdays 9am to 4pm. Exchange bureaux open till 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Some open on Sundays. ATMs are available in most towns.

Language: Locals speak Estonian, which is part of the Finno-Ugric family of languages. English is widely used and understood, however, particularly among the younger generation and those involved in the tourist industry.

Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to Estonia, but it is highly recommended that adults be immunised for tetanus and diphtheria if they have not been vaccinated for these diseases during the preceding 10 years. Medical insurance is vital. Estonia's medical professionals are highly trained but resources and equipment are sadly lacking. Immediate cash payment is expected from visitors requiring health care. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for other nationalities.

Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice, but there is a growing trend to leave tips in restaurants; generally 5-10% of the bill according to level of service and some places do include a service charge so one should check the bill. Taxi drivers appreciate the spare change.
Safety: Visits to Estonia are usually trouble free, but with an increase in tourism there has also been an increase in tourist-related crime. There is a risk of pick-pocketing and mugging around Tallinn's Old Town, at ferry ports and major hotels. Be vigilant and take precautions like avoiding unlit side streets and parks after dark.

Business: Business is conducted formally in Estonia. A formal dress code is expected. Shaking hands is the common form of greeting for men and women upon initial greetings. The person should be referred to as 'Harra' (Mr.), 'Prova' (Mrs.) or 'Preili' (Miss) followed by the surname. Meetings are usually reserved specifically for business and little socialising occurs. However, relationships based on trust need to be developed and several meetings may need to take place. Business cards are often exchanged and it is polite to have the alternate side translated. Decisions are not necessarily made during the meetings. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.

Communications: The International dialling code for Estonia is +372 and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The country has area codes, except for the capital, Tallinn. Pay phones using cards are widely available from hotel reception desks, tourist information offices, post offices, newsstands and some shops. There is a GSM mobile network available. There are several Internet cafes in Tallinn, and public Internet access is also available at the Central Library, National Library and Central Post Office.

Duty free: Travellers over 18 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on goods to the value of ˆ175. The following items are duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits higher than 22% alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with alcohol content lower than 22% (includes sparkling wines, liqueur wines, still wine), and beer to the value of ˆ175. Goods for personal consumption include 50g perfume, 250ml eau de toilette; and medical products for personal use.