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Tallinn GENERAL INFORMATION

Thankfully Tallinn is it's still an undiscovered jewel and, as with all places, there are certain rules that should be applied to ensure that when you leave, your memories of Tallinn are only good ones. Therefore we've decided to provide you with further information covering anything from general Tallinn information, to what to do at night - basically we take it on us to ensure that your stay is a happy one [ aren't we nice? ]

Tourist Information Service

General Information and maps: The Estonian national tourist association has a tourist office in the centre of the city. They have everything from maps and brochures but limited information on specific sights. We found that the best-detailed street map of Tallinn is the Falk Plan. This includes an enlarged inner and Old Town section and also covers public transport routes.

Tallinn City Tourist Office
Mündi 2, Tallinn 10146
Tel: + 372 645 7154, Fax: + 372 645 7152

Money and banks in Tallinn

Money and Banks: The unit of currency is the kroon , normally abbreviated to and is divided into 100 sents. The kroon is pegged to the EURO at 1 EUR = appx. 15.65 EEK. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange offices. There are exchange offices in several hotels, in the port of Tallinn, at the airport, the railway station and many other places.

The main banks in Estonia are Hansapank, Ühispank, Sampo Pank and they are open from Monday to Friday between 9.00 and 16.00. Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Currency exchange offices are open from Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 18.00 hours; on Saturdays from 09.00 to 15.00 hours. Some are also open on Sundays.

Credit cards: All major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard, Diner's Club, American Express etc. are accepted in most of the major hotels, restaurants and shops. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards supported by a valid passport.

Traveller's Cheques: The most widely accepted traveller's cheques in Estonia are Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque.

Communications in Tallinn

Most post offices [postkontor] are open Monday to Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-3pm. You can buy stamps here and at some shops, hotels, and kiosks.

Telephone Services: Calls to Estonia: the country code for Estonia is +372. Dial +372, then the area code and the subscriber's number.

Calls from Estonia: Calls from Estonia: Dial 00 + the country code + area code + the subscriber's number.

Local calls: The pay phones only accept phone cards which can be purchased from hotel reception desks, tourist information offices, post offices, newsstands and some shops. To make a call within Estonia, first dial the area code and the number.

Internet: You'll find Internet cafés in Tallinn and expect to pay around 40-60EEK per hour

Tallinn Emergency Numbers

As with any city, there are problems with theft and street crime in Tallinn but they're still at lower levels than in western Europe. The Estonian police ( politsei ) seem helpful but are mostly young and few speak good English.

As far as health goes, though emergency health care is free in Estonia, the country's hospitals are under-equipped and if you fall seriously ill it's best to head for home if possible. No immunizations are required for Estonia.

Emergency number: In an emergency call 112 for the Police, Ambulance and Fire.

About Visas FOR estonia

All visitors entering Estonia must have a valid passport.

A visa is not required of citizens from: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Swiss Confederation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, USA and Vatican City/ The Holy See.

To check on any visa request you can also visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' web site Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tallinn Card

Tallinn Card: There is a museum on every other street - more than 30 in all and one of the best and easiest ways to get acquainted with the Tallinn's cultural and historical heritage is to get a Tallinn Card.

This is a great way to get around and see all the sights. The Tallinn Card entitles you to

- Admission to all museums and main sights in Tallinn
- Sightseeing tours
- Free use of public transport not that you need much because everywhere is in within walking distance
- Discounts in restaurants and shops

The information brochure accompanying the Tallinn Card gives an overview in four languages of everything the card offers, plus a city map.

The Tallinn Card is available for 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours and can be purchased from the Tallinn City Tourist Office. The card costs anything from 90 EEK [6 euros] to 350 EEK [22.50. euros] depending on the length of time you want.