Estonia is quite dark during the winter months (roughly October through April), and Estonian law requires pedestrians to wear small reflectors, which people generally pin to their coats or handbags.
Violators of this law may be subject to a fine of around US$50, or a higher fine up to around US$500
The most common crime encountered by foreign tourists in Estonia is pick pocketing. Individuals and small groups of thieves working together often target tourists
On occasion, U.S. citizens have reported that they were harassed for racial reasons or because they appeared or sounded “foreign.” These incidents have generally occurred outside of major tourist areas.
Credit-card fraud is also an ongoing concern, as is Internet-based financial fraud and “Internet dating” fraud. If an incident occurs, you should report it promptly to thelocal police. TheEstonian police agenciesare modern, well-equipped law enforcement entities on a standard comparable to most Western European police.
Safety in Estonia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
Visa Info in Estonia Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
Currency Info
Currency Info in Estonia Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
Communication
Communication in Estonia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Transportation
How did you get to Estonia….
International Travel
From Latvia:
From Romania:
From Ukraine:
etc
Transportation in Estonia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
Estonians value their personal space. An arm’s length or more is the norm. This space may be less with friends and family.
There is very little to no touching during conversations.
Touching during conversation with the opposite sex is usually considered flirting, unless they’re good friends.
Younger people are more open and a brush of shoulder/hand during conversations is okay. It is common to see women/girls walk hand in hand on the street, also young couples.
Direct eye contact is acceptable, but people usually don’t look into the speaker’s eyes the whole the time.
Avoiding the other person’s eyes completely is thought to be sly and show that one is hiding something.
The most common practice is looking at the speaker’s face and occasionally directly to the eyes.
Culture in Estonia Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
Shipping / Mailing in Albania Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?
Tips
People’s Opinions
Use discretion when taking clothing to a laundry mat. Some of our team sent their clothes to a cleaners and had to pay $8 (USD) a person. (They had originally been told a lower price.) Some of their clothes also came back shrunk. It would probably be best to do laundry where your contact suggests and not to try to find a place on your own.
Canadian Embassy Information Toom-Kooli 13 Tallinn 15186 Estonia Tel.: (+372) 627-3311 (+372) 627-3310 (visa enquiries) Fax: (+372) 627-3312 Email:tallinn@canada.ee
British Embassy Information British Embassy Wismari 6, Tallinn 10136 Tel:(372) 667-4700
Additional Info in Albania Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?