Tere
TEH-reh
Hello
The everyday greeting, at any time of day
Travel guide
Learn Estonia before you go
A small, green northern country of forests, bogs and more than two thousand islands, with a medieval capital, a famous love of choral singing and some of the most digital public services in the world.
CapitalTallinn
CurrencyEuro (€), since 1 January 2011
Official languageEstonian
Drives on theRight
Calling code+372
10 phrases to learn
In Estonian. Capital letters show the stressed part. Tap the heart to practise a phrase later.
Tere hommikust
TEH-reh HOHM-mee-koost
Good morning
Greeting someone in the morning
Tere õhtust
TEH-reh UHH-toost
Good evening
Greeting someone in the evening
Head ööd
HEH-ahd URD
Good night
Saying goodnight before bed
Head aega
HEH-ahd AH-eh-gah
Goodbye (literally 'have a good time')
Leaving a shop, café or friends
Nägemist
NA-geh-meest
See you, goodbye
A friendly goodbye, 'until we see each other again'
Kuidas läheb?
KOO-ee-dahs LA-hehb
How are you?
Asking after someone you know
Hästi, aitäh
HAS-tee, AI-tah
Fine, thank you
Answering 'How are you?'
Minu nimi on ...
MEE-noo NEE-mee ohn
My name is ...
Introducing yourself
Meeldiv tutvuda
MEHL-deev TOOT-voo-dah
Nice to meet you
After being introduced
At the table
- Before eating, people wish each other 'Head isu' (enjoy your meal).
- When glasses are raised, people say 'Terviseks', which means 'to your health'.
- Dark rye bread comes to the table with almost every savoury dish.
- A festive meal begins with a cold table of pickles, cold meats, potato salad and herring before any hot dish.
- At Midsummer, on the night of 23 to 24 June, people gather around bonfires to grill, eat and drink late into the light night.
Local tips
Euros and cards
Estonia uses the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; the main exceptions are some parking machines and small rural farms, so carry a few coins.
Wear a reflector after dark
Estonian law requires pedestrians to wear a small reflector in the dark. It matters most on country roads in winter. Reflectors are cheap and sold in supermarkets and kiosks.
Driving: lights on, no alcohol
Headlights must be on at all times, everyone must wear a seat belt, and the drink-driving rules are very strict, so do not drink at all if you are driving. The usual limit is 90 km/h in the country and 50 km/h in towns.
Tipping
Tipping became common only after 1991 and is not expected everywhere. In restaurants about 10% is usual for good service, and taxi drivers often keep the change.
Use official taxis
Take taxis with 'TAKSO' signs, a price list in the back window and a working meter, or book through an app. Unmarked taxis are illegal.
Entry rules
As of September 2026, Estonia is in the Schengen area. Visitors from countries such as the UK can stay up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa, and on arrival may be asked to register fingerprints and a photo under the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
A quiet, reserved style
Estonians value personal space and quiet conversation, and may take a moment to think before answering. Smiling at strangers is less common than in some countries, and this is not unfriendliness.
Emergency number
The emergency number for police, fire and ambulance is 112, all over Estonia.
Dishes to try
- Mulgi porridge (mulgipuder): Mashed potatoes cooked together with pearl barley and topped with fried pork. It is simple, filling farm food from the south.
- Mulgi sauerkraut (mulgikapsad): Sauerkraut slowly stewed with lard, pork and pearl barley until soft. It is often served with potatoes.
- Sprat sandwich (kiluvõileib): An open sandwich of dark rye bread with butter, spiced salted sprats and a slice of boiled egg.
- Blood sausage (verivorst): Sausage made of pig's blood, barley groats, pork and marjoram, baked in the oven until the skin is crisp. It is eaten with lingonberry jam, and sometimes with butter or sour cream.
- Jellied pork (sült): Pieces of pork set in a soft, clear aspic made from the gelatinous parts of the pig. It is served cold with horseradish or strong mustard, or with a little diluted vinegar poured over.
- Dark rye bread (leib, or rukkileib): Dense, dark sourdough bread made from rye. It is eaten with almost every savoury meal, from breakfast to dinner.
- Small savoury pies (pirukad): Small pastries, often made with puff pastry, filled with meat, cabbage, carrots, rice and egg, cheese or fish. They are sold in every bakery and are often served with a cup of clear broth.
- Grilled pork skewers (šašlõkk): Chunks of marinated pork grilled on skewers over an open fire. It is a favourite at summer barbecues, including Midsummer.
Cities to see
- Tallinn (capital): The Old Town and Toompea hill, Kadriorg Palace and park, Tech companies such as Bolt and Wise.
- Tartu: The University of Tartu, founded in 1632, The Estonian National Museum, The birthplace of the song festivals.
- Narva: Hermann Castle, facing Ivangorod fortress across the river, Its border location.
- Pärnu: Its long sandy beach, Spas and rehabilitation centres, The nickname 'Summer Capital'.
- Viljandi: The Viljandi Folk Music Festival in late July, The castle ruins, White roses, the town symbol.
- Rakvere: Rakvere Castle, with medieval life shown for visitors, The Aurochs sculpture.