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Essential apps for

Estonia

Eesti

EstonianEUR7 apps

Estonia is one of the most digital societies on earth, so card and contactless payment work virtually everywhere and free public Wi-Fi is widespread. Bolt was founded in Tallinn and is the default ride-hailing and scooter app across the country, usually cheaper than a taxi. An Airalo or other eSIM gives you fast 5G coverage the moment you land, and almost everyone under 50 speaks fluent English.

🔌

Power & Plug

TypeC / F
Voltage230V
Freq50Hz

Standard European plugs. Visitors from the US, UK or Australia need an adapter; US devices also need to confirm 230V compatibility.

💬

Basic phrases

Estonian

  • Hello
    Tere
    TEH-reh
  • Thank you
    Aitäh
    AI-tah
  • Excuse me / Sorry
    Vabandust
    VAH-ban-doost
  • Yes
    Jah
    yah
  • No
    Ei
    ay

+10 more below

🎎

Tipping

Tipping is modest and not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated; check whether a service charge is already on the bill. Cash tips are fine even when paying by card.

🚖Rideshare & Taxi

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B

Bolt

European rideshare with cheaper fares than Uber in many cities. Also offers scooters.

Founded in Tallinn and the dominant ride-hailing app nationwide; also rents e-scooters around the Old Town and books a car in minutes.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🗺️Navigation & Maps

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G

Google Maps

Works almost everywhere except mainland China. Offline maps are critical when roaming.

Reliable for walking, driving and Tallinn tram/bus routing; download an offline map of Estonia before heading to the islands or national parks.
iOSAndroidWebsite

💬Translation

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G

Google Translate

The universal default. Camera mode translates signs and menus instantly.

Estonian is unrelated to most European languages, so camera mode is invaluable for menus and shop signs outside the capital.
iOSAndroidWebsite

📱Messaging

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W

WhatsApp

The dominant messenger in Europe, Latin America, India, Middle East, Africa.

The default messenger for reaching guesthouses, tour operators and locals across the Baltics.
iOSAndroidWebsite

🍱Food Delivery

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G

Glovo

Spanish food + parcel delivery, big in Portugal, Italy, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

Main food and grocery delivery app in Tallinn and Tartu; handy for late-night meals or delivery to your apartment.
iOSAndroidWebsite

✈️Travel Planning

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B

Booking.com

Largest hotel inventory globally with free-cancellation default filter.

Widest accommodation inventory from Tallinn city hotels to Saaremaa island guesthouses, with free-cancellation filters.
iOSAndroidWebsite

📶eSIM & Data

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A

Airalo

eSIMs for 200+ countries, instant install. Avoid roaming charges entirely.

Install an Estonia or Baltic eSIM before arrival to skip roaming and get instant 5G data; Estonia has excellent nationwide coverage.
iOSAndroidWebsite
Phrases

All Estonian phrases

Hello
Tere
TEH-reh
Thank you
Aitäh
AI-tah
Excuse me / Sorry
Vabandust
VAH-ban-doost
Yes
Jah
yah
No
Ei
ay
Please
Palun
PAH-loon
Goodbye
Nägemist
NAH-geh-mist
How much?
Kui palju?
kooy PAHL-yoo
Where is the bathroom?
Kus on tualett?
koos on too-ah-LETT
The check, please
Arve, palun
AHR-veh PAH-loon
I don't understand
Ma ei saa aru
mah ay sah AH-roo
Do you speak English?
Kas te räägite inglise keelt?
kahss teh RAH-gih-teh ING-lih-seh kehlt
Help!
Appi!
AHP-pee
Delicious
Maitsev
MITE-sev
Cheers
Terviseks
TER-vih-seks
Briefing

What to know before you go

✓ Do

  • Estonians are reserved and value calm, quiet personal space; loud behavior stands out.
  • Remove your shoes when entering someone's home.
  • Punctuality is expected for meetings, tours and reservations.
  • A simple handshake with eye contact is the standard greeting.

✕Don't

  • Don't lump Estonia in with Russia or call it 'former Soviet' as a defining trait; it is a proud EU and eurozone nation.
  • Don't expect effusive small talk or loud friendliness; restraint is the social norm.
  • Don't assume cash is needed; Estonia is overwhelmingly cashless and a few places no longer take cash.

⚠️ Common scams to know

  • Unmarked or unmetered 'taxis' waiting near the Old Town and the port that quote inflated flat fares; book via Bolt instead.
  • Overpriced drinks at a few tourist-trap bars near Town Hall Square, sometimes with hostesses encouraging big tabs.
  • Currency-exchange kiosks with poor rates near tourist areas; use ATMs or pay by card.
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