Anywhere we go, safety is a priority. When moving to or visiting a new country, there are a lot of unknowns and potential unsafe situations that you might put yourself into. While Estonia is regarded as a very safe country, there are a few things to look out for and a few things you can do to make yourself more safe. In this blog, I will go over some things to avoid and some general safety tips to keep your mind at ease during your stay in Estonia.
Crime
In Tallinn Old Town or around popular tourist destinations, some vendors may attempt to scam or take advantage of you. Make sure to double-check that you are paying the agreed upon price when using your card and processing the transaction.
Keep an eye on your belongings as picket pocketing and petty theft is sometimes prevalent around airports, train stations and popular tourist destinations.
Be wary of scams from people on the street. In general, most Estonians won’t approach you on the street randomly. If someone comes to you with a ridiculous request or tries to get you to go to an ATM, it is most likely a scam. Personally, I have had many instances in Old Town of people attempting to get me to go to an ATM to give them money.
In clubs, bars and casinos do not leave your drink unattended as drink spiking can happen.
It is advised not to walk alone at night, as muggings have sometimes been reported and drunk hooligans litter the street after certain hours.
Health
One of the biggest health risks in Estonia comes from ticks and the diseases they carry. They are most active during March to November. If you hike or stay in a forested area, be sure to check yourself for ticks often, wear appropriate clothing and bring insect repellent.
Tap water is clean and ready to drink from the tap. However, keeping an extra supply of water in your home can be a good idea.
Healthcare in Estonia is advanced and cheap! However, facilities are limited the further you go from the major cities.
If your mental or physical health is in need, do not hesitate to see a professional.
Emergency room visits are often free or a low price, so do not hesitate to go if you think you need it!
Transport
For getting out of the airport and getting around anywhere, public transport in Estonia is safe and reliable. At the airport and most bus terminals, single use tickets can be purchased as well as transport cards. Contactless bank cards can also be used to purchase your ticket once on the bus or tram.
Taxi is another option for transport
Your best option is one of the many apps such as “Bolt” and “Forus takso” that offer safe and verified drivers.
If you decide to opt for one of the taxi’s outside the airport or just on the street, you can expect to pay a higher rate. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your ride, as some drivers may attempt to scam you or charge you hidden fees.
To find out more about transportation in Tartu, check out a Blog from our Ambassador Paola.
Weather
The summers are very warm and mosquitos are abundant. Make sure to use insect repellent and bug spray when out and about. The summer in Estonia is the perfect time for hiking and exploring nature. However, a few precautions should be taken.
In more rural areas, cell phone service can be unreliable, so make sure you know where you are going and have a paper map or download a map prior to your excursion.
In these rural areas, taxis usually do not operate and buses run only a few times a day. Ensure your plans for transport or accommodation are taken care of and well planned out, as it could be easy to get stranded.
Winters in Estonia are cold and unforgiving, it is important to stay warm and take precautions to be safe in the cold weather. Our ambassador Aylin wrote a dedicated Winter Survival guide which gives a more in depth look at surviving Estonian winters.
Overall, Estonia is a very safe country. A few precautions and a little common sense go a long way for staying safe and healthy for living in Estonia. Stay safe!
