Estonia
Business meetings are conducted formally in Estonia. Suits and tie should be worn. Advance appointments are necessary. Estonian businessmen are generally slow to become comfortable with new business acquaintances. Business cards are exchanged after introduction. Office hours are generally: 0830-1830 Monday to Friday.
Estonia is a relatively safe country, although crime in Tallinn’s “Old Town” is an ongoing concern, especially during the summer tourist season. Such incidents in the 2004-2005 tourist season prompted the authorities to set up warning billboards in the most-frequented sites in Tallinn. The trend in youth crime also continues to grow, and, especially during the summer months, caution should be exercised around any groups of youths when there is evidence of alcohol, or drug use, present. Take the same precautions with regard to personal safety and belongings as in any major city. Narva and Tartu also see street crime similar to Tallinn, and the depressed industrial towns of Narva, Sillamäe and Kothla-Järve are observing similar trends.
The most common crimes encountered by foreign tourists are purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and mugging. Tourists are often targeted by individuals and small groups of thieves working together. In public places such as the Town Hall Square (“Raekoja Plats”) airport, train stations, and the Central Market, exercise special care in safeguarding valuables against purse-snatchers and pickpockets. Be especially vigilant if visiting the Lasnamae, the industrial zone of Koplie, or waterfront sections of Tallinn. Valuables should never be left unattended in vehicles and car doors should be kept locked at all times. Violent crime, though rarely directed against foreigners, does occur, mainly at night and often in proximity to nightlife areas. Car theft and break-ins also continue to be a problem in Tallinn. Vehicle theft remains high and is the most likely problem to affect the average person. Burglaries of residences are traditionally higher in apartments than in single-family dwellings.
Credit-card fraud is an ongoing concern, as is internet-based financial fraud and “internet dating” fraud. Take prudent precautions to safeguard credit cards and report any suspected unauthorized transaction to the credit card company immediately.
Racially-motivated verbal and (on occasion) physical harassment of non-Caucasian travelers can occur.
Police capabilities in Estonia are improving, but still suffer from lack of equipment, training, personnel and resources. Due to the low pay, the police are apathetic and lax in the prosecution of their work and are suffering a chronic shortage in officers. Police response during the past year has become very sluggish and unpredictable. If a visitor is victimized, it is unlikely that the police will be able to do more than take a report; it is unlikely that there will be any follow-up. While the use of English is growing rapidly in Estonia, the typical police officer may well not understand it.
Modern Western hotels catering to both tourists and business travelers, such as satellite television, cocktail lounge and conference facilities have recently been completed in Estonia. Tallinn currently has two 4- and two 3-star hotels. Outside Tallinn, Estonia enjoys an adequate range of acceptable accommodations.
While the Estonian telephone system has improved considerably since the formation of a joint venture with Finland and Sweden, telephone service is still uneven; telephone service in areas outside the capital is greatly inferior. Telephone IDD service is available and the country code is 372 while the outgoing international code: 810. Fax and telex service is available at most major hotels. Substantial investment has also been made in cellular systems, which are operational throughout Estonia, which have access to the international packet switched digital network via Helsinki.
Electricity is 220 volts AC, 50Hz with European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Social conventions
A hand shake is the customary greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Estonians are proud of their culture and their national heritage, and visitors should take care to respect this.
F
Hors d'oeuvres are very good and often the best part of the meal. National specialties:
• Sült (jellied veal).
• Täidetud vasikarind (roast stuffed shoulder of veal).
• Rosolje (vinaigrette with herring and beets).
• Braised goose stuffed with apples and plums.
• Solid rye bread.
• Estonian wild mushroom soup.National drinks:
• Saare beer (dark and heavy yet tasty).
• Mulled wine.
Legal drinking age: The legal drinking age is 21.Tipping:
Taxi fares and restaurant bills include a tip.Nightlife
Tallinn is used to entertaining daytrippers from Finland and has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. There is also an opera and ballet theater.
