FAQ: frequently asked questions about Tallinn
Can I use English in Tallinn?
English is the most widely known foreign language in Tallinn, although older people are more likely to speak German. In most establishments in the tourist industry it is possible to use English, Finnish, Russian and German.
Which currency and bank cards are used in Tallinn/Estonia?
The national currency in Estonia is the Euro (€).
Hotels, shops and restaurants widely accept Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards. Contactless payments and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are commonly used.
Estonia is a highly digital society, and card payments are preferred in most places. However, it’s still wise to carry a small amount of cash for markets or very small businesses.
What travel documents do I need to enter Estonia?
When are shops and shopping centres open in Tallinn?
The major shopping centres are generally open from 10 am until 9 pm on weekdays and until 7 pm on Sundays. Smaller shops are open on weekdays 10 am – 7 pm, Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm and are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Always check the opening hours for shops and shopping centres from their websites.
How much do taxis cost?
Three taxi and ridesharing platforms are available in Tallinn:
- Bolt: both verified private as well as professional taxi drivers
- Forus: professional taxi drivers only
- Uber: private drivers only
When you book a ride through an app, you'll see the price beforehand.
What to consider when taking a taxi from the stand:
There are maximum fares set for taxi companies, but fares can vary widely in allowed range, therefore the total cost will depend upon the taxi company you choose and the distance and time travelled. Each taxi's rates are posted on a yellow sticker on the car's right rear window. To avoid misunderstandings, ask the driver the approximate cost of the trip in advance.
A more detailed overview of information about Tallinn taxis can be found here.
Where can I purchase public transport tickets?
One-hour tickets and one-day tickets:
You can buy one-hour tickets:
- At the ticket machines located at the airport, central bus station, Tallinn Tourist Information Centre, bus terminal at Viru Keskus, and the port's A- and D-terminals
- With a contactless payment card* (Mastercard, Maestro, Visa and Visa Electron) at the rectangular orange validator at the front entrance of the vehicle
You can buy one-day tickets and one-hour tickets (known as QR tickets):
- By loading money* or the appropriate ticket on your Ühiskaart (green or blue fare card) online or anywhere the cards are sold (see below)
- online from tallinn.pilet.ee
- with the mobile app pilet.ee (for iOS and Android). When you purchase a ticket through the app, a service charge of 0.32 euros will be added to the price.
*Pay as you go daily caps: the system tracks your daily usage and automatically bills your Ühiskaart (green or blue fare card) or bank account for the cheapest ticket you are entitled to for the day, meaning the maximum you will pay in a single day for an unlimited amount of trips is the price of a one-day ticket. NB! You must validate each entry.
Read more: Public transport in Tallinn
What are the usual lunch and dinner times in Tallinn?
How do I pay for parking in Tallinn?
Parking on streets in the city centre, downtown, Old Town and Pirita requires payment.
You can pay for parking using:
- a mobile phone (by SMS or the Pargi.ee app*)
- a parking meter (only accepts cash)
- an online monthly parking pass. You can buy Tallinn monthly parking passes from the online self-service. For more information and bookings, call 6003055 or e-mail tallinn@europark.ee
* The Pargi.ee mobile app works on both Android and iOS platforms and does not require a contract with an Estonian mobile operator. You can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is not compulsory in Tallinn, but if the service or food is exceptionally good, then it is common to leave a tip of about 10% of the bill.
How can I get from the airport to the city centre?
How can I get from the harbour to the city centre?
Tram no. 2 connects the harbour to the city centre. Get the tram from the stop "Vanasadam" in front of Terminal A, make sure the tram is heading towards Suur-Paala, as indicated at the front of the tram. Exit the tram at stop A. Laikmaa and you'll be in the city centre.
What is the Tallinn Card?
Tallinn Card is a sightseeing pass which lets visitors conveniently get to know the whole city. Accepted in nearly 90 locations, it entitles the holder to free admission to more than 50 museums and attractions, free public transport and various other offers and discounts.
For more info on the Tallinn Card, please see: tallinncard.ee