The basic medical care is mostly satisfactory. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The EHIC regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. In the event of illness, EHIC holders contact an independent contract doctor directly or a doctor in a public municipal or state facility. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. Check directoryaah for more information.
Food and drink
Drinking water is usually clean. However, the high mineral content of the water is not to everyone’s taste. Bottled water is widely available. To avoid possible infections, one should practice sensible drinking water and food hygiene. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is also transmitted by ticks. In addition to the protective measures mentioned above, a vaccination against TBE is possible. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
An HIV test is required for a permanent residence or work permit. In Estonia and in all other EU countries, proof of the COVID vaccination status with the paper vaccination card is valid in addition to the digital COVID-19 vaccination card (EU Digital COVID Certificate). Estonia accepts Swiss COVID certificate.
Money
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency code: €, EUR (ISO code). Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. The euro has been legal tender in Estonia since January 2011.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express etc. are usually accepted by larger hotels, restaurants, shops and banks. Most banks only accept the credit card together with the passport. Cash can also be withdrawn with a credit card in many places at the numerous ATMs in all smaller and larger towns. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Girocard With the Girocard (formerly EC card) such as the Maestro card, V Pay or Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in the national currency throughout Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with a debit card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus, V-Pay or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed in Estonia in Tallinn and in Tartu in some banks and exchange offices.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
For travelers within and from outside the EU, there are no restrictions on the import or export of national and foreign currencies, but there is an obligation to declare funds from an equivalent value of €10,000 (in addition to cash, cash also includes travelers cheques, savings accounts, other currencies, to third parties checks drawn, the true value of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum (gold coins containing at least 90 percent gold grade, uncoined gold in the form of bars, nuggets or nuggets containing at least 99.5 percent gold grade), precious stones (but not jewelry). )).
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices, which are located at the airports, in larger hotels and in many places in the city centre, at the train station and at the port. The exchange offices are open from Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 18.00 and on Saturday from 09.00 to 15.00. Some exchange offices also offer their service on Sundays.
