Tallinn, Estonia Report of what it's like to live there - 09/12/23
Personal Experiences from Tallinn, Estonia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This was our first overseas post.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington DC. It took about 10+ hours with a layover in Germany. Typically, Frankfurt. There are no direct flights to the US that I’m aware of.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What years did you live here?
2017-2019.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We had a beautiful apartment downtown that was just a block from the old town. All the apartments we saw were only a short walk to the old town and were extremely spacious. Many were three to four bedrooms. Most people with children were put in houses in the suburbs outside the city. These houses were very spacious and modern but were not walkable to anything in the city. Some were close to the beach.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find almost anything and more at the grocery stores. We were extremely happy with the selection at grocery stores. Don’t miss the open air markets in the city as well. Balti Jaam was our favorite for fresh produce.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
The few things we missed were American-style peanut butter and Reese’s peanut butter cups. There is peanut butter available, if you aren’t too picky like us.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Great Indian and while we were there an authentic Chinese restaurant opened near the port. Other than that, lots of Italian food and one decent Japanese place. Wolf is the delivery service and it’s absolutely excellent.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None whatsoever
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There was a small gym in the embassy.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Absolutely. Credit cards are preferred.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I don’t know many. I know there was a nondenominational church in Telliskivi that was English and I believe one or two Protestant churches in the Old Town that had an English service. Generally speaking, Estonians are not very religious so it’s harder to find a specific church or service than in other places.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None at all.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Definitely in the winter when they don’t actually clear the sidewalks and just get it down to a flat sheet of mixed ice and snow and the old town which is all cobblestone.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and extremely easy to use.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Something with good snow tires for the winters especially if you want to travel. We drove up to the Arctic Circle with our small SUV and we’re thankful for the size and great tires.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We kept our T-Mobile plan and used the unlimited data. We were happy with it. Much of the city has free Wi-Fi which makes things easier.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most worked at the embassy.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Everyone in Estonia is very fashion forward and likes to dress up.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
None.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Great air quality.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Nothing that I’m aware of.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
SAD is definitely a thing in the long dark winters here. I didn’t experience it myself, but the embassy does supply “happy lamps” for those that need it. The very long Christmas market and all the unique winter activities kept us busy and helped on those winter days when the sun was gone by 3pm.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very cold windy winter with a mild summer. No real fall or spring.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We didn’t have school age kids so I’m not sure.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small. You will get to meet almost all the other expats in the city during your time in Tallinn. The community is close with some organized events but this is definitely a post you’ll be doing a lot of travel from so it’s not maybe as tight knit as other posts where nothing outside the embassy is happening. Many of us did long roadtrips on holiday and saw lots of Europe during our time there.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lots of great cafes and restaurants in the city.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes. Great for everyone.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Estonians tend to come off a bit cold at first, but most live Americans and are enthusiastic to speak English. I made many local friends who I’m still close to today.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I believe so.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
All the amazing trips around the country, the Christmas market and spas at the sea, our epic road-trips across Europe and the ferries to Sweden and Finland. There is just so so much to do here!
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Not hidden, but don’t miss the farm festivals in late summer. We also highly recommend doing all the ferry trips you can. They are so nice and an experience in themselves. Also the Song Festival!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of wool and unique wood gifts. Also beautiful amber jewelry.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Amazing travel opportunities, a beautiful modern city with incredible festivals and markets, extremely clean and safe. This is truly a hidden gem post.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How much I would fall in love with this place and not want to leave.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Summer clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
.heavy winter jacket
5. Do you have any other comments?
If you can bid on Tallinn do not hesitate. It has been a life-changing place for us that we hope to come back to someday.
