Living in Estonia

"Before retiring in Estonia, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in Estonia, as prices can vary significantly depending on the city or region. Additionally, expats should be aware of the healthcare system in Estonia, as private health insurance may be necessary. Finally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for Estonia, as these can vary depending on the individual's nationality," said one expat in Estonia.

"Come here first and meet the people, and see how you like it. For winter, bring heaps of extremely warm clothes. Culturally it is a dream, with the concert hall and opera house performing 9 mos of the year, and best seats at only 11 dollars. Dining out at fine restaurants is no bargain. Bring Seasoning Salt in abundance, and boxes of seasoned stuffing if you like roast chook )or you'll have to make your own). MORE cigarettes also canä' be found here. You can join the Academic Library and check out books in English and many other languages," said a person living in Tallinn.

"Estonia is a small country in Northern Europe with a population of 1.3 million people. It is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, and has a modern economy with a high standard of living. The official language is Estonian, but English is widely spoken. The currency is the Euro. Estonia has a temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Estonia is relatively high compared to other countries in the region. Healthcare is of a high standard and is free for EU citizens. Expats should also be aware that the country has a high rate of internet penetration, making it one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world," said one expat in Estonia.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Estonia is to use online resources such as websites and real estate agents. Websites such as kv.ee and city24.ee are great for finding rental properties, while real estate agents can help you find a place to buy. Additionally, you can search for rental properties on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It is also possible to find a place to live through word of mouth, so don't be afraid to ask around. Finally, you can also look for rental properties in newspapers and magazines," said a person living in Estonia.

"Expat homes and apartments in Estonia tend to be modern and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and open spaces. Many expats choose to live in the capital city of Tallinn, which offers a wide range of housing options, from traditional wooden houses to modern high-rise apartments. Expats can also find homes in the countryside, where they can enjoy the peace and quiet of rural life. Most expat homes and apartments come with all the necessary amenities, such as internet access, washing machines, and air conditioning," remarked one in Estonia.

"The cost of housing in Estonia is generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other European countries. The average cost of renting an apartment in Estonia is usually around €400-€600 per month, while the average cost of buying a home is around €1,000-€1,500 per square meter," explained one expat living in Estonia.

"British Chamber of Commerce American and Canadian Chambers of Commerce. Get a hold of This Week in Tallinn )a bimonthly puiblication) and Baltic Times weekly newspaper to find names of clubs and churches that might be of interest," remarked one expat in Tallinn.

"Expats in Estonia often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," explained one expat living in Estonia.

"When moving to Estonia, it is important to pack warm clothing, as the climate is cold and wet. It is also a good idea to bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a few items of casual clothing, as well as some formal attire for special occasions. It is also important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and any other paperwork required for the move. Finally, it is a good idea to bring some basic toiletries and personal items to make the transition to a new home easier," replied an expat in Estonia.

"Before retiring in Estonia, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in Estonia, as prices can vary significantly depending on the city or region. Additionally, expats should be aware of the healthcare system in Estonia, as private health insurance may be necessary. Finally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for Estonia, as these can vary depending on the individual's nationality," said one expat in Estonia.

"Foreigners often have jobs in Estonia in the fields of technology, finance, hospitality, and education. They may also work in retail, customer service, and other service-oriented industries. Additionally, many foreigners find employment in the creative industries, such as design, media, and music," replied an expat in Estonia.

"The city is one of the most hi-tech in the world. The timber and shipping industries are also of great importance," remarked one in Tallinn.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Estonia is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with a low cost of living and a vibrant culture. The country is also very welcoming to foreigners, with a large expat community and plenty of opportunities for networking. The country is also very tech-savvy, making it an ideal place for digital nomads to work remotely. The capital city of Tallinn is particularly popular with expats and digital nomads, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Overall, Estonia is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live and work," explained one expat.

"Life here is family oriented up to a point, but many marriages are broken. Young people go out frequently to bars and clubs where English is generally well spoken. Foreigners are received in a friendly and welcome manner. In fact, they are plesantly surprised to see you here. Do not be shy about opening conversations," said one person in Tallinn.

"Their song festivals, Beautiful native language, Love of Nature, Long lived history, Story of survival of a culture," replied an expat in Tallinn.

"Expats in Estonia appreciate the country's strong sense of community and the welcoming attitude of the locals. They also enjoy the country's rich cultural heritage, with its many festivals, museums, and galleries. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's natural beauty, with its forests, lakes, and coastline. The country's vibrant nightlife and excellent food scene are also popular among expats. Finally, Estonia's high-tech infrastructure and digital-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for those looking to work remotely," remarked one in Estonia.

"Expats in Estonia often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Estonian is the official language, and while English is widely spoken, it is not as commonly used as in other European countries. Additionally, the local culture can be quite reserved and formal, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to. Furthermore, the weather in Estonia can be quite extreme, with cold winters and short summers, which can be difficult to get used to," said one person in Estonia.

"1. There was tension surrounding the language and I was harrassed a couple of times because I didn't speak Estonian. The worst part about this is that they were medical professionals. The situation with the language has changed and I haven't had a bad experience for awhile but it was the most challenging part. 2. There's tension between Estonians of Russian decent and Estonians that are not of Russian decent. This could also play into the language being made out to be something to hold over others who don't speak the language. It's not everyone though. It's just loud by a small few and it has gotten better. Estonia is a place of improvement and progression at a rapid speed. So this and the above challenge might not even exist anymore. 3. The quality of medical care is below westernized standards. It's not just with equipment but also with the professionalism and the education of some of the medical staff. I'm also going to include customer service in general with this one. The customer service has gotten better and in the bigger cities it's great but the more rural areas could still use some changing. I heard it was so much worse in the soviet times. I am looking forward to this aspect to continue getting better and just as rapidly as everything else," remarked one expat in Tartu.

"Estonia is generally considered to be a safe country with low levels of crime. However, there have been reports of petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft in some areas, particularly in larger cities. Additionally, there have been some reports of cybercrime, such as online fraud and identity theft," said one person in Estonia.

"Estonia is a culturally diverse country, with a population that includes Estonians, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Finns, and Jews. People in Estonia are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of multiculturalism. The government has taken steps to ensure that all citizens are treated equally, regardless of their background," explained one expat.

"About 35% are of Russian ancestry, and that is their usual language. They like going to Karaoki bars and paying a little to sing their hearts out. Many businesses function as much in Russian as in Estonian. It is hard to tell Estonians from Russian ancestry people unless you listen to them speaking with each other. Many Estonians do not like this group of people, and have made laws concerning their obtaining a total Estonian passport, with passing an Estonian language test )which the EU will probably rule to be a violation of human rights on Estonia joining that body). The Russian oriented people here are very different from Russians in Russia, in fact they think more or less alike with fellow Estonians. Religion is not strong here. The population is pretty broad minded in a Scandinavian manner in terms of sexual mores, which anyone will find out quickly if they get cable TV, as after midnight anything is shown. They think of sex as a completely norman bodily function, like eating breakfast, and they are not prudes. There is also a high level of gay tolerance, with as many clubs here in this city of only 500,000 as are found in Moscow with its 15m. I do not think black people would find problems here like they do in Russia, but I haven't direct experience on this subject in this 100% white nation. I think there is very little experience here in meeting black people, as they have only been free of the ex Soviet Union for 11 years. I know there is no prejudice against Hispanic peoples," said one person in Tallinn.

"I would encourage anyone considering bring their kids to Estonia to visit the school and see them in action. It is a great little school with a faculty that cares," wrote an expat with kids at International School of Estonia in Tallinn.

"The International School of Estonia (ISE) is one of the best international schools in Estonia. Located in Tallinn, ISE offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is designed to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. ISE also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The British School of Tallinn is another excellent international school in Estonia. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, and offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The school also offers a range of language courses, including English, French, and Spanish. The International School of Tartu is a bilingual school in Estonia. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The school also offers a range of language courses, including English, French, and Spanish. The International School of Estonia is a great choice for international students looking for a quality education in Estonia. The school offers a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to grade 12, and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," commented one expat when asked about in Estonia.