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Moving to Tallinn, Estonia | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Moving to Tallinn, Estonia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 11, 2024

Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Tallinn, Estonia for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and low cost of living. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent public transportation, and friendly locals. Additionally, Tallinn is a great place to learn a new language, as it is home to a large number of international students. Before moving to Tallinn, it is important to know that the city is quite small and can be quite cold in the winter months. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the language barrier, as English is not widely spoken in Estonia. Finally, it is important to research the local laws and regulations before moving to Tallinn, as they may differ from those in other countries.

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What do I need to know before moving to Tallinn?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Tallinn, they said:

"Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and is a great place to live for expats. It is a modern city with a rich cultural heritage, and is known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent public transportation. Expats should be aware that the official language of Estonia is Estonian, although English is widely spoken. It is also important to note that the cost of living in Tallinn is relatively low compared to other European cities. Additionally, expats should be aware that the weather in Tallinn can be quite cold in the winter months, so it is important to be prepared for the cold. Finally, expats should be aware that the healthcare system in Estonia is of a high standard, and that there are plenty of opportunities for expats to get involved in the local community," explained one expat living in Tallinn, Estonia.

How do I find a place to live in Tallinn?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Tallinn is to use online rental websites such as City24.ee or Rent.ee. These websites allow you to search for rental properties in Tallinn by location, price, size, and other criteria. Additionally, you can also search for rental properties on popular real estate websites such as KV.ee or Realigro.com. You can also find rental properties by contacting local real estate agents or by asking around in the local community," remarked one expat who made the move to Tallinn.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tallinn?

"Expat homes and apartments in Tallinn are typically modern and spacious, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments are located in the city center, close to shops, restaurants, and other amenities. The interiors are often decorated with contemporary furnishings and feature modern appliances. Expats can also find apartments in the suburbs, which offer more space and a quieter atmosphere," replied a member in Tallinn.

What is the average cost of housing in Tallinn?

If you are thinking about moving to Tallinn, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Tallinn is generally quite reasonable compared to other European cities. The average cost of renting an apartment in Tallinn is around €500-€700 per month, while the average cost of buying a property is around €1,500-€2,000 per square meter," replied a member in Tallinn.

Should I buy or rent a home in Tallinn?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Tallinn, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Tallinn can be a great investment. The city is growing rapidly and property values are increasing. Renting a home in Tallinn can also be a great option, as it allows you to enjoy the city without the commitment of a long-term purchase. It is important to consider your budget and lifestyle when deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Tallinn," said one expat in Tallinn.

What should I pack when moving to Tallinn?

We asked people living in Tallinn to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"When moving to Tallinn, it is important to pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop below freezing in the winter months. It is also a good idea to bring a raincoat and umbrella, as the city experiences a lot of rain throughout the year. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a good pair of walking shoes, as Tallinn is a very walkable city. Finally, it is important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and any other paperwork required for your move," said one expat who made the move to Tallinn.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Tallinn?

We asked people in Tallinn if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Tallinn. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress modestly and conservatively, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly in public. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local religious beliefs and to avoid making jokes or comments about them," explained one expat living in Tallinn, Estonia.

"I went into Sauna with a towel. Everyone is supposed to go completely naked together. It's normal here. I was laughed at because I felt weird hanging out naked with a bunch of guys. Now it doesn't even phase me since it is part of the culture," said one expat in Tallinn.

Why do people move to Tallinn?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Tallinn, they responded:

"Tallinn is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and excellent quality of life. The city is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and picturesque Old Town. It is also a great place to work, with a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities. Additionally, Tallinn is a safe and welcoming city, with a friendly and diverse population. With its excellent public transportation system, it is easy to get around and explore the city. All of these factors make Tallinn an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home," wrote one expat living in Tallinn.

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How are healthcare services Tallinn?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Tallinn, they replied:

"Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, boasts a well-developed healthcare system that offers a wide range of services to its residents and visitors. The city is home to numerous public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide high-quality medical care, including general practitioners, specialists, and emergency services. The healthcare system in Tallinn is based on a social insurance model, where residents are required to have health insurance through the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF). This insurance covers most medical services, including primary care, specialist consultations, hospital care, and prescription medications. Additionally, the EHIF also covers dental care for children and partially for adults. In Tallinn, patients can access primary healthcare services through general practitioners (GPs) who serve as the first point of contact for medical concerns. GPs can provide consultations, prescribe medications, and refer patients to specialists if necessary. Specialist care is available in various fields, such as cardiology, dermatology, gynecology, and psychiatry, among others. Emergency medical services in Tallinn are available 24/7 and can be accessed by calling the emergency number 112. The city has several hospitals equipped with emergency departments to handle urgent medical situations. Ambulance services are also available for transportation to hospitals in case of emergencies. In addition to public healthcare facilities, Tallinn also has a growing number of private clinics and hospitals that offer a wide range of medical services. These private facilities often have shorter waiting times and may provide more personalized care, but they typically come with higher costs compared to public healthcare services. Overall, healthcare services in Tallinn are modern, efficient, and easily accessible, ensuring that residents and visitors can receive the medical care they need," said one expat living in Tallinn, Estonia.

What are medical services in Tallinn like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Tallinn, they replied:

"Medical services in Tallinn, are generally of high quality, with well-equipped hospitals and clinics. The city has both public and private healthcare facilities, staffed by skilled and professional medical personnel. Many doctors and nurses in Tallinn speak English, making communication easier for foreign patients. The public healthcare system is funded through the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, which covers most medical services for residents. However, waiting times for non-emergency treatments can be long in public hospitals. Private healthcare facilities offer faster access to medical services, but at a higher cost. Emergency medical services are available 24/7, and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted for emergency treatments for EU citizens. It is recommended for visitors to have travel insurance to cover any potential medical expenses," commented one expat living in Tallinn.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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