Digital Nomad Life in Tallinn, Estonia
Summary: Tallinn, Estonia is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, excellent infrastructure, and vibrant culture. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. The best neighborhood to live in Tallinn is the Old Town, which is the city's historic center and is full of cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and quaint cafes. The approximate population of Tallinn is 431,000. The weather in Tallinn, Estonia is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (0-20 Celsius) in the winter and the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (10-25 Celsius) in the summer. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Tallinn is approximately $1,000-$1,500 USD, depending on lifestyle. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Tallinn is approximately $500-$700 USD per month.
How do I meet people in Tallinn?
When we asked people living in Tallinn about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Tallinn can join a variety of 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 to connect with other expats in the area," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tallinn.
What is life like in Tallinn?
When we asked people living in Tallinn what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Tallinn is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and excellent infrastructure. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning natural scenery, and friendly locals. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the city's many museums and galleries to taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. The city also offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it easy to find a place to socialize and meet new people. Additionally, Tallinn is a great place to work remotely, with a reliable internet connection and plenty of coworking spaces. All in all, Tallinn is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live and work," said one expat who made the move to Tallinn.
Where should I live in Tallinn?
We asked digital nomads and 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," said one expat in Tallinn.
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:
"Before retiring in Tallinn, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Estonian, as it is the official language of the country. Expats should also research the cost of living in Tallinn, as it is generally higher than other parts of the country. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Estonia, as it is different from other countries. Finally, expats should research the visa requirements for living in Estonia, as they may need to apply for a residence permit," explained one expat living in Tallinn, Estonia.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Tallinn?
"Their song festivals, Beautiful native language, Love of Nature, Long lived history, Story of survival of a culture," said one person in Tallinn.
"Expats in Tallinn appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its many museums, galleries, and monuments. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with its numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's friendly and welcoming locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Finally, expats enjoy the city's stunning natural beauty, with its picturesque parks, forests, and beaches," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tallinn.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Tallinn?
"Expats in Tallinn often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Estonian is the official language, and while many people in Tallinn speak English, it is not as widely spoken as in other European countries. Additionally, the local culture can be quite different from what expats are used to, with a strong emphasis on tradition and etiquette. This can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those who are not familiar with the local customs. Finally, the weather in Tallinn can be quite extreme, with cold winters and short summers, which can be difficult to adjust to for those coming from warmer climates," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tallinn.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Tallinn for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Tallinn for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit or a long-term residence permit. You may also need to apply for a visa if you are from a country outside of the European Union," said one expat who made the move to Tallinn.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Tallinn?
We asked people in Tallinn if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"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," said one expat in Tallinn.
"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," remarked one member in Tallinn.
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What are healthcare services like in 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," wrote one digital nomad living in Tallinn, Estonia.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Tallinn?
"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Tallinn, for several reasons. They appreciate the city's high-speed internet and advanced digital infrastructure, which makes it easy for them to work remotely. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other European cities, making it an affordable option for many. Tallinn's picturesque Old Town, with its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets, offers a charming and unique atmosphere that many find appealing. The city is also known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who often speak English, making it easy for expats to communicate and integrate into the community. Tallinn's efficient public transportation system is another aspect that expats and digital nomads enjoy, as it allows them to easily navigate the city and its surrounding areas. The city's location on the Baltic Sea also provides opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration, such as visiting nearby islands and beaches. However, there are also some aspects of living in Tallinn that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The weather can be a significant drawback, as the city experiences long, cold, and dark winters, which can be challenging for those accustomed to warmer climates. Additionally, the job market in Tallinn may be limited for expats seeking local employment, particularly if they do not speak Estonian. Another potential downside is the relatively small size of Tallinn, which may not offer the same level of cultural and entertainment options as larger European cities. Finally, while many locals speak English, expats may still encounter language barriers when dealing with bureaucracy or in more rural areas outside of the city," said a member in Tallinn.
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About the Author
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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