Organize your stay Estonia
Money Estonia
All three countries use the euro as their currency: Estonia since 2011, Latvia since 2014 and Lithuania since 2015.
Budget & Tips Estonia
Since independence, the changeover to the euro, and inflation partly caused by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, prices have risen considerably. For tourists, a stay here can be relatively expensive, and even more so for Baltic residents, whose average monthly salary remains low. Some prices (luxury goods, hotels, leisure activities, etc.) are equivalent to those in capitals such as Paris or London. However, basic necessities and food remain less expensive.
Lithuania. This is the least expensive of the three Baltic states, although prices have soared in recent years. It's still possible to eat here at fairly low prices, unless of course you choose prestigious or very recent addresses. Prices vary widely within the country, depending on whether you're in the capital, a tourist area or the countryside. Like any self-respecting capital, Vilnius is the most expensive city in the country. Outside the capital, prices drop by 30 to 40%. As a general rule, accommodation will be the most expensive item, but you can always find good deals if you look hard enough (hostels, camping sites, homestays, apartment rentals, etc.). Food is 20% cheaper than in France. The cost of domestic transport by bus and in some trains is really economical (other long-distance trains like the more modern Klaipėda-Vilnius, on the other hand, are much more expensive). Access to museums, and generally to all cultural events, is inexpensive. The ISIC international student card entitles you to discounts at many museums, cultural venues and hostels.
Latvia. Prices in Latvia are nothing like they were after independence; life has become expensive. For tourists, food is still cheap except in a few upmarket places in the capital, but hotel prices have risen sharply, even if they are still lower than in Vilnius and Tallinn. Bus and train fares, on the other hand, are derisory and should encourage you to discover the country by public transport. In Rīga, leisure and consumer prices tend to be very close to those in Western European capitals.
Estonia. Unquestionably the most expensive of the Baltic states. The cost of living is almost on a par with Western European countries. It's hard to find a hostel for less than €20 a night or a hotel for less than €60 in Tallinn. During the summer months, hotels in the center of Tallinn fill up. It's worth booking in advance. There are generally no nasty surprises in the accommodation on offer: it's clean and the staff speak English. For accommodation for 4 people or more, it's a good idea to rent an apartment. As a general rule, the apartments on offer are well-equipped and close to the center, and prices are reduced from the second day of rental. To save time when you arrive, don't forget the tourist office (Niguliste 2), whose staff will be happy to help you.
Inflation. Inflation is a factor to be taken into account before any stay in the Baltic States. The prices given in this guide are for information only.
As a general rule, accommodation will be the most expensive, but you can always find a good deal if you look hard enough and book in advance (the summer period is particularly popular with Scandinavian and German tourists).
Tight budget: 60 €/day/person.
Medium budget: €90/day/person.
Higher budget: between €90 and €150/day/person.
While cash was long the norm in the Baltic States, Covid has changed many things. Credit cards are now accepted in the vast majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and on buses. You can use Maestro debit cards and Visa, MasterCard and EuroCard credit cards (American Express much less so). But remember to carry some cash with you.
There are cash dispensers in every town. But beware: even if the situation is changing with the introduction of bank terminals, villages generally have no place to change or withdraw money. It's best to plan to withdraw sufficient sums to ensure you don't run out of money when traveling within the country. If you pay by credit card or withdraw cash in a euro zone country, bank charges will be the same as in France.
Tipping. Service is included in the bill. Tipping is therefore by no means compulsory, but it is much appreciated in hotels, restaurants, bars, checkrooms and cabs. The relatively high cost of living and the generally low level of remuneration mean that tips make a significant contribution to staff income.
Haggling. There is little haggling in the Baltic countries, except in markets where you can try to get a good price for several items purchased.
Taxes. All prices are inclusive of tax. There are no products for which it is necessary to add tax.
Passport and visas Estonia
A simple, valid identity card is all that is required for citizens of the European Union.
Driver's license Estonia
A French, Swiss or Belgian driving licence is sufficient to drive in the Baltic States. Be careful, if you rent a car, to have a credit card (and not a debit card, it is marked on the card in small) otherwise you will have to pay an additional compulsory insurance which can very quickly increase the price of the rental.
Mandatory vaccination Estonia
The good news is that no vaccinations are required for the Baltic countries.
Security Estonia
We touched on the subject in the practical information sheet, but be careful in certain places, such as Kaunas in Lithuania, even though these countries are generally safe.
In the Baltic States, there's no assault, no constant flirting, no multiple interlocutors... Quite the contrary! The Baltic character is characterized by a genuine placidity, and attempts at seduction are more often than not subliminal. Once you've made contact, you'll quickly realize that your interlocutors are genuinely kind, but it's up to you to start the conversation. As for safety, walking the city streets at any time of day or night is rarely a source of fear or trouble.
Time difference Estonia
The Baltic countries are part of the Central European zone (2 hours later than GMT), which means one hour later than in France. Seasonal time changes take place at the beginning of April and at the end of October.
Spoken languages Estonia
In addition to the vernacular languages (Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian), Russian, German and English can be very useful for communicating with your hosts, especially as the Baltic States have focused their policy of opening up to Europe on the learning of foreign languages, with English as a priority.
French. French, which is only spoken by a small proportion of the intelligentsia, won't be of much help to you. However, Lithuania remains the most French-speaking of the Baltic states.
Russian. For a foreign tourist, speaking Russian could make things easier, since everyone spoke it. Today, Russian is still easily spoken in the Baltic states, although it should be noted that since independence, the former official language has been rather frowned upon by the non-Russian population. Although Russian has been abandoned in favor of English, which has become the language of business, it is still widely spoken, thanks to the large volume of trade. There is a sizeable Russian minority, particularly in Rīga and Tallinn, who sometimes have a very poor command of the official languages of their countries of residence.
English. English is widespread, and most young people speak it fluently. In tourist facilities, you'll always find someone who speaks it. Most websites (hotels, restaurants, tourist offices, etc.) have an English version.
German. For historical reasons, German is still spoken in Latvia and Estonia. This historical link is reinforced today by the many trade links with Germany and the large number of German tourists, who often come to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.
Communication Estonia
Generally speaking, telephone coverage and Internet quality are very good, especially in Estonia. As all three countries are members of the European Union, you'll be able to use your subscription just as you would at home (if you come from another member country). Beware, however, of border areas with Russia (such as Nida on the Curonian Spit or Narva) or Belarus, where your phone may automatically switch to the network of a Russian or Belarusian operator. It's best to deactivate roaming to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Electricity and measurements Estonia
Electricity. The standard is 220 V (50 Hz). Sockets are two-pronged. A universal adapter is therefore not required.
Weights and measures. Like us, the Baltic countries use the metric system. Don't laugh if you're asked in a bar how many grams of vodka you want. It's common practice here to serve drinks by weight (a glass of hard liquor is equivalent to around 50 g, a glass of wine to 100 g).
Luggage Estonia
Protection from the rain is essential. That's why it's a good idea to bring along a good raincoat and umbrella at all times of the year.
In winter, you'll need extremely warm clothing. If you don't have anything of good quality, you'll be able to find the right clothes once you're on site: tights, underpants, gloves, hats, jackets, etc.
Even in summer, nights can be chilly, so be sure to bring a sweater and jacket. Bathing suits are obligatory at all times of the year if you want to enjoy swimming in lakes or the sea, as well as saunas and spa treatments.
You'll find everything you need at local supermarkets: soap, mosquito repellent, toothpaste, absorbent cotton, shaving foam, razor blades, shampoo and so on. Budget-conscious people will save a lot of money by opting for this solution.