Tallinn, Estonia Report of what it's like to live there - 09/07/16
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?
No. We have lived in Bishkek, Accra, and Hanoi.
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?
U.S. It is about 8 hours from the US East Coast to Frankfurt or Amsterdam, and then 2 hours to Tallinn.
3. How long have you lived here?
1 year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am the spouse of the US Foreign Service Officer.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Like many posts, there are apartments in the city and houses in the suburbs. I have not heard one person complain about housing -- the apartments are big, most with balconies and views of the city and/or the Baltic Sea. All are walking distance from the great parts of downtown and old town Tallinn. Houses (which we live in) are excellent, with big yards, new construction, generous garages and modern appliances. Most US Embassy families live in Pirita, the suburb just on the edge of Tallinn along the sea -- a 20 minute commute to work.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Excellent -- Europe standards. No complaints.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Really nothing, although we do order a few small things through the Commissary in Helsinki.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Very standard restaurants: pizza, burgers, Italian, Estonia/Scandinavian etc. Can get decent sushi. McDonalds and Subway are here, of that's your thing. Some very good, high-end places too.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None. Had heard concern about mosquito and finally saw my first one this past weekend while mushroom picking deep in the forest.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I think they are -- we use the US Embassy mail system. I have received FedEx and DHL too.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We pay 50 euros a week for a once-a-week house cleaner, and 1100 euros a month for a full time nanny/house manager. Both are excellent.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many -- like the States. Lots of tennis, golf, sailing, hiking etc., as well.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
I can't remember the last time I paid cash for something -- even a pack of gum. Ubiquitous and safe.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
We do not attend church but many Embassy families do at Focus Church and/or a Catholic service.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Almost none. I speak English almost everywhere and use my Russian when/where I can't. Estonian is simply a hard language and people here might appreciate the gesture, but their English will always be much better. Maybe not on par with Scandinavia but very, very good. Keep in mind, 40% or more of Tallinn are also Russian speakers.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and yes. My wife takes the bus to work and then Uber or standard taxi home. I uber all around.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Nothing special -- small SUVs abound, but normal sedans or wagons fine too.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Some of the best in the world. Installation is seamless. I have high-speed internet and a generous cable package for 50 euros a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Telia. 25 GBs for 20 euros a month.
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?
Pretty standard -- Embassy EFM jobs, school teachers, one or two lawyers on the local market, and several full time teleworkers (such as me) to jobs back in the US.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Normal European. A formalish country, but nothing over the top.
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?
No health concerns. Not sure about the medical care, but I think it is good.
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?
Some of the best in the world. A totally green, clean country.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
SAD can be an issue with the dark winters, but I find the generalized concern about this to be over blown. It is darker for perhaps 2 hours more per day here that the midwest of the US and then quickly lightens back up to very long, well-lit days. If anything, you might struggle more with the long, light filled days.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Like the midwest of the U.S. Cold-ish in the winter with some snow (never colder than 0F). Cool/warm in the summer (never warmer than 75F).
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We had heard concern about ISE -- but problems seem to have been turned around. We have two children there (2 and KG this year) and have had an excellent experience. Good teachers, well equipped school, adequate class sizes (7-12 students), and excellent director. There is also an European school which some families choose, though I have heard more mixed reviews about its management style.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, but maybe not in English.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, many -- but again language can be an issue. ISE overs class/sports five days a week after school with some good variety (coding, soccer, ballet, pottery, etc...).
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Mid-size -- mostly diplomats, some business folks. Very high morale.
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?
Dinner parties, hiking excursions.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families, and I assume good for singles. Lots of museums, parks, Old Town, forests, sea, safe roads etc.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I hear some issues with racism and anti-immigration.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Bog walks, Old Town, forest hikes, trips to the islands and the beach.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Bog walks, Old Town, forest hikes, trips to the islands and the beach.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really -- but certainly good buys in Old Town. Nothing crazy special though.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Cleanness, safety, well-functioning, eco-friendly.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That it is relatively cheap for Europe.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, by all means.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Smiles for passerby. It is a publicly private country.
4. But don't forget your:
European travel guide.
