Difference between revisions of "Estonia"

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=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Estonia is a pocket country. Very small but very friendly. For EU citizens there is no border, for others you might encounter a stray customs officer on the EU land border. There are very tightly controlled border checkpoints on the Russian border and sea and airports have all the usual EU border controls. The country as a whole is exceedingly safe. Don't be stupid and don't act like a drunken savage and you will have a good time. There is zero tolerance to drugs of any kind, cannabis and weed included. Sightseeing is easy, distances are small. For details of what to see, check out the Estonian tourist board site. Just google that...
 
+
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
 
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
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==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
 
Right. <br />
 
Right. <br />
Unknown if RHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}}
+
LHD vehicles can be driven but have almost no resale value. They can only be owned by the original importer and cannot be sold on.
 
+
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
Warning triangle, wheel chocks, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, high vis. vest.
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Roads vary. In towns and cities they are ok to excellent. Tarmac but can be broken/heavily repaired. Outside the towns and cities gravel roads are common. One way streets are common in towns and cities.
 
+
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Road signs are very good. Road markings can be poor, the hard winters destroy the painted markings fast.
 
+
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
There are none, unless the winter ice road to the offshore islands is counted.
 
+
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is very uncommon, If it should occur it is as likely to be a police sting as it is a real shakedown. DON'T offer bribes and make clear that you are recording interaction if you feel the opportunity is being offered. Estonia is very proud of it's low levels of corruption.
 
+
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
Rare, but can occur. Usually alcohol checks for drunk drivers. There will be 5-10 police officers strung along the road, they will flag down the cars approaching, check licence, id, insurance sometimes and breathalyze you. Note: driving with any blood alcohol level is illegal. Zero tolerance. Attempting to drive through or turning around and driving away will result in a very fast Subaru with flashing blue lights getting all up on top of you. Police are armed. If it isn't the Subaru it will be a tuned Skoda. The trained drivers love any chance to show what their cars can do. Don't be that guy...
 
+
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
+
A current pet-passport is required for EU travelers. Non EU travelers will have their animals quarantined.
 
+
 
=Gas and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">September 2016</span>'''<br />
  
 
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|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="1.37" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="1.00" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="1.36" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="1.02" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Highly available, gas stations (tankla) are all over the place, even smaller towns and villages will have one. Maximum distance between gas stations less than 40km.
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
 
+
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Gas is unleaded (benzin) usually 98. Diesel is clean. All gas stations will have winter diesel available from November to April.
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
 
+
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is fine. Keep a close eye open for drunks walking home and cyclists. Cycle lights are not required by law. Pedestrians are legally required to have a reflective arm band or tag visible when walking at night.
 
+
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Parking rules are generally signed. If you are on a highway or local road then pull off to the side as far as possible.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
 
+
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
Look out for wildlife, moose will give you a very very bad day, boar will do the same. Deer are plentiful, as are foxes, rabbits etc. Many local roads are gravel surfaced and can be full of pot holes after rain.
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
 
+
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
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==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
This will depend on the area. If unsure drink bottled water. Some parts of Eastern Estonia have very iron rich water. It is unpleasant to drink although unlikely to do any damage. Bottled water will range from 0.5€ to 5% for 500ml.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
 
+
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==

Revision as of 11:07, 22 September 2016


Currency to display:

Visiting Estonia

Estonia is a pocket country. Very small but very friendly. For EU citizens there is no border, for others you might encounter a stray customs officer on the EU land border. There are very tightly controlled border checkpoints on the Russian border and sea and airports have all the usual EU border controls. The country as a whole is exceedingly safe. Don't be stupid and don't act like a drunken savage and you will have a good time. There is zero tolerance to drugs of any kind, cannabis and weed included. Sightseeing is easy, distances are small. For details of what to see, check out the Estonian tourist board site. Just google that...

Entering Estonia with a Car or Motorbike

Correct as of: (date last confirmed correct)

Required Paperwork

(To check if you need a travel Visa for Estonia, application instructions and fees see: Estonia Visa online application at VisaHQ.com)
List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies

Process at border

Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle

Cost of entry

State the cost for a vehicle to enter

Permitted length of stay

State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle

Extension of stay

Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle

Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.

Driving in Estonia

Recommended books for Overlanding in Estonia

Lonely Planet Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet, Peter Dragicevich, Hugh McNaughtan,...
From $13.08 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
Tallinn, 2nd (footprint - Pocket Guides)
Tallinn, 2nd (footprint - Pocket Guides)
by Clare Thomson
From $click on Amazon
TRAVELIVING - a romantic & practical guide

TRAVELIVING - a romantic & practical guide
by The Pin Project

at 10$ on thepinproject.eu

Travel insurance for Estonia

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements

Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.

Cost of vehicle insurance

State the price of insurance and a time period.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance

Describe where insurance can be purchased.

Driving license

State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.

Driving side of road

Right.
LHD vehicles can be driven but have almost no resale value. They can only be owned by the original importer and cannot be sold on.

Mandatory items in vehicle

Warning triangle, wheel chocks, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, high vis. vest.

Roads

General Road quality

Roads vary. In towns and cities they are ok to excellent. Tarmac but can be broken/heavily repaired. Outside the towns and cities gravel roads are common. One way streets are common in towns and cities.

Road signs

Road signs are very good. Road markings can be poor, the hard winters destroy the painted markings fast.

Toll roads

There are none, unless the winter ice road to the offshore islands is counted.

Bribery in Estonia

Bribery is very uncommon, If it should occur it is as likely to be a police sting as it is a real shakedown. DON'T offer bribes and make clear that you are recording interaction if you feel the opportunity is being offered. Estonia is very proud of it's low levels of corruption.

Checkpoints

Rare, but can occur. Usually alcohol checks for drunk drivers. There will be 5-10 police officers strung along the road, they will flag down the cars approaching, check licence, id, insurance sometimes and breathalyze you. Note: driving with any blood alcohol level is illegal. Zero tolerance. Attempting to drive through or turning around and driving away will result in a very fast Subaru with flashing blue lights getting all up on top of you. Police are armed. If it isn't the Subaru it will be a tuned Skoda. The trained drivers love any chance to show what their cars can do. Don't be that guy...

Traveling with pets

A current pet-passport is required for EU travelers. Non EU travelers will have their animals quarantined.

Gas and Diesel price in Estonia

Last updated: September 2016

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded €1.00 EUR per Liter[1]
Diesel €1.02 EUR per Liter[1]

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency

Highly available, gas stations (tankla) are all over the place, even smaller towns and villages will have one. Maximum distance between gas stations less than 40km.

Gas and Diesel Quality

Gas is unleaded (benzin) usually 98. Diesel is clean. All gas stations will have winter diesel available from November to April.

Safety and Security Considerations

Driving at night

Driving at night is fine. Keep a close eye open for drunks walking home and cyclists. Cycle lights are not required by law. Pedestrians are legally required to have a reflective arm band or tag visible when walking at night.

Vehicle parking

Parking rules are generally signed. If you are on a highway or local road then pull off to the side as far as possible.

Special driving considerations

Look out for wildlife, moose will give you a very very bad day, boar will do the same. Deer are plentiful, as are foxes, rabbits etc. Many local roads are gravel surfaced and can be full of pot holes after rain.

Security advisories and information

Camping in Estonia

Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.
List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.
Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.

Camping guide books

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water

This will depend on the area. If unsure drink bottled water. Some parts of Eastern Estonia have very iron rich water. It is unpleasant to drink although unlikely to do any damage. Bottled water will range from 0.5€ to 5% for 500ml.

Navigation

Paper maps

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Estonia

Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania & Kaliningrad 1:600,000 Tra...
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania & Kaliningrad 1:600,000 Tra...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
Europe Executive [tubed] (national Geographic Referenc...
Europe Executive [tubed] (national Geographic Referenc...
by National Geographic Maps - Reference
From $14.01 on Amazon
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Marco Polo Map (baltic Stat...
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Marco Polo Map (baltic Stat...
by Marco Polo Travel Publilshing
From $5.71 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania (travel Guide)
Lonely Planet Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania (travel Guide)
by Lonely Planet, Peter Dragicevich, Hugh McNaughtan,...
From $13.08 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Estonia

Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa). (with links to each).

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Estonia

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests

List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders

Vehicle Maintenance

Dealers

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Estonia

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.

  1. 1.0 1.1 World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com

Helpful External links

Add any helpful external links here.