Since Estonia's independence in 1991, greater numbers of tourists are visiting Tallinn and Pärnu. Tipping has become a more common practice in restaurants, bars, and hotels, though it is not considered obligatory. If the service in an Estonian restaurant was anywhere from good to great, then 10 percent of the bill is an appropriate tip. If the service was poor, do not tip. Some restaurants in tourist areas may add a service charge to the bill. Inspect your tab carefully before tipping. Remember, waitstaff and bartenders do not necessarily expect tips.
Estonia joined the European Union in 2004 and has adopted the euro (€) as its national currency. Tips are accepted in the euro.
Tipping Guide
Setting
Gratuities
Transportation
Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. If you want to acknowledge good service, round up to the nearest euro.
Hotels
Porters, concierges, and maids also do not expect to be tipped, but if you want to show appreciation for good service, €1 or €2 would be appropriate.
Restaurants, Bars, Cafés
Unless a service charge is added to your bill, tip waitstaff 10 percent in restaurants, bars, and cafés.
In cafés, there may be a tip jar. Coins are fine, and not expected.
Terms for Payment and Tipping
The official language of Estonia is Estonian. However, Russian is the next most-widely spoken language. Finnish, German, and English are also understood. Terms in Estonian and Russian that may help you in point-of-payment situations are provided below.
English
Estonian
Phonetic Pronunciation
The bill, please.
Palun arve.
Pah-loon AHR-veh.
How much is it?
Kui palju see maksab?
Kwee PAHL-yoo seh MAHK-sahb?
Is service included?
Kas teenus sisaldub?
Kahs TEH-noos SEES-ahl-doob?
Money
Raha
RAH-hah
Please
Palun
PAH-loon
Thank you
Tänan
TA-nahn
Yes
Jah
YAHH
No
Ei
ay
English
Russian
English Transliteration
Phonetic Pronunciation
The bill, please.
Счет, пожалуйста.
Schet, pozhaluysta.
schet, pa-zha-looy-sta.
How much is this?
Сколько это стоит?
Skol'ko eto stoit?
skol-ko e-to stoy-it?
Is service included?
Включена ли услуга?
Vkluchena li usluga?
Vkl-oo-chе-na lee oo-sloo-gа?
Money
Деньги
Den'gi
dyen-gee
Please
Пожалуйста
Pozhaluysta
Pa-ZHA-loo sta
Thank you
Спасибо
Spasibo
Spa-SEE-bah
Yes
Да
Da
Dah
No
Нет
Net
Nyet
Sources Include: Tallinn City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau
