vayama
Call Our Travel Experts: 1.877.628.6452

etiquette

  1. France
  2. Argentina
  3. Australia
  4. Austria
  5. Belgium
  6. Brazil
  7. Chile
  8. China
  9. Cyprus
  10. Czech Republic
  11. Denmark
  12. Egypt
  13. Estonia
  14. French Polynesia
  15. Georgia
  16. Germany
  17. Ghana
  18. Greece
  19. Hong Kong
  20. Hungary
  21. India
  22. Iran
  23. Ireland
  24. Israel
  25. Italy
  26. Japan
  27. Jordan
  28. Kenya
  29. Kuwait
  30. Latvia
  31. Lebanon
  32. Mexico
  33. Netherlands
  34. New Zealand
  35. Nigeria
  36. Poland
  37. Romania
  38. Russia
  39. Senegal
  40. Singapore
  41. Slovenia
  42. South Africa
  43. South Korea
  44. Spain
  45. Switzerland
  46. Thailand
  47. Turkey
  48. Uganda
  49. Ukraine
  50. United Kingdom

find a flight








Preferences


SEARCH Reset
 
Home » Country Etiquette » Estonia

Estonian Etiquette Tips

Before visiting Estonia, it would be wise to learn a little bit about their history to avoid putting your foot in your mouth. For instance, Estonia was occupied by Germany in the 1940s and it was also part of the U.S.S.R. for a while. Be very careful when bringing up the U.S.S.R. and definitely don't mistake an Estonian for being Russian!

Estonians are very hardworking people and extremely proud of their nation. They are particularly proud of the fact that they have managed to remain independent after all it had been through. Out of respect for Estonia and its people, you should follow their etiquette. Below is a list of Estonian etiquette to help you out!

1. Dress Attire

  1. DO dress conservatively.

2. Table Manners

  1. DON'T sit until invited to sit down.
  2. DON'T eat until the host begins or until someone says "head isu" which means "good appetite."
  3. DON'T put your elbows on the table.
  4. DO compliment the host and finish everything served to you.

3. Greetings

  1. DO shake hands firmly upon meeting someone. Maintain eye contact.
  2. DON'T remain seated while greeting someone. Stand up!
  3. DO wait for a woman to extend her hand first.

4. Gift Giving and Accepting Gifts

  1. DO give odd numbers of flowers, not even.
  2. DO open a gift upon receipt.

5. Visitors Etiquette

  1. DON'T be late! And if you think you will be running late, call to explain.
  2. DO take your shoes off.
  3. DON'T ask for a tour of the house. In Estonia, homes are considered private.
  4. DO offer your hosts help with preparation or with cleaning up.
  5. DON'T discuss business
  6. DO bring a gift for your host, such as chocolates or flowers.

6. Business Meeting

  1. DO have one side of your business card translated into Estonian. Present the business card in a way so that the recipient can read it.
  2. DO understand that Estonians prefer to do business with friends. Business lunches and dinners will be primarily social so that your Estonian colleagues can get to know you better.
  3. DO remember that business is very formal in Estonia.
  4. DO be patient. It may take a few meetings for a decision to be made.

7. Socializing and Conversation

  1. DON'T raise your voice. Soft voices are more commonly used in Estonia.
  2. DON'T offer compliments unless they are genuine. Estonians aren't quick to give out compliments, so if you give too many it might be suspicious.
  3. DON'T refer to Estonia as "Eastern Europe." Estonians consider themselves to be Nordic.
  4. DO be careful when bringing up the U.S.S.R.
  5. DON'T confuse an Estonian with being Russian.

Because Estonians are so proud of their heritage, it's very important to follow their etiquette. As a visitor to their country, it will help you not only fit in better, but it shows a great amount of respect. Have a wonderful trip!

Estonia Images

Tallinn   Tartu HDR   Retro style panoramic view of Tallinn old city center   Panoramic view of Tallinn old city center   Tartu   Tallinn   View of old Tallinn   Old Tallinn from Oleviste church  

more Estonia pictures at Flickr flickr images
 
Vayama.com is a first-of-its kind Web site that gives travelers a whole new world of choice in international air travel. With an extensive selection of airlines, flights and fares - many never previously available online - Vayama helps you find the best prices and schedule options for your international travel trip.
About Vayama
© 2006-2013 Airtrade International Inc. All rights Reserved. California Seller of Travel CST 2081741-40.Site Build 3.04a.