Money, tipping, and prices in Tallinn
Estonia runs on the euro (converted here to $), takes contactless everywhere, and doesn’t expect tips. Real 2024-25 prices for what you’ll actually spend.
Card payment at a Tallinn café counter
Cash or card?
Card, always. Estonia is one of the most cashless countries in Europe — every café, tram, market stall and public toilet takes contactless. Apple Pay and Google Pay work seamlessly. You won’t need cash except perhaps a $2 coin for a locker or a rural bathroom. If you must, ATMs (LHV, SEB, Swedbank) are on every corner and don’t charge extra beyond your home bank's fee.
Tipping
Not expected but appreciated. Restaurants: round up or add 5-10% for good service — the bill often has a line for it. Taxis: not tipped, or round up. Hotels: $2 per bag for porters, $2 per night for housekeeping if you like. Bartenders: not tipped on beer, maybe $1 on cocktails. Tour guides: $5-10 per person for a 2-hour walk.
What things actually cost
Coffee $3.50-4.50. Beer at a bar $5-7. Glass of wine $6-9. Cheap lunch $8-11. Mid-range dinner main $16-24. Old Town tourist trap main $28-38. Museum entry $8-16. Tram ride $2. Bolt across town $5-8. 4-star hotel double $130-200. Grocery basket for a picnic (bread, cheese, ham, tomatoes, wine) about $18.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
About 30% cheaper than Helsinki, similar to Warsaw or Prague. Cheaper than most of Western Europe, more expensive than the Balkans.
No. Card works everywhere; ATMs give better rates than currency booths.
No, not needed. Rounding up a $3.50 coffee to $4 is more than enough.
Yes for non-EU residents on purchases over $40 in participating stores. Global Blue kiosk at the airport processes refunds.
Hotels in Tallinn
More guides to Tallinn
All guides
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48 hours in Tallinn
A tight 2-day plan that covers the walled Old Town, the creative Telliskivi quarter, and one sea-view meal — with rooms honestly priced from about $85.
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One week in Tallinn
Seven days that pair the capital with Lahemaa National Park, the university town of Tartu, and the island of Saaremaa — plus honest advice on which 2 neighbourhoods to sleep in.
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Tallinn in 3 days on a budget
Under $180 a day covers a private room, three meals and one museum. Here's the exact plan with named streets, prices and where to sleep for around $55.
Same hotel, same price you would pay anywhere else — with one verified tonne of CO₂ removed for every booking.