Estonia
What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Estonia. They wrote...
"Expats in Estonia often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Estonian is the official language, and while English is widely spoken, it is not as commonly used as in other European countries. Additionally, the local culture can be quite reserved and formal, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to. Furthermore, the weather in Estonia can be quite extreme, with cold winters and short summers, which can be difficult to get used to," said a member in Estonia.
AGS Worldwide MoversGet Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
AGS Worldwide MoversRelocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
"1. There was tension surrounding the language and I was harrassed a couple of times because I didn't speak Estonian. The worst part about this is that they were medical professionals. The situation with the language has changed and I haven't had a bad experience for awhile but it was the most challenging part. 2. There's tension between Estonians of Russian decent and Estonians that are not of Russian decent. This could also play into the language being made out to be something to hold over others who don't speak the language. It's not everyone though. It's just loud by a small few and it has gotten better. Estonia is a place of improvement and progression at a rapid speed. So this and the above challenge might not even exist anymore. 3. The quality of medical care is below westernized standards. It's not just with equipment but also with the professionalism and the education of some of the medical staff. I'm also going to include customer service in general with this one. The customer service has gotten better and in the bigger cities it's great but the more rural areas could still use some changing. I heard it was so much worse in the soviet times. I am looking forward to this aspect to continue getting better and just as rapidly as everything else," remarked another expat who made the move to Tartu, Estonia.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Estonia?
- How do I meet people in Estonia?
- What is life like in Estonia?
- Is there a lot of crime in Estonia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Estonia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Estonia like?
- Is the cost of living in Estonia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Estonia?
- What are healthcare services like in Estonia?
- Is the cost of living in Estonia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Estonia?
- What is the weather like in Estonia?
- Are there good restaurants in Estonia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Estonia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Estonia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Estonia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Estonia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Estonia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Estonia, newcomers to Estonia would love to hear your answer to this question.
