Business trip to Tallinn, Estonia.

• Communication:
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  Estonians are direct, do not confuse this with rudeness.
  Silence is part of the communication style.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Stand up and shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  A long time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins. Trust is very important.
  Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
  First appointments are more socially oriented, Estonians would like to know you a bit better at first.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  If making a toast, stand up.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

After enjoying 8% average annual GDP growth since 2000, the economy started to show signs of cooling in 2007 when GDP growth slowed to just over 6%. The global financial and economic crisis of 2008 has forced the Estonian economy to face these challenges even faster than expected. In December 2008, the Bank of Estonia forecast a decline in Estonia’s 2009 GDP that may exceed 4%. The unemployment rate has increased to 6% in the third quarter of 2008, compared to 4% in the second quarter.

The economic crisis has brought a few positive changes for Estonia as well. By December 2008, the inflation rate had dropped to 8%, from an average for that year estimated to be above 10%. 2009 estimates are that inflation will fall below 5%. High inflation has been the main obstacle to Estonia meeting the Maastricht criteria for Euro adoption by 2011 – a top priority of the government. With inflation now coming down, Estonia might struggle with another Euro accession criteria. Estonia’s 2009 government budget deficit may be greater than the 3% of GDP allowed under Maastricht.

Being a small country with a population of 1,4 million, Estonia relies for commercial success on its greatest natural asset geography. Estonia lies just south of Finland and across the Baltic Sea from Sweden. To the east is the huge potential market of northwest Russia. After Estonia regained its independence in 1991, Russia inflicted a hostile tariff regime for Estonian imports, which caused most local businesses to shift their export markets to European countries. This situation began to change after 2004, when Estonia joined the EU, and Russia lifted its double-tariff regime on Estonian products.

This has increased considerably the level of Estonian business interest toward the Russian market. Estonia’s membership in the EU has increased Russian business interest in Estonia as well. Sound, liberal economic policies and an excellent business climate have ensured high levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Estonia. Companies partly or wholly owned by foreigners account for one-third of Estonian GDP and over 50 percent of the country’s exports. Scandinavian countries are the largest foreign direct investors in Estonia. Sweden has 39% of the total, followed by Finland with 25%, and the Netherlands with just over 6%. The United States accounts for 1,4% of foreign direct investment stock.

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Address
Tallinn Airport
Lennujaama 2
Tallinn 11101
Estonia
Telephone: +372(0)605 8888
Fax: +372(0)605 8433
Email: info@tll.aero
www.tallinn-airport.ee

Airport codes
IATA airport code: TLL
ICAO airport code: EETN

Lost property
In case of lost luggage the employee at the luggage service shall provides you with all necessary guidelines and contacts and shall help you to submit the respective documents to the airline.
The Luggage service of Tallinn Airport GH can be reached on phone number +372 605 8313.

Bus
In front of the terminal building, there is a bus stop for bus line 2, which departs for the city center every 20 minutes during the daytime. A bus ticket costs 15 kroner and it can be purchased from the bus driver or at the magazine stand in the terminal building. The exact timetable of this bus is posted, look for the ‘Moigu-Reisisadam’, and then the bus stop ‘Lennujaam’, which means ’airport’.

There are also mini vans that will take you to the city for 20.00 kroner.

Taxi
In front of the Arrivals Hall, there are always plenty of taxis. A ride to the center of Tallinn costs between 80.00 and 100.00 kroner. There are two taxi companies: Tulika Taxi (tel: +372(0)612 0000) and Linna Taxi (+372(0)644 2442).

Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Tallinn. Tallinn has a huge number of different taxi companies and independent taxis. There is no standardized base price or price per km. Some tourist scam taxis have absurdly high prices, although as long as those prices are cited on the sticker in the window and on the dashboard, they are completely legal. Needless to say the locals never take those taxis, their sole modus operandi is to prey on ignorant tourists. Do as the locals do and order a taxi by phone.

Do not accept offers from taxi drivers waiting at the harbour or train station. Same goes for any taxi that looks shabby or does not carry the logo of one of the reputable companies. Also be wary of taxis that look overly luxurious: large Mercedes, TV-screens inside, usually only a very small and vague logo on the door. Taxis hanging out in front of nightclubs often have the highest prices.

Bossanova, Coralo
Brazilian tasty food, refined fish dishes, high quality wines, professional service, elegant atmosphere and Bossanova music make this place perfect to enjoy your meal and relax. If you are on a business trip to Tallinn, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Raekojaplats, Kinga 1
Tallinn
tel.: +372 644 65 05
www.bossanova.ee

MEKK restaurant
MEKK, in the Savoy hotel is a restaurant, where everyone feels welcome. And which can be strongly recommended to one’s friends and acquaintances, since when having visited MEKK once, you will always want to return here. Small, 50 seats, cosy atmosphere, excellent service and first-rate modern Estonian cuisine, always readily available for visitors. MEKK surprises everyone - and always in a positive sense!
Suur-Karja 17
10148 Tallinn
Phone: +372 680 6688
www.mekk.ee

Le Bonaparte
Housed in one of the Old Town’s most historic buildings dating back to the 13th century, Le Bonaparte has crafted an exquisite concord between memorably elevating the traditions of French cuisine and the grand ambiance of their building, expertly restored to the way it would have felt in the 17th century when it was owned by the Mayor of Tallinn.
Pikk 45
Tallinn 10133
+372 64 64 444
www.bonaparte.ee

Hotel L’Ermitage
Hotel L’Ermitage, built in 2004, is tempting with its location directly alongside of the Old Town of Tallinn and with its green surroundings. At a 5-minute walk distance, there is the heart of the Old Town which is very convenient during a busy business trip. You can reach the harbour in 10 minutes, the airport in ca 20 minutes.
Toompuiestee 19
10137 Tallinn, Estonia
Tel: +372 6996 400
More info about Hotel L’Ermitage Tallinn

Hotel Barons
Built in the year 1912, this hotel has a total of 33 rooms. Facilities include a lobby, a bar, safes and a lift in addition to an a la carte restaurant: Margarita, on the 2nd floor with impressive views over the old town. Conference rooms and a public Internet terminal also feature. Room service is provided, and there is a car park (additional fees apply).
Suur-Karja 7 / Väike-Karja 2
10140 Tallinn
Phone +372 699 9700
More info about Hotel Barons Tallinn

Meriton Grand Hotel Tallinn
The Meriton Grand Hotel Tallinn is located in the centre of Tallinn within walking distance from Parliament House and the Old Town. The hotel offers an excellent view of the historic city wall.
oompuiestee 27
10149, Tallinn, Estonia
Phone: (372) 66 77 000
More info about Meriton Grand Hotel Tallinn

The best places to find quality fashion, shoes, perfume and accessories are the elegant boutiques along Old Town’s Viru and Müürivahe streets, and the large, full-service department stores and malls that have quit recently been opened all over Tallinn.

A must on any shopping tour of Tallinn is the outdoor knit market on Müürivahe street, where craftswomen sell their knitted products near the town wall. Even more captivating for the venturous shopper is the Katariina Passage. In medieval-style workshops run by the Katariina Guild’s artists, spectators watch as glass work, ceramics, leather goods, quilts and other items are created right before their eyes. Here you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Tallinn.

Favorite souvenirs from Estonia include:

• Handicraft items such as hand-knitted woolen sweaters with traditional Estonian folk patterns, carved wooden beer mugs, fun felt hats, juniper coasters and limestone candle holders.
• Original art such as graphic prints, handmade jewelery, colourful glassware or fine ceramics.
• CDs of Estonian composers of international acclaim (Tormis, Pärt, Tubin, Tüür).
• Soviet-era trinkets, sold in antique shops.
• Dark, bittersweet Estonian chocolate and other local sweets produced by the Kalev confectionery.
• Hand-painted marzipan.

The Old Town is surrounded by a Town Wall, which with it’s around 25 towers looks like something out of a fairy tale - very picturesque, even though the first thing you see when entering the Old Town through the Viru Gates is a McDonalds, apparently trying their very best to ruin that medieval feeling...

Take a stroll through the Old Town on practically car-free cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, while checking out the numerous churches and well-preserved medieval buildings - before having a pint of Saku, Tallinn’s most famous beer brand, or a hot chocolate, depending on the season:o), in one of the many cafés and restaurants.

The Old Town can be divided into two sections - Toompea Hill and the Lower Town. Up on Toompea you’ll find most of the government buildings, the quite stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - and some fantastic viewpoints. The Lower Town is livelier, with lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and interesting galleries and shops, especially in the area near Raekoja Plats. (The town hall square)

When you are in need of medical attention you can go to:
East-Tallinn Central Hospital
Ravi Street 18, Tallinn 10138
Info tel: (372) 620-7015 (24 hours)
A lot of doctors in every department speak English, just ask from the information.

Although most people speak some English, some Estonian phrases can always come in hand....

Hello.	Tervist.
How are you?	Kuidas käsi käib?
Fine, thank you.	Tänan, hästi.
What is your name?	Mis on teie nimi?
My name is ______	Minu nimi on ______
Nice to meet you.	Meeldiv teid kohata.
Please. / You’re welcome	Palun.
Thank you.	Tänan.
Yes.	Jah.
No.	Ei.
Excuse me.	Vabanda.
I’m sorry.	Vabandust.
Goodbye	Head aega
I can’t speak [much] Estonian.	Ma ei räägi [palju] eesti keelt.
Do you speak English?	Kas te räägite inglise keelt?
Is there someone here who speaks English?	Kas on keegi siin kes räägib inglise keelt?
Good morning.	Tere hommikust.
Good evening.	Tere õhtust.
Good night.	Head ööd.
Take me to _____, please.	Viige mind _____, palun.