Estonia, often regarded as one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, offers a myriad of applications designed to make life easier for its residents and expatriates. Known for pioneering e-residency, Estonia’s digital infrastructure provides seamless access to various services through mobile apps and platforms. As an expat in this tech-savvy nation, familiarizing yourself with essential applications can significantly enhance your living and working experience.
Bolt: Originally founded in Estonia, Bolt is a popular ride-sharing app across Europe. It provides convenient and affordable options for taxis, scooters, and even food delivery. The app’s user-friendly interface and quick service make it a favorite among expats for daily commuting or occasional travels within the city.
Elron: For those who travel frequently by train, the Elron app is a must-have. It allows users to check train schedules, book tickets, and receive real-time updates about train statuses. This app covers all national routes, making it incredibly useful for exploring different parts of Estonia.
CityBee: A viable alternative for short-term car rentals is CityBee, which offers a fleet of cars that can be rented by the minute. The app provides a flexible and economical solution for those who do not wish to own a car but occasionally need one.
Speakly: Learning Estonian can be challenging for expats; however, Speakly makes this task a bit easier. This language learning app focuses on real-life conversation skills and essential vocabulary to help users quickly adapt to the local language environment.
Google Translate: For immediate translation needs, Google Translate is an indispensable tool. It supports Estonian and can translate text, voice, and even images, making it incredibly useful for navigating daily life in Estonia, from grocery shopping to official paperwork.
Wise (formerly TransferWise): Co-founded by Estonians, Wise is a revolutionary app for managing international money transfers with low fees and real exchange rates. For expats handling transactions between their home country and Estonia, Wise offers a transparent and cost-effective solution.
LHV: LHV is one of Estonia’s most innovative banks and provides a comprehensive banking app that allows users to manage their finances effortlessly. Features include account management, loan applications, and investment options, all accessible from a smartphone.
Wolt: Wolt is another key player in the food delivery industry in Estonia. This app connects users with a wide range of restaurants and cafes, offering the convenience of home delivery. Whether you’re craving local Estonian cuisine or international dishes, Wolt covers it all.
Resto: Ideal for those who love dining out, Resto helps users discover the best restaurants around Estonia. It includes customer reviews, menu previews, and even allows for table reservations directly through the app.
Event Guide Estonia: This app is your go-to source for all the latest events, from concerts and theatre performances to exhibitions and festivals. Event Guide Estonia keeps you in the loop so you never miss out on any exciting happenings around the country.
Piletilevi: When it comes to purchasing tickets for various events, Piletilevi is the most popular platform in Estonia. This app provides a seamless ticket booking experience, ensuring you have access to a wide range of entertainment options at your fingertips.
Digilugu: Digilugu is a key component of Estonia’s e-health system, providing users with access to their medical records online. It allows expats to view doctor visits, prescriptions, and test results all in one place, facilitating better management of their healthcare.
Minudoc: For those moments when you need medical advice without a visit to the clinic, Minudoc offers a solution. This app connects users with doctors via video calls, providing a convenient option for non-emergency consultations.
ERR News: Keeping up with local news is crucial for expats aiming to integrate into Estonian society. ERR News is the English-language service of the Estonian Public Broadcasting company, offering reliable news coverage and insightful articles about local events and issues.
Õhtuleht: For a deeper dive into Estonian culture, politics, and more, Õhtuleht is one of the leading newspapers in the country. The app provides articles and news stories, helping expats stay informed about their new home.
Living in Estonia as an expat can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, especially when you have the right tools at your disposal. By integrating these essential apps into your daily life, you can navigate through various aspects of living in Estonia—from transportation and language barriers to healthcare and local entertainment—with ease and confidence. Embrace these digital solutions and make the most out of your expatriate journey in Estonia.
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