Local Information

General

Dangers and annoyances

Mosquitos can be quite an annoying part of the Estonian summer - remember to bring a mosquito repellent!

Visits to Estonia are usually trouble free, but with an increase in tourism there has also been an increase in tourist-related crime. There is a risk of pick-pocketing and mugging around Tallinn's Old Town.

Time zone

Estonia follows Eastern European Time (GMT + 2 hours). Daylight saving time (GMT + 3) is in operation from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Money

Estonia's currency will be Euro from January 2011. Most Estonian stores accept bank card payments, it will be difficult to find a place that does not. ATMs for money withdrawal are easy to find. However, checks are rarely used and cashing a check might prove more difficult than it's worth. The opening hours for banks are 9 am - 6pm on working days and 9 am - 2 pm on Saturday; banks are mostly closed on Sundays except for the offices at shopping malls.

Shops are open daily from 9 am until 6 - 9 pm. There are several grocery shops as well as a local market nearby the summerschool venue. An interesting (work)shop is the St Anthony's Guild where one can watch the artisans at work and buy their handicraft.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-style 2-pin plugs are in use, although some European sockets are not compatible (eg UK). Delegates should bring their own adapters.

Communications

Language

The Estonian language belongs to the Fenno-Ugric language group together with Finnish and Hungarian. English is widely spoken, especially by younger people. Russian is also widely understood due to the Russian-speaking minority.

Transports in Tartu

All places connected with the summerschool (hotels, ISS venue, restaurants, etc) are within the walking distance. However, if you need to get around, there are stops of taxis at and close to the conference venue. The starting fee is ca EUR 1.5, the price per kilometer about 0.5-0.8 EUR.

The school

Catering

Lunch is provided to all delegates at restaurant Cafe Shakespeare. All dietary requirements should be indicated in advance (eg on the registration form).

Library

The biggest academical library in Estonia is the Tartu University Library. It provides daily passes for visitors for a small fee (0,6 EUR), although access will be limited to reading and references. There is also a library of the Estonian Folklore Archives at the Estonian Literary Museum that above all stores historic documents (e.g. memoires of the members of the cultural elite), collections of folklore (runic songs, also in mp3-s; fairy tales), manuscripts dating back to the beginning of 19th century, and photographs.

Internet access

During the convention a free internet WLAN access will be available for the delegates in the lecturing hall.

Internet access in available in the the official accommodation (free wifi in the rooms).

Besides, wireless Internet is widely available within city limits. Most cafeterias, the Tartu University library, public spaces like the Town Hall Square etc offer public wifi for free.