12 Everyday Things That Seem Totally Normal—Until You Do Them in Estonia
If a stranger smiles at you in Estonia, one of two things is happening: either there’s something wrong with them… or something wrong with you. 😅
That’s not a joke. That’s just life in Estonia.
After nearly a decade of living here, I’ve grown to deeply respect Estonian culture—but it definitely takes some getting used to. Recently, I asked fellow expats a simple question:
What are some things that are completely normal in your home country but seem crazy in Estonia?
The responses were hilarious, insightful, and sometimes a little awkward. So let’s talk about 12 things that might be second nature to you—but in Estonia, they’ll make you stand out in the weirdest ways.
1. Wearing Shoes Indoors
In many cultures, especially warmer ones, wearing shoes indoors is no big deal. Not in Estonia. Here, it’s a serious no-no.
❄️ With wet winters and snowy streets, shoes are seen as dirty. Every home has a designated shoe-off zone.
🧼 Life in Estonia = clean floors, always.
2. Whistling Indoors
Whistling while you work? Not here.
🎶 In Estonia, whistling indoors is considered bad luck—like, your house-could-burn-down level of bad luck.
Superstitious? Maybe. But try it once and watch the room go silent.
3. Being Invited to Dinner
In Estonia, if someone invites you to their home for dinner, it means you’ve made it into their inner circle.
🏡 Homes are private, almost sacred spaces.
💬 So if your Estonian date says, “Come over for dinner,” it’s a big deal. Like, probably meet-the-parents-level big.
4. Hugging Your Bros
In South Asia, male friends hug. In Estonia, they don’t.
👋 A handshake is fine—once.
🤝 But even then, make it firm. A limp handshake in Estonia is worse than no handshake at all.
Want to hug a friend goodbye? You better be either drunk or from another continent.
5. Chatting with Neighbors
You could live next to someone for a decade and still not know their name.
🏘️ In Estonia, neighborly chit-chat is rare.
🍲 No welcome casseroles, no “Hey, I just moved in.” Just nods in the hallway and quiet respect for personal space.
(Though small towns and islands like Saaremaa? Totally different story. People actually say hi there.)
6. Inviting People Over “Just for Tea”
South Asians, brace yourselves. In Estonia, “tea” means tea.
☕ If you invite someone over for a tea break, don’t bring out the samosas, sandwiches, and halwa.
🍪 Expect a cookie. Maybe.
Estonians are efficient with their tea. No surprise three-course meals here.
7. Late-Night Shopping
Used to 24/7 convenience stores? Estonia will humble you.
🕔 Most shops close by 5 or 6 PM.
🌃 Night owls, plan ahead—because that last-minute chocolate run isn’t happening.
8. Small Talk with Strangers
Waiting in line? Sitting next to someone on the bus? In Estonia, that’s not an invitation to chat.
🗨️ Small talk is rare—and sometimes even seen as suspicious.
💼 Even at work, meetings start with business, not weekend stories.
9. Street Food Culture
Miss your favorite roadside snacks? You won’t find much of that here.
🍢 Estonia doesn’t have a bustling street food scene.
🚚 You’ll see food trucks at events and some tiny takeaway joints, but they’re not on every corner.
Cold weather is probably to blame—but we live in hope.
10. Showing Emotion in Public
Estonia is emotionally minimalist.
😂 Loud laughter? 😭 Public tears? 😍 Gushing affection?
Unless it’s 3 AM in Old Town after a few drinks, you’re better off keeping things low-key.
11. Tipping Culture
In Estonia, tipping isn’t expected—especially when paying by card.
💳 There’s no default “Add 10%?” screen.
💵 Want to tip? Carry cash, and tell the server directly.
No pressure, though. It’s totally optional.
12. Smiling at Strangers
This is the grand finale.
🙂 In many places, a smile is just being friendly.
😐 In Estonia, a smile to a stranger in public might get you side-eyed—or even avoided.
But here’s the twist: once Estonians know you, they’re some of the warmest, kindest people around. It just takes time.
Final Thoughts: Life in Estonia Is… Different (In the Best Way)
Estonia is calm. Quiet. Private. It’s not loud or overly expressive, but it’s full of thoughtfulness, depth, and a unique kind of beauty.
Some of these quirks might seem odd at first, but they’re also what makes life in Estonia so fascinating.
So if you’ve just moved here—or are planning to—don’t be surprised if nobody smiles at you in the street.
Stick around long enough, and you’ll start to see the hidden warmth behind the stillness.
🧊 Estonia might feel cold on the outside—but it’s warm once you’re in.
💬 What surprised you most about Estonia? Did anything on this list sound familiar—or totally strange?
Leave a comment below, and let’s chat.
For more stories about expat life, Estonian culture, and finding your place in this quietly amazing country, check out lifeinestonia.com.
