Current Time in Rakvere
Estonian culture of time
Estonian culture of time
Sense of time in a digital society
Estonia is known as an "electronic nation," and many administrative procedures and business are completed online. This has led to a culture of efficient time management and minimizing waiting time.
Observance of daylight saving time
As a member of the EU, daylight saving time is strictly observed, and forgetting to adjust the clock can cause problems in social life. Particular care is required when using public transportation and public services.
Meetings are kept short
Long meetings are not preferred, and efficient progress that focuses on the main points is common. Discussions that go off topic tend to be considered a "waste of time."
Estonian values of time
Respect for personal time
The boundary between work and private life is clear, and it is considered good manners to refrain from contacting people outside of working hours. It is not uncommon to go completely offline during holidays.
Arriving too early is more unpopular than being late
It is important to be punctual, but arriving too early than the appointed time can be seen as "stealing the other person's time." It is considered appropriate to arrive about 5 minutes early.
Emphasis on natural rhythms
Due to the climate characteristics of long winters and short summers, a lifestyle that makes the most of the daylight hours is deeply rooted. In summer, people tend to be active late into the night, and in winter, they tend to return home early.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or relocating to Estonia
Public transportation is punctual but infrequent
Outside of urban areas, there are few buses and trains, and missing one will result in a significant loss of time. It is essential to check the schedule, especially on weekends.
Almost no stores are open 24 hours a day
There is no convenience store culture, and supermarkets usually close by 9pm. Plan your grocery shopping accordingly.
Hospitals are by appointment only
Advance reservations are required except in emergencies, and walk-ins on the day are generally not accepted. You should become accustomed to the online reservation system.
Interesting trivia about time in Estonia
The world's first online parliamentary proceedings
In 2000, Estonia was the first country in the world to hold an online cabinet meeting, reducing the time that ministers spent physically together. This is the basis of today's "e-government".
Common time zone for the three Baltic states
The same time zone is used as neighboring Latvia and Lithuania, so there is no need to adjust your watch even when crossing borders.
"Darkness time" in winter
In December, the daylight hours fall to less than six hours, so the sun sets at 3 p.m. This is a unique lifestyle rhythm in which people spend significantly more time indoors during this time.