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Jeff92 wrote:

Greetings,

I arrive in Tallinn on March 3rd. At the moment I am scheduled for a hostel... I have attempted to rent in the Vanalinn area, but so far have not succeeded. Is it recommended to visit a flat before agreeing to terms? Or are the real estate sites/agents fairly accurate/honest?

I've heard of two cases where the "deal" brokered across country lines fell flat. In my experience, can be problematic.

Jeff92 wrote:

A few additional questions...

1. I have looked at the Estonian migration board website and will be applying for residency based upon income. Does anyone have experience with this and/or knowledge on the likelihood of acceptance?

My experience wasn't good, Americans have it a bit tough from what I went through -- my husband is Swedish but even so it was a lot of delay and additional work for me.

Jeff92 wrote:

2. Are there any social/business clubs for Americans/English speakers in Tallinn?

The American Chamber of Commerce has quite a few events open to the public.  Too bad you're not a woman or I could recommend the International Women's Club of Tallinn.

Jeff92 wrote:

3. The Estonian language programs at the various universities are already in session. Are there any private language schools for beginning speakers? Individual or small group instruction is fine.

Put up a notice at the universities.  You should be able to find a tutor for fairly cheap.

Jeff92 wrote:

4. I am not interested in employment, however I wish to remain busy during the day. Are there any volunteer programs in Tallinn?

Serve the City is run by a couple of friends of mine

Jeff92 wrote:

5. Is there a Japanese Hibachi restaurant in Tallinn?
   Any quality pizza?

No, no pizza that would qualify for that name for someone from the States.  Lots of interesting restaurants though, and I guess the Japanese ones would have Hibachi, you just have to ask.

Hi there Jeff!

Concerning renting a flat in vanalinn , first scout the market and make a list with the appartaments you would like to see. When you're in Estonia phone to those renting companies agents and settle appointments in order for you to check the quaters(most of them speak pretty well English).Always see the flat before renting it!Usually the renting papers(contracts) are written in Estonian ,but if you want you can have them in english too, although it might take a day in plus and it will cost you around 80-100 dollars or even more(just ask the agent). When you complete the deal ,you'll have to pay something like 3 times your monthly rent(renting company's fee and advance rent payment).
If you have some estonian friends or someone that is speaking Estonian that would be wonderful!
kv.ee
You choose the English from the language options in right-up corner and then you input your preferences into the search box
...hope it will help you!^^