Tallinn Safety Guide

Taxi Meter Trick (High Risk) - Unofficial taxis at Tallinn’s airport and busy tourist areas, like Viru Square, may claim their meters are broken and instead offer inflated flat rates that can tripled normal prices. Always use only official taxi ranks and confirm the use of the meter before getting in the vehicle.

Currency Exchange Scams (High Risk) - Some currency exchange booths, particularly in busy tourist zones like the Old Town, may advertise attractive rates but charge hidden fees or provide less favorable rates once the transaction is completed. Always check the terms, compare rates with nearby exchanges, and use trusted currency exchange services or ATMs to withdraw cash directly.

Restaurant Bill Inflate (Medium Risk) - In a few tourist-oriented restaurants, particularly in Raekoja Plats, servers may add extra items or services to the bill that were not ordered. Always review your bill carefully before paying, and consider informing the staff of any discrepancies immediately.

Fake Charity Collectors (Medium Risk) - You may encounter individuals pretending to collect for charity, especially in tourist-heavy areas like the Lennusadam maritime museum. Politely decline and avoid engaging as these collectors often work in groups; instead, consider donating directly to established charities.

Street Performer Con (Medium Risk) - Street performances can be found in Tallinn's city center, but some performers may pressure tourists into giving tips or donation requests with aggressive tactics, especially in the summer tourist season. Enjoy the performances, but only give if you genuinely wish to and know the price beforehand.

Market Overpricing (Low Risk) - When shopping in the Balti Jaama Turg market, be wary of vendors who may charge foreign tourists significantly higher prices than locals, especially for handicrafts. Always haggle politely or compare prices with other vendors to ensure you're not overpaying.

Ticket Resale Scams (Low Risk) - At popular attractions such as the Tallinn TV Tower, individuals may try to sell counterfeit tickets, especially during peak tourist seasons. Always purchase tickets from official sources or online to avoid scams.