There's a lot to consider before taking a trip to Iceland! Here's a handy guide to some important things to consider before the trip.
Where is it?
A Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, Iceland is the westernmost country in Europe. It is located west of Norway, northwest of Scotland, and Iceland’s norther coast is just below the Arctic Circle. The closest neighboring country to Iceland is Greenland. Map of Iceland
How is the weather?
Get the rundown on Iceland’s climate and seasons here.
How many people live there?
Iceland’s population as of 2018 is estimated to be about 337,780.
How many hours of daylight are there?
From mid-May to mid-August, the sun only dips below the horizon for about three hours per day and there is effectively daylight for the entire 24-hour day. In the middle of winter, there are only about five hours of effective daylight.
When should I travel?
Iceland is beautiful year-round, and has exquisite offerings in every season. The main season begins in mid-May and lasts through early September, when the daylight hours are the longest. Beginning in July, most interior and highland routes are open, so this is a good time to travel if you have an interest in exploring these. Off-season travel in winter, spring, and late autumn when the daylight hours are short can also be very special.
Should I drive?
If you feel comfortable, yes! Renting a car is a much more convenient option than relying on the bus system. Most of Route no. 1, which encircles Iceland, is paved except for a gravel bit between Lake Myvatn and Egilsstaðir in the North East. Many smaller roads are also gravel, but fairly easy to navigate at a cautious pace. There are many narrow roads in the countryside and “blind hills” which can be a challenge for novice drivers, but if you are familiar with the rules of the road before you set out, you are unlikely to have too many problems driving.
For more in-depth information on Iceland’s roads, visit the Icelandic Public Roads Administration website: http://www.road.is
What are the taxes like?
There is a 7% VAT (value added tax) on nearly all groceries, CDs, books, newspapers, magazines, and restaurant and hotel services. For most other goods and services, the VAT is 25.5%. Sales tax is always included in the sticker prices.
A refund of VAT is available to all visitors in Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price, as long as departure from Iceland is within three months of purchase. The purchase amount must be no less than ISK 4000 (VAT included) per store. All goods (except woolens) must be declared at customs before check-in. At Keflavik airport, this only applies to tax-free forms whose refund value exceeds ISK 5000.
Do they speak English?
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, however most Icelanders speak very good English! In fact, most Icelanders speak several other languages as well, including Danish, German, Spanish, and French.
What is the tipping policy?
Your restaurant bill will probably already include a service charge. If it does, there is no need to tip. If it doesn’t, a 10% gratuity is acceptable. Tipping is not compulsory in Iceland, but it is appreciated.
What kind of money is used there?
Icelandic money is called króna (plural krónur) and is abbreviates ISK or kr. While you can pull out cash at ATMs, which are generally pretty easy to find, Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost universally in Iceland and most people there pay for everything with plastic rather than cash, including small items such as candy or gum (plus, it’s a great way to rack up rewards points on your cards!). Iceland uses the chip-and-pin (EMV) system, so if you don’t have a chip in your card, you may want to request one from your bank prior to travel as the “swipe and sign” cards will not work.
What kind of adapters do I need?
The same as other Northern European countries, Iceland’s electrical standards are 50Hz, 240 volts, so North American electrical devices will require adapter and/or converters. The sockets are two-pin, so any devices from the UK will also need adapters.
Is there Internet access?
WiFi connectivity may vary based on where you are in the country or your accommodations, but generally speaking, you can expect internet access in Iceland.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes! The fresh water in Iceland is so clean, you can even drink the water straight from the Silfra fissure! The hot water may smell a little eggy, but that’s because it comes from geothermal hot springs, which have a Sulphur smell. Don’t worry, it won’t make you smell and it’s completely harmless.
Will my cell phone work?
The short answer is “probably.” Iceland uses the GSM network, which is used by both AT&T and T-Mobile. You can check https://willmyphonework.net/ if you are uncertain how yours will do in Iceland. Be sure to either opt into an International Plan or use an Icelandic SIM card to avoid racking up roaming charges once you’ve arrived!
Do I need my passport?
Yes!
What if I need medical help?
For life-threatening emergencies, please call 1-1-2. For non-threatening illnesses or injuries or illnesses, you can call 1770 to speak with a nurse or get the location of the nearest clinic. All major towns offer urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries and many clinics set aside a few hours in the afternoon for walk-in patients.
How do I make sure I see the Northern Lights?
Unfortunately, seeing the Northern Lights on a trip to Iceland is never a guarantee. There are, however, a few ways to maximize your chances of seeing them, which you can find here.
Is Iceland safe?
In fact, Iceland is among the safest countries in the world! The crime rate is extremely low and medical care is excellent, however caution should be taken when traveling due to natural hazards caused by weather and nature.
I’m a picky eater, should I bring my own food?
Definitely not. If you don’t think you’ll be interested in the local delicacies of whale, puffin, fermented shark, or sheep’s head and testicles, never fear! There is still a plethora of totally appealing food that does not require adventurous eating from guests. If you are extremely picky, there are plenty of grocery stores around to choose from.
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