Iceland FAQ

Iceland is different from most other countries. It is mountainous and situated between Greenland and Norway. It is the second largest island of Europe and its guardian in the west with rather a sparse population. About 20% of its area is populated. The central highlands and parts of the northwest are uninhabited.

People have to be prepared for the rapid changes in the weather and change clothes accordingly. It is better to be familiar with the road system, both the roads and streets in the inhabited areas and the tracks in the central highlands, if a trip is planned in the interior. Rules and regulations concerning off road driving, the sensitive vegetation in this latitude and lava formations have to be taken into account as well. Nature in this country is raw, and there are more dangers to be taken into account than the weather, such as unbridged rivers, crevassed glaciers and merciless seas.

Without the Gulf Stream, the whole country would be covered with a shield of ice. The average temperature of the warmest month is about 12 celcius (54 farenheit) and of the coldest month about 0 celcius (32 farenheit). Usually it is considerably colder in the mountains. Warm, wind-, and waterproof clothes are highly recommended and lighter clothes for nice weather as well.

The country is situated just south of the Arctic circle between Greenland and Norway, only about a 2,5 hours flight from London. The international airport Keflavik is situated in the south-western part of the country, only a 45 minutes drive from the capital.
Traffic rules: Driving in Iceland is on the right-hand side of the road. A switchover from left-hand driving took place in 1968. Road signals follow the international pattern.

Time: (Greenwich Mean Time) is a constant in Iceland the whole year round.

Petrol Stations: Petrol stations in Reykjavik are open Monday through Saturday 07,30 - 20,00, Sundays 10,00 - 20,00 (09,00 - 20,00 June 1- October 1). Some stations in Reykjavik are open around the clock. Outside Reykjavik, the opening hours are variable, often until 23,30.

Banks / Exchange: Foreign currencies are changeable in all banks. Banks in Iceland are generally open on weekdays from 09,15 - 16,00.

Emergency: Emergency telephone number in Iceland is 112.

Credit and Debit Card: All major credit cards are commonly accepted. Credit cards are accepted at liquor stores. Debit cards are widely accepted.

Radio, Television and Newspapers: There is a great variety of radio stations to choose from, and a few domestic television channels. Many hotels and accommodations also offer satellite connections. An amazingly great number of newspapers are published in Iceland and foreign newspapers are available at newspaper stands and bookstores.

Tax Free Shopping: Purchase amount must be Ikr 4.000. - or more (VAT 24,5% included) on one sales slip. The refund is approx. 15% of that amount. Shops offering tax-free conditions are clearly marked.

Medical Services: Citizens of Scandinavia must show valid medical insurance and passport in case of a medical emergency. Citizens of EEA countries must have the E-111 form, or they will be charged in full. The medical services in Iceland rank among the best in the world and are rendered all over the country. Inoculations are not required, except for those who arrive from areas infested with infectious diseases such as cholera, small pox, yellow fever etc.

The Icelandic Currency: One krona is the monetary unit. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 kronur. Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 kronur. The Central Bank of Iceland issues the daily rate of exchange. It is permitted to bring limited amounts of Ikr Into the country and unlimited amounts in foreign currency.

Electricity: In Iceland, the electricity is 220 volts, 50Hz, AC. Usually adaptors for the outlets are available at the accommodations if you have not brought them with you.