Welcome to Iceland 😊

Iceland is one of the coolest places you could ever visit! It's this small island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, and it's famous for its crazy landscapes. You might have seen pictures of the gorgeous waterfalls, the icebergs, the hot springs, and even the Northern Lights that light up the sky! But trust us, being there in person is a whole different experience.

Reykjavik is Iceland's capital city and it's such a charming place! It's a colorful and cozy city, perfect for exploring on foot. There are tons of good restaurants, cafes, and shops to check out, but what's really special about Reykjavik is how close you are to all the natural wonders that Iceland is famous for.

One of the most popular things to do in Iceland is to rent a car and go on a road trip around the country. You can drive along the coast and see all these gorgeous cliffs and beaches, or venture inland and check out some volcanoes and hot springs. There's no shortage of things to see and do, and you'll feel like you're on another planet with all the wild landscapes!

If you're looking for an adventure, Iceland is definitely the place to go. From hiking to ice climbing to whale watching, there's something for everyone. Plus, the people are so friendly and the culture is really interesting. You won't regret adding this amazing country to your travel bucket list!

Quick Facts About Iceland

Currency: Icelandic króna
Population: 364260
Languages: Icelandic
Capital: Reykjavik

Money and Finances

The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK). There are coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 krónur, and notes in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 krónur.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Iceland. They can be found in major cities and towns, as well as in rural areas. Most ATMs accept major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops take Visa and Mastercard. However, AMEX may not be accepted in some places. It is generally easy to use credit cards for purchases in Iceland, and they are a convenient option for tourists.

Internet and Phones

Internet speeds in Iceland are some of the fastest in the world with an average download speed of 55.27 Mbps and upload speed of 56.26 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Iceland are Siminn, Vodafone, and Nova. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around ISK 5,000-7,000 per month. There are no sim compatibility issues in Iceland.

Dialling to Iceland

To call Iceland from another country, you need to dial +354 followed by the desired phone number. Iceland has no area codes, so you just need to dial the phone number directly.

Transport Around Iceland

Air Travel

Iceland has one major airport, Keflavík International Airport, located about 50 km southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. It is the main hub for international travel and offers connections to many destinations worldwide.

Train Travel

Iceland does not have any inter-city train network.

Metro / Local Trains

Iceland does not have any metro system.

Buses

Iceland has an extensive bus network operated by several companies such as Reykjavík Excursions, Gray Line Iceland, and Strætó. Bus tickets can cost anywhere from 400-2500 ISK (3.5-22 USD) depending on the distance and time of travel. Journey times can vary from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the destination.

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Iceland such as Uber, Bolt, and Hreyfill. The average cost for a 10 km ride is around 2000-2500 ISK (17-22 USD).

Driving by Car

Driving in Iceland is relatively easy due to its well-maintained roads and stunning landscapes. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h (31 mph) and 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads. Iceland drives on the right-hand side of the road, and rental cars are available in major cities and airports.

Local Customs

In Iceland, tipping is not expected as service charges are usually included in the bill. Locals greet each other with a handshake and a smile, and may also exchange hugs or kisses on the cheek if they are close friends or family. Icelanders usually address each other by their first name, regardless of gender or social status. Speaking with strangers is generally polite, but Icelanders may come across as reserved at first. It is common for men and women to address each other as equals.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Iceland has a universal healthcare system that is funded by taxes and provides free medical care to its citizens. In terms of insurance, visitors are recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, with an average cost for a visit to the doctor being around 80 USD.

COVID Situation

Iceland has been widely praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with low infection and mortality rates. The country has implemented various measures, including widespread testing, contact tracing, and quarantine measures for travelers. As of September 2021, the number of active coronavirus cases in Iceland is low.

Common Health Risks

While Iceland is generally considered safe in terms of health risks, visitors should be aware of the risk of exposure to the sun due to the country's high latitude. Other common health risks include colds and flu during the winter months, as well as food poisoning from consuming undercooked lamb or seafood.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Iceland, the legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol is 20. Sale of alcohol is heavily regulated by the government, and can only be purchased from licensed stores known as Vínbúðin. The sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants is also highly regulated. Drinking and driving is illegal with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05%.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use in Iceland is illegal and heavily penalized. Possession and use of soft drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine is prohibited, with severe fines and jail sentences enforced. Sale and trafficking of drugs carry even harsher penalties.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Relationships outside of marriage or a registered partnership are widely accepted and not illegal in Iceland.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Iceland is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly nations in the world. All forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity are illegal, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms in Iceland are highly regulated, and ownership is considered a privilege rather than a right. Gun owners must be at least 20 years old, pass a background check, attend a training course, and demonstrate a valid reason for owning a firearm.