FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about travelling to Iceland

Health/Pharmacies/Emergency medical help

Icelanders enjoy a healthy life, thanks to clean air and water and good quality fish. Water is safe to drink throughout Iceland. Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours.

Medical help: There is a medical center or hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland.

Emergency: The 24-hour emergency phone number in Iceland is 112. See also http://www.safetravel.is

Health insurance: Citizens of Scandinavia must show their passports in the event of a medical emergency. Citizens of EEA countries must have the European Health Insurance Card (EU-card), otherwise the patient will be charged in full. The EU card replaces the E-111 form and ensures the same rights. Citizens of other countries will be charged in full. For further information contact the State Social Security Institute, Laugavegur 114, IS-105 ReykjavíkTel.: +354-560-4400/560-4460.

Office hours: 08:05–15:30

Weather / Clothing

For weather information in English, tel.: 902-0600, email: office@vedur.is or their website www.vedur.is.

When travelling to Iceland you should bring along lightweight woolens, a sweater or cardigan, a rainproof (weatherproof) coat and sturdy walking shoes. Travelers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.

Tax-free shopping

A refund of local Value-Added Tax (VAT) is available to all visitors in Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% off the retail price, provided departure from Iceland is within 3 months of the date of purchase. The purchase amount must be no less than ISK 4,000 (VAT included) per store.

Midnight sun

During summer the nights are bright all over Iceland. In the month of June the sun never fully sets in the north. Bear in mind, however, that the sun at midnight is not as warm as at midday, so bring along a sweater.

Shopping

The shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialties are woolen knitwear (for example sweaters, cardigans, hats and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry.
Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood. Common shopping hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets are open to 21:00 seven days a week.

Currency Exchange

The Icelandic monetary unit is the króna. Coins are in denominations of 100 kr., 50 kr., 10 kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Banknotes are in denominations of 10000 kr, 5000 kr., 2000 kr., 1000 kr., and 500 kr. All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and are generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00.

Business/Banking hours

Office hours are generally 09:00-17:00. Banking hours are Mon Fri 09:15-16:00

Telephone

Direct calls can be made to all parts of Iceland. The code into Iceland from overseas is +354 + seven-digit number. Direct long-distance calls can be made to Europe and the USA by dialing 00 plus the country code, and the telephone number you wish to reach.

Mobile phones– Gsm: There are four GSM operators in Iceland: Siminn, Vodafone, TAL and Nova. These telephone companies all sell pre-paid GSM phone cards and offer GSM/GPRS services. Pre-paid cards are available at petrol stations around the country.

Before departure

For information on passport and visa requirements as well as the Schengen area regulations, please view the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration: www.utl.is

Electric Current

The electric current in Iceland is 220 volts, 50 Hz AC

Visitors with disabilities

Visitors with disabilities can make travelling in Iceland fairly easy by planning their vacation in advance. They may also find it necessary to travel with a companion, for although there are many hotels and restaurants accessible to people with disabilities, they do not always provide full assistance.

The coastal ferry Baldur is accessible to people with disabilities. All airlines flying to and from Iceland are equipped to accommodate travelers with disabilities. A few domestic buses equipped for wheelchair users are available for special tours upon request. For accessible hotels and tourist attractions, see www.sjalfsbjorg.is

Travelers’ cheque, debit and credit cards

Widely accepted in Iceland. The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA.

Arrival in Seyðisfjörður

From Seyðisfjörður it is easy to take a bus to all major destinations in Iceland. The trip from Seyðisfjörður to Reykjavík takes about 8–9 hours and from Seyðisfjörður to Akureyri about 5–6 hours. For more information contact:

tel.: +354-472-1551, website: www.sfk.is

Keflavik International Airport

Airport Buses: A service is operated between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport. Buses leave Reykjavík from the BSÍ bus terminal 2.5 hours before flight departure. The drive from the airport to Reykjavík takes about 40-50 minutes.

How cold does it get?

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate maritime climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very unpredictable and tourists should be prepared for the unexpected. The north and east are often the warmest parts in the summer.