Mar 9, 20236 min read

Need to Know When Visiting Iceland

Updated: Sep 17, 2023

Location: Iceland

Best for: Families, Honeymooners, Couples, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Photographers, Solo Travelers

Travel Advisor on top of the Katla Volcano Viewing Deck in Iceland — On Top of the Katla Volcano Viewing Deck in Iceland

So, you are heading to Iceland, or you'd like to anyway. Iceland is an amazing place with so much to offer from museums to waterfalls and everything in between. Iceland is primed for outdoor adventure in spectacular natural settings, making it the perfect destination for adventurers and a great for honeymooners too!

If you are going to this breathtaking country there are a few things to know before traveling and this article covers only the basics. Subscribe to the blog on the main page to see more information about travel to Iceland including where to go, what to do, where to stay, and so on. I'll also tell you when we are sending groups to Iceland should you want to come along.

So let's get you set for your trip.

PASSPORT AND VISAS

As of the writing of this article, a visa is not required for citizens of the U.S. if you hold a US passport for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for 3 months AFTER departure from Iceland and must have been issued within the last 10 years.

These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Iceland for the most up-to-date visa information.

Pro tip: Please make a photocopy (or take a picture with your cell phone) of your passport identification page and keep it separate from your original. It’s also a good idea to leave a digital copy or hard copy with someone at home. This may speed up the replacement process should you lose your passport.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach with people taking photos — Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - One of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland

TRIP PROTECTION

You are on an adventure in Iceland and could be checking out amazing waterfalls, climbing on glaciers, caving, or just walking around. Keeping that in mind, cancellation and medical insurance is highly recommended as they can safeguard against the expenses associated with in-country medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and emergency cancelation or interruption of your trip for specified covered reasons. To receive maximum coverage, this should be purchased within 14 -21 days of the initial trip deposit depending on your insurance company. However, it can be purchased up to 48 hours prior to departure depending on the insurer you use and what you want to be covered. Ask your travel consultant about time-sensitive exclusions when you purchase after the 14 days.

Pro tip: Buy it at the deposit. You can always update to add additional expenses as you add them to your reservation. Better safe than sorry when it comes to meeting those deadlines.

MEDICATION

If there are any medical items that are essential to your health, such as prescription drugs or corrective eyewear, bring extra and carry them with you in hand luggage. It is recommended that OTC medications are brought in blister packs or new travel bottles that are sealed. For prescriptions, make sure you have the bottle and a prescription or note from your doctor. Many items we find over the counter in the US, require a prescription in Iceland. Generally speaking, you can bring a 30-day supply with you but don’t put them in pill cases if you can avoid it. It may be harder to get the following items when in Iceland so bring some along.

Recommended Items:

Basic medicine kit: pain relievers, band-aids for blisters after those hikes to the waterfalls, antiseptic cream, etc.
Digestive and diarrhea aids such as Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and the like.
Anti-histamine for allergies
Motion sickness aids – For boat trips, tours, the plane.
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), after-sun lotion, lip balm, a wide-brimmed hat (summer trips), and sunglasses Yes, these are important in Iceland too.

Icebergs floating in Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon in September — Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon in September

WEATHER, SEASONS, & CLIMATE

Because the island varies depending on where you are, let's focus on the area around Reykjavik since it is where the bulk of travelers base. The daylight also has a period of twilight so during December, it will be near dark almost all the time, and in June, it is near daylight almost all the time. Iceland gets 2.1 to 4.6 inches of rain each month. So rainy season, technically September, is hardly raining at all by most standards. However, expect to get wet when visiting the falls and ocean areas.

Summer: The temperature June through August ranges from 54° F to 57° F with July being the hottest. The summer begins with 21 hours of daylight and ends with 16 hours.

Fall: The temperature from September to November ranges from 39° F to 50° F with September being the hottest. The fall begins with 16 hours of daylight and ends with 6

Winter: The temperature from December through February stays around 36° F. Winter starts with 4 Hours of sunlight and ends with 8 hours.

Spring: The temperature from March through May ranges from 38° F to 48° F with May being the hottest. Spring begins with 12 hours of daylight and ends with 18

People taking Photos and Selfies by Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland — Photos and Selfies by Skogafoss Waterfall in Iceland

ELECTRICITY, PHONE & INTERNET

Electricity: Iceland is 220-240 volts which will affect your ability to use some appliances. Make sure your device can handle the voltage. Most modern phones, tablets, cameras, laptops, and CPAP machines can work with both 110 and 220-volt outlets. Many devices will have a sticker denoting their limits. If it says something like “110V-220V" or “100V-240V,” it will work within that range. Bring a converter to convert the voltage or use what they have.

Iceland uses Plug C and F so you will need an adapter kit.

Phone: Consult your phone provider prior to departure to discuss coverage, overseas rates, and international package options. Many have a $ 10-a-day charge to use your phone, data, and text message allotments. It is also possible to purchase international calling cards within Iceland to make calls overseas, as well as SIM cards. A SIM card requires that your phone is "unlocked" the card will provide a new phone number in Iceland while using the sim. You will return to your normal US number when removing the Iceland SIM card. Iceland has many remote areas so there may be times when no signal is available.

If on a tour, you will usually have WIFI and USB ports to charge your phone on the buses. Ask your travel advisor or tour group for each tour.

Internet: Free Wireless access is available in most tourist areas, airports, and hotels. You’ll find Internet cafés in both small and large cities throughout Iceland.

Iconic church in Vik Iceland on a sunny day — Iconic Church in Vik Iceland on a Sunny Day

FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: Remember to pack sufficient memory cards, zoom lens, a spare camera battery and charger, and a dust-resistant case.

Pro tip: It is windy on the beaches so make sure you have a lens protection filter on.

CURRENCY

Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona, abbreviated ISK. Denominations are: 1 króna; 5, 10, 50, and 100 krónur. Banknotes are: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 krónur. Coke would cost 263 ISK, which is $1.83 so don't be surprised by the high numbers. Touristy areas will accept US currency but you will be leaving it up to them for the conversion.

We recommend that you get local currency from your bank before you leave home when traveling to Iceland, although an in-country ATM is an option. Credit cards are your best option and almost everyone charges EVERYTHING in Iceland.

Always verify which currency a vendor is using for a transaction, and know the exchange rate. If you use a credit card and are offered the option of US or Krona, select Krona because the vendor may charge exchange fees on top of any other fees and may not be up to date on the exchange rate.

As a side note, your bank card may work, but Visa or MasterCard are more widely accepted. Note that traveler's cheques are rarely used anymore. Discover credit card may not be widely accepted.

There you have it, a few important notes about traveling to Iceland. I hope this article is helpful for your next trip to Iceland!

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