Feb 25, 20217 min read

Visiting Iceland

Updated: Jul 8, 2022

Travel Tips for Your Next Trip to Iceland

Iceland has long been a place of beauty and mystery with a strong Viking heritage. This destination is on many bucket lists with its enticing black-sand beaches, ice caves, immense and countless waterfalls to geothermal pools, volcanos, UNESCO sites, wildlife, and, of course, the ability to see the Aurora Borealis, commonly called the northern lights. This small island, with a population of roughly 337,780 in 2018 is only slightly bigger than the population of the city of Anaheim, California. It is the westernmost country in Europe, is west of Norway, northwest of Scotland, and its northern coast is just below the Arctic Circle. Because of its neighbor Greenland, it is a common addition to an Iceland trip by cruise lines.

The Best Time to Travel

Iceland is beautiful year-round and has truly wonderous offerings in every season. With a temperate climate you will see temperatures from 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the Winter to 70’s in the summer. Iceland does not necessarily have a “rainy” or “dry” season, but experiences a diverse and ever-changing climate year-round, so be sure to be prepared for both rain and sunshine. And in colder months, layers will be crucial.

The busy season begins in mid-May and lasts through early September when the daylight hours are the longest. This is a great time to see the whales, hike to the waterfalls, visit the Blue Lagoon and so much more. At this time, the sun only drops below the horizon for roughly three hours per day and there is effectively daylight for the entire 24-hour day.

As you get farther into September and the days begin to grow shorter you may be able to see the Northern lights. Your best opportunity, however, begins in October and into early Spring, as the nights become longer, assuming you have a clear sky. In the middle of winter, there are only about five hours of daylight.

The Language

The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, however most Icelanders speak English. In fact, most Icelanders speak several other languages as well, including Danish, German, Spanish, and French.

While the language looks difficult, if you remember, or write down, a few of these words below you will notice that many sights are a combination of these words.

Eyja is the word for island.
Fjalla is the word for mountain.
Jokull is the word for glacier.
Foss is the word for waterfall. (Gullfoss)
Vik is the word for bay.
Fjordur is the word for fjord.
Dalur is the word for valley.
Vegur is the word for road.
Gata is the word for street.
Gljufur is the word for canyon.

Tipping in Iceland

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, most just round up. Tipping is not common in Iceland, but it is appreciated.

Currency

Iceland uses the króna (plural krónur) and is abbreviated ISK or kr. ATMs, are easy to find in almost all areas, Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most places. Iceland uses the chip-and-pin (EMV) system, so if you still 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.

Taxes

There is a 7% value added tax, VAT on most 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 price.

The good news is that 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.

The Water

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. So, yes, you can drink the water.

Voltage

The same as other Northern European countries, Iceland’s electrical standards are 50Hz, 230 volts, so North American electrical devices will require adapter and/or converter depending on the type of device. Computers and cell phones usually do not need a converted but will need an adapter. The converter will be used to convert your voltage to 110-120 and protect your equipment. You will need the two-pin round adapter for the sockets.

Internet

Wi-Fi connectivity may vary based on where you are in the country or your accommodations, but generally speaking, you can expect internet access in Iceland.

Cell Phone Service

Iceland uses the GSM network. Check with your carrier before leaving to ensure you phone will work. Be sure to either opt into an International Plan before you leave home or use an Icelandic SIM card to avoid racking up roaming charges once you’ve arrived. In some rural areas you will be in the middle of nowhere so you may or may not have service.

Medical

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.

Safety and Security

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. When visiting the caves, parks, and waterfalls, ensure you have the proper clothing and shoes.

Reykjavik

Access to seeing most of Iceland’s natural wonders are free but grab a City Card in Reykjavik to maximize your budget while in the city. This offers free entry to a huge selection of museums, galleries, all swimming pools in the city, and free unlimited bus travel in the Capital area. It also includes a free ferry trip to Viðey Island and discounts on tours, shops, and certain services. See the article on Reykjavik for some fun things to do when there.

Interesting Facts about Iceland

Thingvellir is a UNESCO site as the only one of two places in the world where you can see two of the earth’s tectonic plates meeting above the earth’s surface. You can go snorkeling between them, in summer of course.
There are over 125 volcanic mountains in Iceland. Several of them are continually active and some of them could awaken and become active as the country changes and grows.
More than 80% of the country is powered by geothermal energy, making it an incredibly eco-friendly place to visit.
Folklore and legend is especially important to Icelanders and you may hear tales of magical beings such as elves and trolls, which they call “Hidden People.”
Iceland is the only country in the world with no mosquitoes. If that doesn’t make you want to visit Iceland, nothing will.

Do’s and Don’ts When in Iceland

Do:

Use common sense while visiting. Lots of Iceland’s rugged terrain is perilous and does not have the same safety features such as the signage and safety rails Americans may be used to. Stay on clearly marked paths and don’t assume unmarked areas are safe, especially in geothermal areas!
Take the weather seriously. Bring proper shoes, layers, and rain gear. A sunny day can quickly change, so be sure you prepare for unexpected weather.
Plan ahead. Reservations are key in Iceland! Don’t leave anything to chance! Rooms sell out months in advance, so don’t expect to show up and wing it. Plan out the entire trip beforehand and make sure your plans are solid before you head out or you may not be able to hit everything on your to-do list.
Take a tour. Iceland’s tour guides are professional, knowledgeable, and very friendly. They will not only be able to help you get the most out of your experience and keep you safe, but they’ll be also able to help give you insider tips on where to find the best local food and entertainment, too!
Expect to scrub down before taking a dip. Etiquette mandates a thorough scrub before you put on a swimsuit and hop into any pool, hot tub, hot spring, or lagoon.

Don’t:

Drive off-road. Not only is this extremely dangerous (not to mention obnoxious), but it’s also illegal. Just because you see it on Instagram, doesn’t mean it’s ok. Be respectful of the nature around you and understand the impact of your presence in it.
Be rude about the food you don’t find palatable. If you don’t like something you are offered or are trying, simply put it aside or say no thank you. Don’t be the loud, gagging American who has to make a big deal about the food Icelanders love. It’s not endearing.
Forget to carry water and snacks. If you are hiking through the highlands or anywhere away from the towns, you may not have access to food, water, or bathrooms, so pack and plan accordingly.

VISA/Passport Info

U.S. citizens may enter Iceland for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure. This information changes so always check with your travel agent for current information.

Embassy Info

The American Embassy in Iceland can be found at Laufásvegur 21, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Final Thoughts

If you like nature, waterfalls, whales, history, Vikings, folklore, sustainability, geothermal spas, then maybe Iceland should be on your list.If the mystery of a new and seemingly unexplored country with smaller, but growing, crowds, take a trip to Iceland, you won’t be disappointed

Click the links below to see sample itineraries that include Iceland below:

Cruise to Norway and Iceland

Small Group Tour to Iceland

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