Iceland is a country renowned for its natural beauty and unique landscapes. Iceland’s climate is variable, so it’s important to plan your trip carefully. Summer (June to August) is characterized by relatively warm and long days, while winter (December to February) is a great time to see ice storms and the Northern Lights.
Iceland’s must-see Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that includes the Rinkejvir waterfall, Geysir hot springs and Thrimsulla waterfall, while Jokulsarlon Beach is known for its impressive views of icebergs plunging into the sea, and the Blue Lagoon is a great place to relax in the hot springs and enjoy the unique Icelandic scenery.
1. Iceland Quick Facts
Language Icelandic
Religion Evangelical Lutheran
Currency Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Visa Free 90 day visa-free stay upon visit. Schengen Agreement member country
Power Plugs 220 V 50 Hz (C / F, Type)
Capital Reykjavik
ATM ATM are also readily available, allowing you to withdraw local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card Paying by credit card is very easy.
APP
Google Maps
Vedur : This is especially useful for checking the aurora index.
road.is : You can check road conditions in real time.
Stræto : Bus route information and ticket purchasing for buses within Iceland, including Reykjavík city buses.
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Airport bus FlyBus: 3,899 ISK to the hotel 4,990 ISK to the hotel
We recommend planning a tour or getting a pass when using public transport, and if you’re travelling with more than three people, you may want to hire a car.
Reykjavík Bus: 1-day ticket (Eitt Far) 490 ISK, 10-day ticket (Klapp Ten) 4,900 ISK
Bus 55 runs from the airport to Reykjavík and costs 1,960 ISK for an adult ticket, which we recommend purchasing at Stræto. You can buy them on the bus, but you’ll need to bring change as they don’t give change back.
Taxi 3km within the cityBasic 1,200-1,900 ISK
4. Safety
Public safety is better than in other European countries.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Police, emergency number 112 (National Hospital 543 1000)
5. Climate
Iceland’s seasonal characteristics fall into two main categories: midnight sun and aurora borealis viewing.
From May to August, Iceland offers a unique experience of the midnight sun, with sunny days of 10°C (50°F) to 14°C (57°F) and cool nights of 7°C (44°F) to 8°C (46°F). It also offers access to the Highlands, which are closed in winter.
October to April is the best time to see the aurora borealis in winter, but in November you can experience four seasons of weather in one day.November is particularly bad for snowstorms, which can close many roads. Northern Lights Seasons Winters in Iceland are not as cold as in other parts of Northern Europe or Russia, with temperatures as low as minus 2 degrees Celsius.
6. price
Almost everything is imported, so the cost of living is very high.
Gas 3,140 ISK/l
Gas(disel) 3,090 ISK/l
Coca-Cola 0.5L 179 ISK
McDonald’s combo meal: 2,500 ISK
Water (1.5 litres): 130 – 600 ISK
Coffee 300 ISK
7. Travel precautions
The water is very clean and you can drink the tap water, but don’t drink the hot water, which smells like sulphur. The hot springs are heated by geothermal power.
At bus terminals and some places, toilets are paid for and can be paid for by card. There are also nappy changing tables in the men’s toilets.
VAT is refundable (about 15 per cent) on purchases of at least 4,000ISK on the same day in a single shop. Be sure to get your tax refund before you leave the country.
Almost all shops are closed on Sundays and most museums and art galleries are closed on Mondays except in the summer season.
In winter, Iceland has sections of road that are closed depending on the weather on the day – be sure to download the Vedur and road.is apps to check and get moving.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
When outdoors, always clean up after yourself and don’t take stones or other objects as souvenirs. Always wear a swimsuit in onsen.
Arms outstretched can look cheeky and arrogant.
Tip.
There is no tip culture. Tip is not expected in accommodation or general services.
10. Holidays
The following are the national public holidays for 2024:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
28 Mar Thu Maundy Thursday
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
1 Apr Mon Easter Monday
25 Apr Thu First Day of Summer
1 May Wed Labour Day
9 May Thu Ascension Day
19 May Sun Whit Sunday
20 May Mon Whit Monday
17 Jun Mon Independence Day
5 Aug Mon Commerce Day
24 Dec Tue Christmas Eve
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
26 Dec Thu Boxing Day
31 Dec Tue New Year’s Eve
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Thursday, 17 April : Maundy Thursday
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Monday, 21 April : Easter Monday
Thursday, 24 April : First Day of Summer
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Thursday, 29 May : Ascension Day
Sunday, 8 June : Whit Sunday
Monday, 9 June : Whit Monday
Tuesday, 17 June : Independence Day
Monday, 4 August : Commerce Day
Wednesday, 24 December: Christmas Eve
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Wednesday, 31 December: New Year’s Eve