Practical Information about Iceland 

 

Business, Banking & Shopping Hours

Office hours are generally M-F 9:00 to 17:00 and 8:00 to 16:00 during June, July and August. Banking hours are M-F 9:15 to 16:00. General Post Office hours are M-F 09:00–16:30. Shopping hours are M-F 9:00 to 6:00; Sat from 10:00 /11:00 to 14:00/18:00. Some food stores are open to 23:00 seven days a week or even 24 hours in the larger towns. Shopping malls, souvenir and bookshops in the city center are open on weekends.

Calling from Iceland

The international code for calling Iceland from abroad is 354. There are no area codes in Iceland. To call internationally from Iceland, first dial 00 followed by the country code and telephone number. For directory assistance dial 118.

Cell Phone Systems

The following mobile systems can be used in Iceland: GSM900 and 1800, 2G, 3G and UMTS 4G. Pre-paid cards are available at petrol stations around the country. 

Currency & Money Exchange

The Icelandic monetary unit is the krona (plural kronur), which is abbreviated Kr or ISK. Money can be easily exchanged at the airport, bank and currency exchanges. All major credit cards are accepted and can be used to pay for virtually anything – except the public buses. Electron, Maestro and EDC debit cards are increasingly being accepted by merchants. ATM/Bank machines are found in most banks and many other locations throughout the country. Look for the Hradbanki sign.

Electricity

The electric current in Iceland is 220 volts; 50 Hz AC. Icelandic electrical plugs are of the rounded, European two-pin type.

Entry Requirements

A passport valid is at least three months beyond intended stay, is required for visitors to Iceland. Travel between countries participating in the Schengen cooperation is allowed without formal passport control including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany. For additional information on passport and visa requirements see Icelandic Directorate of Immigration website www.utl.is/english.

Internet Access

Iceland is a tech-savvy country with internet access available almost everywhere including internet cafes in the larger cities and towns. Hotels and Guesthouses generally offer internet access and Wi-Fi free of charge. Internet websites for businesses and organizations in Iceland end in the suffix ‘.is’.

Language

Icelandic is the national language of Iceland although English and Scandinavian languages are widely spoken.

Medical Attention / Emergencies

There are medical centers or hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The 24-hour emergency phone number in Iceland is 112. Pharmacies are called ‘Apotek’ and are open during normal business hours. See also www.safetravel.is.

Public Holidays

Businesses, banks and most stores are closed on public holidays. For a complete list of holidays and events please see our Events and Festivals page.

Public Transportation

Extensive bus services are available in all major cities and towns. Tickets can be purchased at the local bus station or from the driver with exact change. Children under the age of four travel free of charge, and half price is charged for children aged 4–11. There is no rail or subway system in Iceland.

Smoking in Public / Drinking Age

Wine, beer and spirits are sold in government run stores called Vinbudin. The age limit for buying alcohol is 20. Smoking is not permitted on board aircrafts or other means of public transport. It is not permitted to smoke in public buildings and other places open to the public, offices, shopping centers, hotels, bars, and restaurants. The age limit for buying tobacco is 18.

Special Needs Travel

Iceland is putting increased emphasis on adapting facilities for special needs travelers. Many hotels, restaurants and larger department stores are accessible to wheelchair users. For accessible tourist attractions see the official website for the Association of the Disabled in Iceland. (http://www.sjalfsbjorg.is/index.php/forsiea/english)

Taxis

All taxis accept credit cards and have to be reserved in advance. In some major cities and towns there are also taxi stations where you can line up to get a car. And there are of course taxi stands at airports for transfer. (Arriving in Iceland)

Time Zone

Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year, and does not adjust to daylight saving time.

Tipping

In Iceland gratuity is always included in the bill therefore tipping is not required. This applies to everything: restaurants, taxis, cafés, room service and more. However if you do feel that you have received great service, Icelanders appreciate a tip and will gladly accept it.

Traveling with Pets

Iceland is one of the few European countries without rabies, therefore traveling to Iceland with a dog or cat requires a strict application process with several forms, an import application fee, and four weeks of quarantine.

VAT Tax-Free Shopping

Value Added Tax in Iceland is 24% or 11% on special goods. A refund of the local VAT is available to visitors and will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price provided departure from Iceland is within 30 days after the purchase is made. The purchased amount must be no less than ISK 4,000, (VAT included) per sales receipt. Refunds can be collected in the departures hall of Keflavik International Airport.