Iceland Travel Guide: 8 Things to Expect During Your Icelandic Trip
What to Pack
Iceland has unpredictable weather, so pack items that will keep you comfortable throughout your trip. Don’t forget to bring swimsuits, gloves, rain pants and jackets, scarves, gloves, hiking boots, quick dry towels and warm socks. Also bear in mind that Iceland has midnight sun; hence you might need to carry eye shades to help you sleep during that time.
You might also find it uncomfortable to sleep in light summer clothes during summer because it can get chilly at night. Therefore, pack heavier sleepwear to keep you warm, regardless of the season. If you plan to go horse riding bring flynets or masks to protect you from insects. If you're going to visit Lake Myvatn during summer, carry insect repellent to avoid insect bites.
Horse Riding Gear From Other Countries
Iceland is very strict when it comes to protecting its horses from disease. Therefore, the country doesn't allow you to bring used horse gear from your home country as this might contribute to the spread of disease. The state, however, provides riding gear, helmets and boots that you can find at riding spots.
Currency and Banks
The Krona is Iceland's monetary unit. Note that the Icelandic treasury uses periods as thousand separators and commas as decimal marks. The coins circulate in denominations of one, five, 10, 50 and 100 Krona while notes circulate in 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 Krona. All banks in Iceland offer foreign exchange and open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Note that the banks don't open during public holidays and weekends.
Driving
Ensure that you carefully go through the Icelandic driving brochure that you'll receive on arrival. Alternatively, watch a video from the Road Traffic Directorate of Iceland if you intend to do self-drive. If you're going for a long drive, ensure that you check the weather before your journey. Dial 1777 to speak to a Public Roads Administration operator before embarking on your drive. Hotel staff is also a useful resource to find out self-drive information.
Shopping
Do you intend to take Icelandic souvenirs back home? Stores in Iceland have a wide variety of merchandise, which include handmade ceramics, woollen knitwear, jewellery, glassware, designer clothes, lava stone crafts, licorice candy and fish leather crafts. Most shops open from 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Only shopping malls and shops in busy areas are open on Sundays.
There's a Local Value-added Tax refund that helps reduce your retail price by up to 15%. To enjoy the rebate, ensure that you depart from Iceland within three months of item purchase. Also ensure that you spend no less than 4,000 per day per store to enjoy the tax. Customs staff may need to see your items before awarding you the tax refund.
Internet
Do you intend to use the internet during your Icelandic trip? Iceland is one of the top tech-savvy countries in the world. You'l find Wifi in almost every bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant, hotel or bar in the city center. In smaller towns and countryside locations guest houses, motels, and hotels also offer internet connectivity either at a small fee or free of charge. You can also buy prepaid 3G and 4G sim cards from Vodaphone shops, Vodaphone resellers and N1 gas stations.
Electricity
Do you intend to carry small electrical appliances from home? You might need to bring a converter because the country uses 50Hz/220 volts, which is the Northern European electrical standard. If you don't already have a converter or adapter, you can buy one from the duty-free shop in Keflavik.
Icelandic Language
Icelanders can speak fluent Danish and English. The country's official language is similar to Old Norse, a northern Germanic language. Most Icelanders also understand and speak Italian, French, Spanish and German.