Things to Know for Your Iceland Adventure
As you prepare for your Iceland adventure, here are some essential tips that we found useful during our trip. These insights will help you navigate the unique experiences and challenges this beautiful country has to offer.
Currency and Payments
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- Currency: The Icelandic currency is the Krona, with 1,000 ISK being approximately £5.70 or $8 (USD). While it’s good to have some cash for small purchases, you don’t need to carry cash as most places accept credit and debit cards. Just ensure you contact your provider to get a PIN for card transactions.
- Supermarkets: For budget-friendly shopping, Bonus is the cheapest supermarket in Iceland.
- Cost of Living: Expect to pay around 250-500 ISK for an average cup of coffee at a petrol station. Alcohol can be expensive; it’s primarily sold in government-operated Vínbúðin shops. We recommend visiting the duty-free store before leaving the airport to stock up.
Weather Conditions
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- Summer Months: From mid-May to mid-September, Iceland experiences long days with almost 24 hours of sunlight. This is ideal for making the most of your trip.
- Winter Months: From October to March, daylight is limited to just 2-4 hours per day. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions; it’s common to experience all four seasons in a single day.
- Temperature: The average temperature in Reykjavik is around 0°C in January and 13°C in July. Dress in layers to adapt to the fluctuating temperatures, and pack waterproof shoes to avoid cold, wet feet.
Travel Tips
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- Accommodation: Book your accommodation and trips well in advance, as they fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- Driving Advice: Always drive carefully and adhere to the marked speed limits, as the police are strict with enforcement and speed cameras are prevalent. Know about F-Roads and whether they require a 4×4 vehicle.
- Rental Vehicle Insurance: If renting a vehicle, we recommend purchasing “Full” insurance. The winds can be strong enough to rip doors from your hands and damage hinges.
- Tap Water: The tap water in Iceland is safe to drink, so there’s no need to buy bottled water.
- Adaptors: Don’t forget to pack European power adaptors for your electronic devices.
- Tipping: There is no need to tip in Iceland, as service charges are usually included in the prices advertised.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the weather and road conditions by checking Iceland Weather, Safe Travel Iceland, or Road.is.
These tips will ensure that you have an enjoyable and smooth experience during your Iceland adventure! For more insights, be sure to check out our Midlife Adventures in Iceland and What to Pack pages.
