Iceland Travel Notes

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Access to your government’s embassy while travelling

Australia www.dfat.gov.au
New Zealand www.mfat.govt.nz
Canada www.travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom www.gov.uk
America www.usembassy.gov

Time Zones

Reykjavik, Iceland is GMT
To obtain the current local time and date in the cities and countries you are travelling to, please visit: www.timeanddate.com

Electricity and Plugs

Iceland uses 230 volts. Plugs are of the two-round-pronged European type (type F) – www.korjo.com/adaptor-guide

Currency

To obtain the most up-to-date exchange rate you may wish to visit: www.xe.com/currencyconverter

The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK), often seen as “kr”. There are banknotes to the value of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 ISK, and coins worth 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 coins.

The use of credit cards in Iceland is widespread throughout the country – you can pay by card in even the most isolated of restaurants and attractions without issues. One of the few exceptions is local buses as they accept cash only and if you plan to use the bus you will need to pay with exact change.

Due to how little cash is used in Iceland, it can be difficult to find currency exchanges in the larger cities like Reykjavik or Akureyri, and even more difficult in smaller towns. Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik however, does have a currency exchange. If you want cash in the local currency, the best option is to withdraw money from an ATM. Make sure to check your overseas charges with your bank before leaving home.

Visa

Iceland is a member of the Schengen Zone.

Citizens of more than 60 countries are permitted to travel to Iceland and other countries in the Schengen Zone visa-free for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. This only applies if you are travelling as a tourist or visiting family and friends. These nations include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, as well as certain South American countries. Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after your departure date and has at least 2 clear pages in your passport. You may be asked to provide documentation outlining the reason for your visit and confirming your departure date. For other nationalities, please check with your local authority, consulate or embassy for requirements.

Telephone & Communication

Mobile Telephones

Most mobile telephones work in Iceland and coverage is good in most areas along all main travel routes. Check with your local provider regarding ‘Global Roaming’ and coverage in the places you are visiting. If you are planning to purchase a local sim card, please check with your local provider prior to departure to make sure your phone is unlocked and will accept another sim card.

WhatsApp Messenger is an economical way to stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling service.

ASA tour leaders use WhatsApp to communicate with tour participants while travelling, so the app should be downloaded to your mobile devise prior to joining the program.

Internet

Internet access is widespread and available throughout Iceland. Many hotels and cafes offer access; some charge while others have free Wi-fi zones.

Personal Safety

Iceland is overall safe to travel to, but bear in mind that opportunistic petty crime can still be an issue, anywhere you go.

Petty theft and pickpocketing, although rare, can occur. Keep expensive jewellery at home and have an awareness of where your bags and possessions are at all times.
Do not leave any personal items unattended.
Take extra care in crowded places and avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your hip pocket.
We strongly recommend the use of a money belt to keep your cash, cards and travel documents safe. This should be kept under your clothes at all times. This is a precaution that should be taken anywhere due to the difficulties that can be experienced when trying to replace stolen items.
Take photocopies or photos of all important documents (passport, credit cards, E-tickets, insurance).
It is generally helpful to take a business card from the hotel you are staying at. This can assist hugely if you get lost or if there is a language barrier. If you have a key card for your hotel, make sure you keep these two cards separate.

Australians Studying Abroad takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and every measure is taken to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

Australia Smart Traveller
New Zealand Safe Travel
Canada Canada Travel Information
United Kingdon UK Foreign Travel Advice
USA US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Health

It is advisable to consult with your doctor or local travel clinic in the weeks leading up to your departure, allowing enough time to obtain any relevant vaccinations or travel medication that may be required.

When in Iceland you may notice an “eggy” smell when running hot water in a sink or shower—that is simply a naturally occurring smell from the geothermal water source, and it poses no health risks. It is safe to drink cold water from the tap in Iceland: just run the tap for a couple of seconds first.

Travelling with Medication

Not all medications available in your home country, over the counter or by prescription, are available in other countries. Some may be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by a doctor. If unsure, travellers should check the regulations on importing or transporting medicines to their chosen destination by contacting the relevant embassy or high commission for clarification.

All medication should be carried in their original packaging and in your hand luggage. If you are taking medication whilst travelling, please make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is and what it is for
your required dosage
that it is for personal use

For more information, contact the Armenian Embassy in your country.

Australia www.dfat.gov.au
New Zealand www.mfat.govt.nz
Canada www.travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom www.gov.uk
USA US Department of State

What to Pack

Clothing (general)

Iceland’s weather is varied. For daytime activities, we suggest a wardrobe that is versatile, casual and comfortable. It is recommended that “layered” clothing might offer the best comfort in a variety of conditions. Always expect the weather to be changeable. A fleece jacket or lightweight wool sweater, raincoat or waterproof/windproof jacket, gloves, scarves, hats, thermal underwear and warm socks are all-season essentials, regardless of the time of year you are travelling.

Beyond the normal wardrobe, we suggest the following:

Day pack or a cross-body handbag. Site visits often involve walking on uneven ground, up numerous steps and may be of a reasonable duration. You will want to have your hands free to hold rails or steady yourself as applicable. A day pack/ cross body bag will allow you to easily carry your ancillary items: camera, waterproof, sunhat, sunscreen, bottled water, sunglasses etc.
A hiking pole (fold-up) should be considered as many sites have steps and uneven ground, often without handrails.
Comfortable walking shoes are very important (hiking boots are not required); sandals or open shoes are only suitable for the evening.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
Travel torch.
Folding umbrella.
Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser. (see note below – Toilets)
Camera: Please take all necessary equipment/spares as will be difficult to purchase additional supplies while on tour.
Extra prescription eyeglasses (if required).
Eyeshades may be helpful if you have trouble sleeping with the light of the midnight sun during the summertime.

Toilets: Clean and flushable toilets are generally available across the country. Public spaces such as café’s restaurants generally allow the public to use their restrooms, although some only allow patrons. Some facilities may charge a small fee of ISK200 and you can usually pay with coins or card. Carry your own supply of soap/sanitiser and toilet paper, as these aren’t always provided.

Etiquette

No attempt should be made to photograph anything remotely connected with the armed forces, police or in the vicinity of defence installations or Government buildings.
Many people do not like being photographed, while others may try to obtain money from you. Always ask permission before photographing someone.
A handshake and a smile is the customary greeting for new acquaintances. Hugs and kisses are mostly reserved for family members.
The cost of service and VAT is included in all prices at restaurants, hotels, taxis etc. Tipping is therefore not customary in Iceland, but is nonetheless appreciated when offered.

Climate

Due to Iceland’s close proximity to the Arctic Circle, during summer days are long and therefore the country experiences ‘white’ nights where the sun doesn’t fully dip below the horizon. This is known as the ‘midnight sun’. Typical sunrise times in June are anywhere generally around 3:00am, with ‘sunset’ around midnight.

Iceland enjoys a cool temperate maritime climate but the weather is known to change quickly and often. We suggest checking the weather forecast for the most up-to-date information, prior to your departure.
www.worldweatheronline.com or www.weather-finder.com

Average minimum/maximum Temperatures (˚C)

City

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Reykjavik

-2/3

-1/4

1/7

4/10

7/13

9/14

6/11

3/7

0/5

-1/3

Akureyri

-4/3

-3/4

1/7

3/10

6/14

8/15

7/15

5/12

0/7