Language
Icelandic is the native language of Iceland, but most Icelanders speak English well along with several other languages. However, any attempt to speak a few words in Icelandic will be much appreciated. Icelandic is a Germanic language that has sprinklings of Anglo-Saxon words, so learning a few words should not be too difficult. The ‘þ’ pronounced “thi” and ‘ð’ pronounced “tha” are two unique letters found in the Icelandic alphabet.
Currency And Tipping
The Icelanders use the króna (plural krónur) currency. Notes are available in 500, 1000, 2000 (rarely used), and 5000 krónur, while coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 krónur. Prices are usually indicated with ISK or IKr followed by the amount i.e. ISK 1000 or IKr 1000. Cash, traveler’s cheques and debit/credit cards are widely accepted in most business establishments.
A service charge is normally included in the bill and tipping is not normally expected. However, it is common for patrons to round-up the bill or give a little extra if the service is exceptional.
Safety
Reykjavik is generally a very safe city. However, the usual precautions apply when visiting any city, especially when out late at night. The main concern is for personal safety when hiking on glaciers or off the beaten path. Iceland’s weather can be temperamental and can change for the worse without warning. Always wear proper clothing, have necessary supplies and let others know where you may be going.
Travel Tip #1: The Reykjavik Tourist Card, sold in 24, 48 and 72 hour versions and costing anywhere from ISK 1200 to ISK 2200, will allow for free travel on the Strætó city buses, and free admission to the seven city thermal pools, the National museums, galleries, zoo, and free internet at the Reykjavik Tourist Information Centre, where the card is also sold. The card is also available at several hotels, the BSI Bus Terminal, the Strætó bus stations, Laugardalslaug Thermal Pool and several other locations throughout the city. For more information go to www.visitreyklavik.is.
Weather
Average temperatures for Reykjavik hover around 0°C (32°F) in winter and 11°C (52°F) in summer, with extreme variations not uncommon. Regardless of season, we do suggest packing a warm wind-tight waterproof jacket and a bathing suit to enjoy the hot springs. Also, bear in mind that a good pair of broken-in hiking boots, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential when going for a trip to any of the glaciers, volcanoes or any other parts of the country’s unspoiled nature.
Getting Around
Reykjavik is a fairly compact city and can be easily navigated on foot. However, the public bus system is plentiful, running every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evenings and on weekends. The cost is ISK 250 per ride with the option of a free transfer to a second bus within 45 minutes with a transfer ticket. However, a taxi may be the only option when partying into the wee hours of the morning. The late night availability of taxis and public transportation has improved somewhat in the past two years since the government allowed bars to stay open past the 2am curfew, when almost 20,000 people would be on the streets at the same time.
For freedom to explore beyond the city, hiring a car may be a viable option. Drivers licenses from Europe, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will allow you to drive in Iceland. An international drivers license may be needed if coming from another part of the world. Exploring the interior part of the country can be done using a 4WD vehicle, but only in summer.
Another means of transportation for exploring beyond Reykjavik is to use the many coach services that make regular trips to the surrounding towns and attractions. Coaches generally depart from the BSI Terminal.
Iceland is a small country, but sometimes the easiest and fastest way to visit the other regions is by air. All the major towns have their own airports and domestic air travel from Reykjavik Airport, located near the city centre, is convenient.
