Iceland Travel Guide - Essentials

Safety: Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, presenting no serious risks to the safety of the average holiday maker. Crime exists of course but visitors employing a little diligence and common sense can dramatically reduce their chances of exposure to it especially where pickpockets and bag snatchers are concerned. Women as always should be wary of travelling alone late at night and all visitors should avoid illegal drugs of any description.

When to go: Iceland’s name can be a little misleading with regards to its climate and indeed the country is considerably more temperate than popular (uninformed) opinion suggests. Winter’s can be cold, no doubt, and the serious lack of daylight (4.5 hours only in January) can be something of an impediment to tourist activity.

Money: Icelandic Krona (Ikr) is the country’s official currency and is a volume comprised of 100 aurar. Notes are issued in denominations of Ikr5000, 2000, 1000 and 500 while coins come in IKr100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.

Language: Icelandic is the country’s official language and is a Nordic language that is uniformly spoken without regional variations. English is spoken reasonably widely although more in the younger generation and in larger destinations such as Reykjavik.

The country however, welcomes business visitors of all origins provided they operate within the constraints of Icelandic business law. Formality is the norm in Icelandic business etiquette with great importance placed on punctuality and smart business dress.

Emergency: 112

Ambulance: 112

Police: 112

Tourist police emergency hotline: non available

Recommended hospital:
Reykjavik: the National Hospital on Fossvogur:
Tel +354 1 525-1700