In alphabetical order, (information last updated on 2 July 2012).
Accommodation
Banking hours
Banking hours in Iceland are weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00. Banks are generally closed on weekends, but in Reykjavík there might be a branch or two with extended opening hours. Please note that all banks are closed on 2 January.
Banks and accounts
To begin with, it may be most convenient to keep most of your money in a foreign currency account (gjaldeyrisreikningur), which is a service provided by most banks. Apart from that, it is most convenient to have a bank account with a debit card (debetkort). To open such an account, you will need your Icelandic ID number (kennitala) and an ID card/passport. You can pay directly with the debit card for most purchases in shops (a service fee will be applied) and services, and you can withdraw money in banks or at automatic teller machines (ATM’s). Banks also handle foreign exchange transactions. Exchange students generally do not need to open a bank account for their stay in Iceland.
Bus
The most economical way to travel around is by bus (strætó). If you use coins, you must have the exact fare because the driver is not permitted to give change. For further information about the bus fare and a timetable, see Strætó wesite (Reykjavik) and SVA for Akureyri (only in Icelandic).
Business hours
Business hours in Iceland are typically 9:00-17:00 weekdays. There are exceptions to this, especially with official governmental offices, which typically close at 16:00 or even 15:00.
Cinema
The biggest cinemas are in Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Keflavík, Akureyri and Selfoss. To find show times and buy tickets visit www.midi.is. You can also buy tickets at the cinemas.
Customs rules in Iceland
You may receive gifts up to ISK 10,000 without paying any customs, as long as it is clearly marked as a present on the green custom's label. Failure to have a green custom's label will delay the process. For presents over this amount the receiver has to pay VAT and customs or send the parcel back.
Driving
The legal driving age is seventeen. A foreign driver’s license is valid for a maximum of one year. The laws on drinking and driving are very strict, and such behaviour is generally not socially acceptable. You have to have you driving licence with you when you are driving. If you buy or rent a car, note that you may drive on your national driver’s license for one year from the date of entry into the country.
Drugs
Drug laws are strict. Foreign citizens in possession of any type of illegal drug may be arrested and expelled from the country. Marijuana and hashish are illegal in Iceland.
Electricity
220V, frequency 50Hz.
Food:
Iceland offers a fine variety of meats, fish, vegetables and other varieties of food. For further information please see the Shopper's Guide to Icelandic food
Holidays, Public
- January 1st, New Year's Day
- Maundy/ Holy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- First day of summer, usually the third Thursday in April
- May 1st, Labour Day
- Ascension Day
- White Sunday (Whitsuntide)
- White Monday
- June 17th, National/ Independence Day
- First Monday in August, Bank Holiday
- December 24th, Christmas Eve (from noon)
- December 25th, Christmas Day
- December 26th, Boxing Day
- December 31st, New Year's Eve (from noon)
Holidays
- Bóndadagur - Husband's Day - In the old traditional calendar, dating back to the Vikings, the beginning of the month of Þorri (now what we call the end of January) was and still is dedicated to men, but traditions and celebrations vary, and are vague. In some places the man of the house received treats; elsewhere it was up to him to treat others. There is even a tradition that the man of the house should run a lap around the house in his knickers. The husband's favourite food was also usually served. Nowadays women have started to present their men with flowers on Bóndadagur.
- Þorrablót - A month-long festivity, taking places in homes and restaurants in February. Traditional Viking foods are consumed, such as súrmatur, slátur and svið.
- Konudagur – Women's Day - The first day of the month of Góa (now end of February), according to the old traditional Icelandic calendar, is dedicated to women. The husband is supposed to bring his wife the morning cup of coffee in bed. Flowers have replaced this of late. This is always on the Sunday before Bolludagur.
- Bolludagur or "Bun Day" – Homes, restaurants and particular bakeries, overflow with delicately made cream puffs or "buns". In Ísafjörður, children dress up on this day and come around to the homes singing for candy.
- Sprengidagur or "Bursting day" – the Tuesday after Bun Day. Every Icelandic home and most restaurants are flooded with the aroma of corned meat and peas. The name Sprengidagur refers to the idea that individuals feast on this hearty dish to the point of bursting
- Öskudagur or Ash Wednesday – the Wednesday after Bursting Day. This Wednesday is celebrated in Iceland with a unique custom that is very entertaining for children. Ashes were once put into small bags known as Öskupokar or Ash Bags. As a prank, these bags were secretly pinned to people‘s clothing. Nowdays children roam the streets and shops, singing and begging for treats.
- Fóður og Fjör – Food and Fun (March) - A weeklong festival of special promotions at restaurants and bars, bringing to light the achievements of chefs and brew masters, as well as manufacturers of Icelandic gourmet products, such as caviar, shrimp, lamb and cheese.
- Trout Fishing Season (April 1 - September 20) - Anglers from all over the world have long sought out the unusually fresh lakes and rivers of Iceland. Fishing permits may be purchased at short notice for numerous rivers and lakes.
- Páskar or Easter – Children and grown-ups are given a treat in the form of chocolate Easter eggs.
- First Day of Summer – The first day of "summer" is celebrated with parades, sporting events and organized entertainment, held in various places around Iceland.
- Sjómannadagur or Seamen's Day (June) - A holiday dedicated to fishermen, marked by festivities, such as parades, rowing and swimming races, tugs of war, and sometimes sea rescue competitions.
- Icelandic Republic Day (June 17th) – In 1944 Iceland was declared a republic. June 17th was chosen as the official holiday because it was the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, who is regarded as Iceland's leader in the campaign for independence in the 19th century. Celebrations are held with parades, street theatres, sideshows and dancing.
- Verslunarmannahelgi or Labour Day Weekend - During the first weekend in August, Icelanders by the thousands take to their cars and head out of town to camp in the wilderness or join in one of the many organized events that are held throughout the country. These range from family-style gatherings to outdoor rock festivals.
- Menningarnótt - Reykjavík Cultural Night (August) – On this enchanted evening museums, galleries, churches, cafes, restaurants, stores and other establishments in downtown Reykjavik stay open into the night and present a variety of shows, concerts, performances, theatre and other cultural events. Selections of food and drink are served, and the evening is concluded with a firework display at the harbour area Miðbakki.
- Reykjavík Marathon (August) – This international/annual event involves thousands from Iceland and abroad, running the Marathon proper, half marathon, 10 km and fun run (3km)
- Iceland Airwaves - A music festival usually held in October. Icelandic bands and musicians play at the festival as well as variety of foreign bands.
- Fullveldisdagurinn – Self-governance Day (December 1st) – Although not a public holiday, many Icelander celebrate this as Independence Day, particularly Icelanders abroad. Iceland became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown on 1 December 1918
- Christmas – Iceland is full of old traditions concerning the Christmas period, and some of them are native to Iceland. For example, there are no fewer than 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses, called jólasveinar ("Yuletide Lads"; singular: jólasveinn). Their parents are Grýla, a mean old woman who drags off naughty children, and Leppalúði, a fool. The origin of the Icelandic jólasveinar is centuries old. Each has his own name, character and role. Today their function is to come to town bearing gifts, candy, and do what they are best known for - pranks. The first jólasveinn arrives 13 days before Christmas, and then the others follow, one each day. After Christmas, they also leave one by one. Beginning on December 12th and lasting until Christmas, children put their best shoe in the window before going to sleep, and if they have been good, a jólasveinn leaves them a gift in their shoe. If they have been bad, they only get a potato. Þorláksmessa (the Mass Day of St. Þorlákur) is celebrated on 23 December. Shops are open until 23:00 and then close for three days during Christmas. The main holiday is on the 24 December, starting from six in the evening. Then Icelanders eat a holiday meal and exchange gifts. The feast then continues for two days. Another Christmas tradition in Iceland is that people and communities make up for the short days and long nights by lighting up the community with thousands of Christmas lights. Usually every house and apartment is decorated with some sort of Christmas lights. New Year's Eve is always a special celebration in Iceland as thousands of people attend community bonfires and exchange visits. At midnight the sky lights up with fireworks when almost every home in Iceland will produce its own fireworks show.
Homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals
Samtökin '78, The National Queer Organization, is an interest- and activist group for homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals in Iceland. The organisation’s goal is for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual persons to be visible and recognised and enjoy their rights to the fullest in Icelandic society.
Icelandic
Learning Icelandic and Survival Vocabulary.
Liquor store
Wine, liquor, and beer can only be bought at state liquor shops called Vínbúðin, more commonly known as Ríkið (the state). Alcohol is significantly more expensive in Iceland than in other countries.
Map
You can search for locations in the online telephone directory. You can search for persons, companies and locations.
Money and Credit Cards
The Icelandic monetary unit is the Icelandic króna (ISK). The denominations of the coins used are 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 krónur. The denominations of the notes used are 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 krónur.
Most major credit cards are widely used and accepted in Iceland. The major credit cards in Iceland are VISA and Eurocard/Mastercard. Other credit cards are usually accepted, but are less known.
There is a bank in the airport terminal for immediate access to Icelandic currency. It is open whenever flights are due to arrive. It is possible to convert bank notes, cash travellers' checks, and get a cash advance from a debit or credit card. Credit and debit cards are widely used and accepted in Iceland. It is strongly recommended that students carry one to be able to meet any unforeseen expenses during their stay. Just make sure that it will be valid during the entire length of your stay.
You can check the rate of the ISK at www.sedlabanki.is. All banks will exchange the most common currencies. It is a good idea to change your currency, as there are very few shops in Iceland that accept foreign currency. However, most shops and businesses, and even taxis, accept all major credit cards. Credit and debit cards are commonly used in Iceland, even for very small transactions.
News in English
News in English is available on www.icelandreview.com and icenews.is.
Psychological problems or homesickness
The Red Cross Helpline 1717 is a toll-free number open 24 hours a day for those needing assistance due to grief, anxiety, fear, depression and/or suicidal thoughts. Red Cross volunteers offer immediate emotional support to those feeling distressed or lonely and provide further information on how to receive more assistance if needed.
Your health care centre can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist if needed.
For emergencies go to the University Hospital - Landspítali. The Psychiatric Ward at Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavík, tel. +354 543 4050, is open for emergencies from 12:00-19:00 on weekdays and from 13:00-17:00 on weekends. If you need emergency assistance during closing hours, go to the Landspitali Emergency Room, Fossvogur, tel. +354 543 1000.
For emergencies in Akureyri you can go the University Hospital in Akureyri (FSA) Psychiatric Ward, tel. 463 0100, emergencies tel. 848 2600.
Radio
There is a selection of radio stations in Iceland. List of radio channels in Iceland on Wikipedia (in Icelandic).
Religious practices
Iceland has a State Lutheran Church, but the Icelandic Constitution grants religious freedom. Church attendance is relatively low.
Remember to pack
- Adaptor for electrical appliances (220V, frequency 50Hz)
- Cash (Icelandic Krónur) and/or credit/debit card
- Acceptance letter from your university in Iceland
- Tickets, insurance papers and other documents required for the residence permit, i.e., documentary evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Iceland (a current and signed/stamped bank statement or proof of scholarship). Please note, you will need all of the documentation you collected for your visa application AGAIN to renew your visa in 6 months.
- Passport (check that the passport is valid for three months more than your expected stay in Iceland)
- Foul weather gear: rain pants and coat, snow pants, warm hat and gloves, clothes for layering, good waterproof boots
- Suggested: skis/snow shoes/snowboard if you have them
- Camera
- Personal items that will help you feel at home
Restaurants and bars
In Iceland there is a variety of restaurants and cuisine from all over the world.
The minimum drinking age is 20 years. Be prepared to show your ID card at the entrance. Opening hours for the majority of cafe and bars are Sunday to Thursday 10:00-01:00 and Friday and Saturday 10:00-03:00. Nightclubs close around 04:00 or 05:00. It is forbidden to smoke in restaurants, clubs and bars.
Smoking
It is not allowed to smoke in public buildings. It is forbidden to smoke in restaurants, clubs and bars.
Sport facilities
There are many gyms in Iceland, most of them in the Reykjavík area. A gym in Icelandic is called 'líkamsræktarstöð'.
Supermarkets
Food in supermarkets is generally cheaper than food sold in the smaller local shops. The main supermarkets are Bónus, Hagkaup, Nettó and Krónan. General shopping hours on weekdays are from 09:00/10:00-18:00, and on Saturdays from 10:00-14:00/16:00.
Taxis
There are a number of taxi companies throughout Iceland, and you can call for a cab by phone. Taxis are available around the clock. They are clean and reliable, but rather expensive.
Television and Video Systems
Television in Iceland began in September 1966. Channels can be received via analogue devices, or using broadband with the Skjárinn service from Síminn or Digital Ísland from Vodafone. Television channels in Iceland on Wikipedia.
Telephones and Internet
Mobile phones are widely used in Iceland, and most people have their own phone. Phone call charges vary greatly depending on phone companies, the time of day, the day of the week, and the duration of your call. To have a landline or internet installed in your rental home, please call one of the phone companies.
In Iceland the vast majority of the population have mobile phones and use them a lot, even though they are rather expensive. Foreign students are encouraged to bring their GSM mobile phones with them, and then to buy an Icelandic prepaid card, which provides an Icelandic telephone number and a certain amount of starter credit which can then be refilled. The major Icelandic GSM carriers are Nova, Síminn, Tal and Vodafone, and the prepaid cards can be purchased in the arrivals hall at Keflavík Airport (on weekdays, at least). Increasingly, though, students are finding Internet-based telephone services like Skype as useful as or more useful than a mobile phone card.
The online telephone directory
Theatre
The two main theatres in Reykjavík are Þjóðleikhúsið and Borgarleikhúsið. Go to www.midi.is for more information and tickets.
There are also smaller theatres outside of Reykjavík. Contact your international office for more information.
Thermal pools
Using outdoor swimming pools in Iceland is a unique experience, particularly when the outside temperatures are a few degrees below zero. Go to www.swimminginiceland.com for more information.
Time
Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year and does not go on daylight saving time.
Tipping
It is not customary to tip in Iceland at restaurants or in taxis, since bills always include service charges.
Travel
Weather/climate
Due to the effect of the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a relatively mild coastal climate, considerably milder than the name of the country implies. During the summer (lasting from early June to mid-September), the average temperature is 12°C, and there are normally a few days in July or August where the daytime high climbs to 25°C. During the winter (October to mid-March) the average temperature is 2°C, and there are normally a few days in January or February when the temperature drops to -8° or -10°C (usually accompanied by bright sunshine). Drizzle and snow flurries are more common than downpours and snowstorms. Strong winds are, however, common.
Warm clothes
Warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing is a good idea at any time of year. In Iceland we can never trust the weather. Remember that there is no such thing as bad weather, only a poor choice of clothes.