Tipping
Service
and VAT are invariably included in prices in Iceland.
Health/Pharmacies/Emergency medical help
Icelanders
enjoy a healthy life, thanks to clean air and water and good quality fish. Water
is safe to drink throughout Iceland. Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open
during normal business hours.
Medical
help: There is a medical centre or hospital in all major cities and towns in
Iceland.
Emergency:
The 24-hour emergency phone number in Iceland is 112. See also http://www.safetravel.is
Health
insurance: Citizens of Scandinavia must show their passport in the event of a
medical emergency. Citizens of EEA countries must have the European Health
Insurance Card (EU-card), otherwise the patient will be charged in full. The
EU-card replaces the E-111 form and ensures the same rights. Citizens of other
countries will be charged in full. For further information contact the State
Social Security Institute, Laugavegur 114, IS-105 ReykjavíkTel.:
+354-560-4400/560-4460.
Office
hours: 08:05–15:30.
Vaccinations:
Vaccinations are not required.
Weather / Clothing
For
weather information in English, tel.: 902-0600, email: office@vedur.is or their website www.vedur.is.
When travelling to
Iceland you should bring along lightweight woollens, a sweater or cardigan, a
rainproof (weatherproof) coat and sturdy walking shoes. Travellers who are
camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber
boots and a warm sleeping bag.
Tax-free shopping
A
refund of local Value-Added Tax (VAT) is available to all visitors in Iceland.
The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% off the retail price,
provided departure from Iceland is within 3 months of the date of purchase. The
purchase amount must be no less than ISK 4,000 (VAT included) per store. All
goods (except woollens) need to be shown at customs before check-in. At Keflavík
airport this applies only to tax-free forms whose refund value exceeds ISK
5,000. All other forms can be refunded directly in cash at Landsbanki Islands in
the departure hall.
Public holidays
Businesses,
banks and most stores are closed on these holidays:
|
2009 |
2010 |
| New Year´s Day |
Jan 1
|
Jan 1
|
|
Maundy Thursday
|
Apr 9
|
Apr 1
|
|
Good Friday
|
Apr 10
|
Apr 2
|
|
Easter Sunday
|
Apr 12
|
Apr 4
|
|
Easter Monday
|
Apr 13
|
Apr 5
|
|
First Day of summer
|
Apr 23
|
Apr 22
|
|
Labour Day
|
May 1
|
May 1
|
|
Ascension Day
|
May 21
|
May 13
|
|
White Sunday
|
May 31
|
May 23
|
|
White Monday
|
Jun 1
|
May 24
|
|
National Day
|
Jun 17
|
Jun 17
|
|
Bank Holiday Monday
|
Aug 3
|
Aug 2
|
|
Christmas Eve
|
Dec 24
|
Dec 24
|
|
Christmas Day
|
Dec 25
|
Dec 25
|
Midnight sun
During
summer the nights are bright all over Iceland. In the month of June the sun
never fully sets in the north. Bear in mind, however, that the sun at midnight
is not as warm as at midday, so bring along a sweater.
Shopping
The
shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of
merchandise. Local specialities are woollen knitwear (for example sweaters,
cardigans, hats and mittens), handmade ceramics, glassware and silver jewellery.
Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood. Shopping
hours are Mon Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00.
Some supermarkets are open to 21:00 seven days a week.
Currency Exchange
The
Icelandic monetary unit is the króna. Coins are in denominations of 100 kr., 50
kr., 10 kr., 5 kr. and 1 kr. Banknotes are in denominations of 5000 kr., 2000
kr., 1000 kr., and 500 kr. All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange and are
generally open on weekdays from 09:15 to 16:00.
Business /Banking hours
Office
hours are generally 09:00-17:00. Banking hours are Mon Fri 09:15-16:00
Telephone
Direct
calls can be made to all parts of Iceland.The code into Iceland from overseas is
+354 + seven-digit number. Direct long-distance calls can be made to Europe and
the USA by dialling 00 plus the country code, and the telephone number you wish
to reach.
Mobile
phones– Gsm: There are four GSM operators in Iceland: Siminn, Vodafone, TAL and
Nova. These telephone companies all sell pre-paid GSM phone cards and offer
GSM/GPRS services. Pre-paid cards are available at petrol stations around the
country. GSM phones may be rented from Iceland Telecom, Ármúli 27,
Reykjavík.
Before Departure
For
information on passport and visa requirements as well as the Schengen area
regulations, please view the website of the Icelandic Directorate of
Immigration: www.utl.is.
Electric current
The
electric current in Iceland is 220 volts, 50 Hz AC
Visitors with disabilities
Visitors
with disabilities can make travelling in Iceland fairly easy by planning their
vacation in advance. They may also find it necessary to travel with a companion,
for although there are many hotels and restaurants accessible to people with
disabilities, they do not always provide full assistance.
The
coastal ferry Baldur is accessible to people with disabilities. All airlines
flying to and from Iceland are equipped to accommodate travellers with
disabilities. A few domestic buses equipped for wheelchair users are available
for special tours upon request. For accessible hotels and tourist attractions,
see www.sjalfsbjorg.is
Travellers´cheques, debit and credit cards
Widely
accepted in Iceland. The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and
VISA.
Arrival in Seydisfjordur Iceland
Arrival
in Seydisfjordur Iceland
From Seydisfjordur it is easy to take a bus to all
major destinations in Iceland. The trip from Seydisfjordur to Reykjavík takes
about 8–9 hours and from Seydisfjordur to Akureyri about 5–6 hours. For more
information contact:
tel.:
+354-472-1551, email: ferdamenning@sfk.is, website: www.sfk.is
Arrival at Airport in Iceland
Airport Buses: A service is operated between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport. Buses leave Reykjavík from the BSÍ bus terminal 2.5 hours before flight departure. The drive from the airport to Reykjavík takes about 40-50 minutes.
The fare is ISK 1,700 one way for adults, ISK 850 one way for children 12-15 years and free of charge for children 0-11 years.Airport Taxes: The cab fare to Reykjavík for a four-passenger taxi is approximately ISK 10,000.