Organize your stay Greenland
Money Greenland
The currency used in Greenland is the Danish krone, symbolized by the international acronym DKK. It is subdivided into 100 øre. Coins in circulation are: 0.50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 DKK. Banknotes in circulation: 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 DKK. There are no restrictions on importing or exporting foreign currency. Although banks accept traveller's cheques, it's best to bring cash for day-to-day expenses, even major ones such as hiring a sledge or chartering a boat. We advise you to buy Danish kroner before you leave.
Banks in Greenland generally open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. All towns have a bank or ATM, but not all villages. On the other hand, every village has a post office, where you can ask for cash for a fee. You can also use your credit card to pay for more than you buy at supermarket checkouts, and ask for the difference in change. Hotel receptions also sometimes offer to give you change, and more and more supermarkets have cash dispensers. The main banks are Grønlandsbanken and Bank Nordic. Good to know: although payment by card is common throughout the country, it doesn't always work because of the network.
You won't find a bureau de change on site; you'll have to go to the bank, the post office or directly to an ATM. The exchange rate is relatively stable: €1 = DKK 7.46 and DKK 1 = €0.13 (as of June 2024). If you didn't have time to change your money before you left, you can always do so on your way back to Reykjavík or Copenhagen airport.
Budget & Tips Greenland
Although more accessible in recent years, Greenland remains a very expensive destination. Keep in mind, however, that prices drop a little in winter. Because of the vast distances involved, the small number of passengers and the absence of roads, transport is the most expensive part of your trip. Plane tickets often account for half the budget. To find cheaper tickets, don't hesitate to make an (inevitable) stopover in Reykjavík or Copenhagen, and choose another airline offering more competitive prices.
The cost of living, heavily dependent on imports, is particularly high. It is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Nothing escapes this rule, and even the smallest item will be much more expensive than in France, so it's essential to arrive in the country with some savings in your pocket for restaurants, shopping, accommodation and transport.
What will your daily budget be? Assuming you stay in one place, with no tour-operator excursions and no hotel room, you can expect to spend between DKK 400 and DKK 600 per day. Travelers with rooms and taking advantage of the restaurants can expect to spend around DKK 1,700 per day. Camping and self-catering remains the most cost-effective solution. Beware of extras, such as cafés, nights out and other activities, which can quickly become a heavy burden on your wallet. If you're on a tight budget, the best thing to do is to reduce your travel in the country and spend your money on local excursions (boating, dog sledding, kayaking...) to discover the region's charms.
Passport and visas Greenland
Greenland is linked to the European Community by Denmark. While a valid national identity card is sufficient for European citizens, a passport is preferable for easier travel, as security checks at airports are becoming increasingly stringent. For stays of more than three months, you'll need to apply for a visa (work, student or family reunion). Please contact the Danish embassy in your country for further information. Most nationals from outside the European Union, including Canada, Switzerland and Belgium, do not need to obtain a visa for a stay of less than 90 days, but check the current conditions on your country's government website.
If you wish to visit Thule, special authorization is required. As for a trip to the National Park or the Inlandsis, you'll need to pay a fee of DKK 4,000, and present guarantees of financial autonomy as well as insurance covering helicopter rescue. Don't expect to be discreet and defraud the local administration... In the event of a problem, the bill would be exorbitant, based on Arctic rates!
Beware of customs if you export animal by-products without a permit (supplied in advance in the store). Be aware, however, that imports of seal products are authorized in France without restriction, provided they are for personal use. Such legislation is justified by the Inuit people, who hunt in a traditional, non-abusive way. For other species, please refer to the CITES table later in the guide.
If you are over 18, you may import alcohol (2 liters of beer, 2 liters of wine, 1 liter of spirits) and cigarettes (200 cigarettes (one carton) or 50 cigars) in accordance with the legislation in force at the time of your stay. Don't hesitate to visit the duty-free store on arrival, as these products are subject to very high local taxes. In terms of food, you are allowed to import 5 kilos of meat, 4 kilos of coffee or tea, 4 kilos of chocolate or sweets. Imports have been eased since 2012. The import of revolvers and automatic weapons is strictly prohibited, but not the import of rifles, which require prior authorization.
Health Greenland
There are no special precautions to take before departure. No vaccinations are required for travel to Greenland. Just make sure your vaccinations are up to date. The climate is healthy and generally very dry. The main problems encountered are related to the polar climate: risk of frostbite or depression in winter, insomnia and mosquito bites in summer. Apart from the accidents inherent in outdoor activities, this is one of the safest countries in the world to visit.
While the health infrastructure is satisfactory, distance and transport problems (which are prohibitively expensive) mean that you need to check all the clauses of your insurance policy before you leave. To do this, contact the French consular service.
Tap water is considered one of the best in the world. Don't deprive yourself of this pure, fresh water... especially as bottled water is very expensive. River water can be drunk if it's not stagnant. There's no need to take water disinfection tablets. Just make sure you wash your dishes/brush your teeth downstream, and check upstream for dead animals in the water.
Security Greenland
Greenland is an extremely safe country, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The only potential dangers are perhaps related to drunken evenings out or outdoor activities in connection with nature, which is sometimes not very kind, especially in winter.
The image of the police here is fundamentally different from that in France. While the concept of a prison has long been foreign to traditional local culture (serious crimes are dealt with in Denmark), a prison is due to be built in Nuuk near the airport in the near future. The role of the police is mostly preventive and first-aid.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs (in the Denmark section). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Greenland
In March 2023, the country voted to stop changing time. Greenland is now at GMT-3, i.e. there is a 3-hour time difference all year round: when it's 2pm in Paris, it's 11am in Nuuk. The only exception is the Thule base, which is on GMT-4.
Spoken languages Greenland
Greenlandic has three main dialects: Kalaallisut or "West Greenlandic", the main Greenlandic dialect and official language of Greenland since 2009;Inuktun orAvanersuarmiutut, the northernmost dialect spoken around the town of Qaanaaq (Thule); and Tunumiit or "East Greenlandic", spoken around the towns of Tasiilaq and Illoqortormiut.
In addition to these dialects, the country's inhabitants generally speak Danish (the former official language), which is still widely used in administration and higher education. It also remains the first or only language for some Danish immigrants in Nuuk and other major cities. Based on the Nordic model, English is also widely spoken. As a result, tourists should have no trouble making themselves understood.
Would you like to learn the language, or at least a few basics, before you leave? Check out the wonderful Inuksuk association (www.espace-inuit.org), which offers a range of activities based on Inuit culture. Air Greenland's Suluk magazine, translated into 3 languages (Greenlandic, Danish and English), can be a useful training tool! Alternatively, English speakers can follow Per Langgård's comprehensive method, available online at www.learngreenlandic.com.
Communication Greenland
Internet access is generally not free in all hotels. However, you can take out a local contract with Tusass, which includes a router so you can connect anywhere. You'll find Internet-wifi cafés in all major cities, and even in some tourist offices and libraries. Note, however, that more and more places have free wifi zones, such as Nuuk's library (one hour a day) or Ilulissat's post office. Ask around if you need help finding them!
To find out more about communications in Greenland, visit the website of Internet provider Tusass: www.tusass.gl.
Electricity and measurements Greenland
Don't worry about the plugs: they're the same as in France, with two round pins (220V). No adapters are required. The same goes for weights and measures: Greenlanders weigh in grams and count in meters.
Luggage Greenland
Clothing. Knowing what to pack for a polar destination is a vast subject! Greenland is a country with a changing climate, but with one constant: the cold. When it comes to clothing, the golden rule is to put on or take off three layers depending on the weather, to avoid sweating and catching cold, whatever the season. Here's how it works: the first layer should be thin and thermal, like a breathable material or merino wool (self-regulating and less odorous than cotton); the second (middle) layer should be thicker, like a fleece; and the third (outer) layer should be hard-wearing, windproof and rainproof, like Goretex. In summer, a pair of lightweight, breathable waterproof overtrousers to put in your bag and slip on in case of bad weather is a good idea, or conversely shorts or a t-shirt if it's particularly hot (but beware of mosquitoes). If your destination is Uunartoq in the south, don't forget your bathing suit! In winter, thermal tights and even gaiters are essential, as is a very warm winter jacket designed for static mode cold, preferably in goose down like the North Face Arctic down jacket.
Extremities get cold faster, so don't forget gloves and under-gloves (silk), hats (ideally wool or windproof), scarves or fleece chokers, ear protection and good socks. Bring waterproof hiking boots or boots with good soles for walking, dog sledding or boating. Another pair of shoes for the evening is recommended.
If youforget, you can find everything you need in larger towns with sports stores, or in local supermarkets. Good to know: tour operators often offer warm sealskin clothing for hire on dogsled excursions. It's also a good idea to take along washing powder so you can wash your clothes by hand.
Another essential precaution in summer (especially in June-July): mosquito netting for your face (and a cap to go with it for extra volume) and all your mosquito repellent products. A little tip: remember to dress loosely to avoid bites, and wash your clothes with mosquito repellent before you leave. It's safer to take antihistamines and soothing creams with you in case of an allergic reaction. However, don't panic: you'll usually find all these products on site at airports.
Avoid clamshell suitcases, preferring soft bags with wheels or backpacker bags. A 30-40-liter backpack is essential for day trips, to carry the essentials (food, water, clothing, camera, first-aid kit, binoculars, accessories, etc.). In case of heavy rain, a waterproof overbag can be very useful (system d: use a garbage bag).
Last but not least, essential accessories: sun cream, as the sun reflects off ice and water, sun stick for the lips (often forgotten), protection 4 sunglasses due to the strong light, a first-aid kit, a compass, a walking stick and a Swiss Army knife for hiking, a sleeping bag specially designed for temperatures around 0°C, a pair of binoculars (especially useful for safaris), a waterproof pouch or plastic bag for your papers, GPS equipment if you're going on a long excursion, fishing or skiing equipment..
Beware of overweight luggage. Air Greenland and Air Iceland are very strict on overweight luggage, and the price per extra kilo is very high. In fact, Air Greenland also acts as a cargo carrier to restock the country. Please note: don't exceed 20 kilos in your hold baggage, even if you can bring more kilos with you on the first leg of your trip to Iceland or Denmark.
