Organize your stay Iceland
Money Iceland
The unit of currency in Iceland is the Icelandic krona, symbolized by the international acronym ISK and in this guide by Kr.
Coins distributed in Iceland: 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 Kr. Banknotes of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 Kr.
Exchange rates. In the last quarter of 2023, the exchange rate was as follows: 1 € = 146 Kr, 100 Kr = 0.68 €.
Budget & Tips Iceland
In this import-dependent country, the cost of living is de facto particularly high. It is one of the richest countries in the world, with one of the highest standards of living. Nothing escapes this rule, and even the smallest item will cost much more than in France, so it's essential to arrive in the country with some savings in your pocket to go to restaurants, make a few purchases or simply find somewhere to stay and get around. Icelanders are well aware of this: tourism is a real windfall, and it's not unusual to see prices rise sharply from one year to the next. Some are taking advantage of this to increase the capacity of their infrastructure and improve the quality of their services.
Hotels are very expensive, andguesthouses, while less expensive, do not always offer the comfort expected for such a price (shared bathroom, for example). Camping and sleeping bag accommodation (in youth hostels or guesthouses) are the cheapest solutions.
Qualityrestaurants are extremely expensive, even for Icelanders, who don't frequent them very often.
As for getting around, only all-terrain vehicles offer absolute freedom throughout the territory, but they are very expensive to rent. Rental companies explain their rates by the short lifespan of their cars. But don't worry, a simple touring car will also allow you to get close to some superb sites in summer. Travel costs will be lower, of course, if you go by bus... but here again, tickets are expensive and packages are only valid for long stays (two weeks).
There are plenty oforganized excursions to suit all tastes and budgets. An excursion to see the Northern Lights will usually cost you around €30, while a whale-watching trip will cost around €80. Some tickets combine an activity and a visit over the course of a day, for example the discovery of the Golden Circle and a whale-watching excursion, for around €150.
In September 2023, Iceland planned to increase its tourist taxes to help finance Reykjavík's ecological and eco-responsible initiatives, and to help limit the impact of mass tourism on the country.
Passport and visas Iceland
Iceland has been part of the Schengen area since 2001.
For stays of less than 90 days, a valid passport or identity card is sufficient. For Swiss and Canadian citizens, a passport is also sufficient.
For stays of over 90 days , in addition to a valid passport, a certificate of employment from a local employer is required. It takes around 10 days for the Ministry of Social Affairs to issue a residence permit.
Beware of entry requirements for your pets. Find out before you leave how they can accompany you. In Iceland, legal provisions are very strict: an import permit, issued by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) prior to travel (forms available online), is required; in addition, quarantine will be imposed for up to 4 weeks. For the latter reason, permits are not normally issued to short-stay visitors and tourists. Information and forms are available on the MAST website: www.mast.is.
Driver's license Iceland
To rent a vehicle, you must be at least 20 years old and have held a driving license for at least one year. You can drive in Iceland with your French or European driving license.
In Iceland, you must drive with lights on, day and night. As in France, you drive on the right in Iceland and overtake on the left. Off-roading is forbidden and punishable by a fine (which can reach several thousand euros).
Health Iceland
There are few special precautions to take before departure. Although no specific vaccinations are required, it is advisable to be up to date with all compulsory vaccinations.
Water. Tap water is considered one of the best in the world. Don't deprive yourself of its purity and freshness... especially as bottled water is (obviously) very expensive. In the great outdoors, the white waters of mountain streams are generally of good quality, but you should check their potability before drinking.
Gnats and mosquitoes. This is particularly a problem in Mývatn (the "lake of flies"...), where swarms of midges can turn your visit into a real ordeal during the summer. Remember to cover up as much as you can and, if necessary, buy a mosquito net that covers your entire head.
For advice before your trip, don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www. pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). In the event of illness or serious problems during your trip, consult a pharmacist and then a doctor as soon as possible.
Security Iceland
Iceland is an extremely safe country, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The only potential dangers are related to alcoholism on Friday and Saturday nights, when the capital is the scene of drunken parties. The only other advice that can be given is that of nature, which is not always kind.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr. 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. In the event of imminent danger (eruption, flood...), the Protection Civile sends an SMS to everyone in the country, so make sure you always have your phone charged.
Time difference Iceland
There is a 2-hour time difference between France and Iceland in summer and 1 hour in winter. So when it's noon in Paris, it's 10 a.m. in Reykjavík in summer and 11 a.m. in winter.
Spoken languages Iceland
In addition to Icelandic, most locals speak fluent English. In fact, tourists who know the rudiments of Shakespeare's language will have no trouble getting information and making friends. Those who speak Danish or another Scandinavian language will also find it easy to get by. French is rarely spoken by the local population.
Courses. On the website of the Icelandic Embassy in Paris (www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/fr/etudes-et-emploi/apprendre-lislandais), you'll find a complete list of organizations offering Icelandic language courses in France: private or university courses, correspondence courses, Internet courses, etc.
Communication Iceland
As Icelanders are all connected "at home" or via wi-fi, Internet cafés are few and far between. Fixed stations are rare, and it's best to have your own computer or smartphone to connect to the wi-fi network of the many accommodations, bars and restaurants that offer it free of charge. If you don't have your own computer, you'll need to visit libraries and tourist offices, which usually provide one or more computers. As for wi-fi, subscriptions are also available, notably with 3G and 4G keys. For more information, contact Símmin, the main operator: www.siminn.is. Many young Icelanders are customers of the Nova operator (www.nova.is), which offers free calls between members.
Electricity and measurements Iceland
Electricity. 220 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. No compatibility problems and no need for an adapter.
Weight and measurements. Like in our country, Icelanders weigh in grams and count in meters.
Luggage Iceland
Warm clothing, whatever the season. Although summer is a good time for good weather, good weather is never guaranteed in Iceland! So it's a good idea to bring something to cover up in case of bad weather, including waterproof clothing if possible. Opt for the multi-layer system, and pack enough to adapt to every situation with technical underwear, fleeces, sweaters and down jackets, gloves and scarves..
Hiking/sportswear : we cover a lot of natural terrain in Iceland, so it's best to opt for comfortable clothing and footwear.
If you plan to sleep in a tent, a comforter that can withstand temperatures below 0°C is recommended, or even -5°C if you don't want to feel cold.
In winter, it may be useful to take removable crampons, because in icy conditions, some areas are virtually impassable.
In summer , don't forget sun cream and sunglasses - yes, it can be very sunny in Iceland!
There are no mosquitoes in Iceland! However, in certain regions, such as Lake Myvatn, you may come across swarms of midges, small midges that can remind you of them. If you're planning to spend several days in Iceland, you may find it useful to buy a mosquito net to protect your head.
Remember to pack survival blankets and heaters. Survival blankets can be useful in all seasons, in case of bad weather. As for heaters, in winter they're a godsend for keeping warm, as extremities quickly become cold.
