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Practical tips for your visit to Iceland

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This page contains some important info about Iceland that travelers from abroad should consider when attending the Iceland 2013 Conference in Selfoss.
This information was compiled by Willy Kaemena.

Iceland info on Wikipedia

Arrival in Iceland

 

Iceland is NOT part of the EU, but is a member of the Schengen treaty which means that for visitors arriving from Schengen Treaty countries, there is no boarder / passport control.

Here the customs regulations on arrival in Iceland
• 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of wine and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) or 250 g of other tobacco products; or
• 1 litre of spirits, 6 litres of beer and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) or 250 g of other tobacco products; or
• 1.5 litre of wine, 6 litres of beer and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) or 250 g of other tobacco products; or
• 3 litres wine and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) or 250 g of other tobacco products.
• in this regard remember that you can buy Duty Free on ARRIVAL in Keflavik Airport !


Iceland’s currency

 

Iceland Krona is called the Krona , (plural kronur). The Krona is at times abbreviated as ISK. The country’s coins come in 1,10,50 and 100 denominations, while notes can be found in denominations of 5000kr,2000kr, 1000kr, and 500kr.

It should be remembered that Iceland is not a member of EU (European Union) and therefore it doesn’t use the euro.

As a result of the fact that other currencies are not easily acceptable in Iceland, it is good to have some information about how to obtain acceptable currencies so that inconveniences can be evaded.

If you plan to visit Iceland, you should be aware that other currencies are rarely accepted for use in the country. It is at the Keflavik International airport where other currencies like the US dollar and Euro is accepted.

However, electronic ways of settling debts is widely accepted and that is why the use of debit and credit cards is encouraged here.

ATM’s are one of the most reliable ways to get liquid cash at friendly rates. It is advisable to opt for the ATM exchange because it is common to find visitors spending a lot of time trying to obtain the Kronur on arrival. Basically, if you have taken a flight to Iceland, immediately you land at Keflavik International airport, locate a currency exchange desk and change.

Always avoid exchanging your money at hotels since the transaction fees may not be friendly.
ATM’s are scattered all over the country. Most of the ATM’s operate for twenty four hours, every traveler should bear in mind that the Icelandic ATM’s accept credit and debit cards.


Maps

 

Bing Maps have an excellent coverage of Reykjavik, overall coverage however, seems to be better with Google maps but there is no street view available for Iceland.

Some Icelandic oddities ….

 

Alcool is very expensive in Iceland, but remember that you can buy Duty Free on ARRIVAL in Keflavik Airport !


Weather in June at Reykjavik area

 

Read about historical records here.

In short, expect temperatures around 5ºC at night and 12ºC during daytime. Speaking of daytime… sun sets in June at around midnight… and rises at about 3 in the morning. It might be advisable to bring some eye shades with you.


How to get to Selfoss by Bus

 

Click here to download the Bus Transfer from KEF to Selfoss PDF file.


Driving by car in Iceland

 

See important rules here: Headlights have to be on 24h a day

And a very important movie:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQPrqthZ7Tw]

 

Current Road Conditions: http://www.safetravel.is/En/

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a serious offense in Iceland. The threshold blood alcohol test (BAT) level is very low. Drivers can be charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) with a BAT as low as .05%. Drivers stopped under suspicion of DUI are usually given a “balloon” or Breathalyzer test. If the test is positive, a blood test is routinely administered. Under Icelandic law, a blood test cannot be refused and will be administered by force if necessary. The minimum punishment for a first offense is a fine of 70,000 Icelandic Kronur (approximately 625 US Dollars) and the loss of driving privileges for two months.

Please note that your destination Selfoss is sometimes referred to Árborg on maps ( thats the municipality name).

Keen on speaking some icelandic? watch and hear:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxzhWkMD3co]

 

A very good way is also Google translate where you can listen to the icelandic translation


Mobile Phones in Iceland

 

Pre-paid GSM phone cards are available from Iceland’s two main phone companies, Síminn (tel. 800-7000; www.siminn.is) and Vodafone (tel. 1414 or 1800; outside Iceland tel. 599-9009; www.vodafone.is). Both also offer GPRS services for Internet access through your phone;

In Iceland only the caller pays for the call, even for calls from overseas. This makes cellphones a great way for people from home to keep in touch with you. Both Síminn and Vodafone will give you a four- digit prefix (1100 for Síminn, 1010 for Vodafone) for making international calls from Iceland — the Síminn rate at press time is 25kr (38¢/19p) per minute to the U.S., hardly more than a domestic call within Iceland; Vodafone rates are higher.

Your cellphone account can be continually restocked by buying pre-paid cards called Frelsi (Freedom) at gas stations and convenience stores around the country. To make sure you buy the right card, specify whether your cellphone uses Síminn or Vodafone.


Mobile Internet

 

here some offers for prepaid mobile internet on Iceland
http://www.vodafone.is/en/getonline
The Vodafone starter kit is offered at the 10-11 shop in the arrival hall at Keflavík International Airport, the Elko stores at the airport
http://www.siminn.is/english/internet/mobile-broadband/

IVRPA 2013 Willy Kaemena


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