Money:
The unit of currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK), plural
krónur, divided into 100 aurar. Iceland's three banks,
Íslandsbanki, Landsbanki Ísland and Búnaðarbanki, all offer foreign
exchange facilities and can be found in even the tiniest villages.
Most have ATMs on their premises, available after banking hours,
which are usually Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 4pm. Credit cards
are widely used in Iceland for purchases and cash advances, and
travellers cheques are accepted by all banks and most hotels.
Travellers cheques in US Dollars get the best exchange rate
charges.
Time:
Electricity:
Iceland's electricity supply is 220 volts, 50Hz, as it
is in most European countries. Plugs and sockets are of the two-pin
type as in Continental Europe.
Language:
Icelandic, but English is widely spoken.
Health:
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to
Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry. Medical care
in the country is of high quality. Payment is usually expected in
cash from visitors. Travel health insurance is highly recommended.
A reciprocal agreement exists whereby British citizens are entitled
to free emergency medical treatment provided they possess a
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Tipping:
Service charges are included in bills and tipping is not
expected in Iceland.
Safety:
Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats
being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather
conditions, which necessitate keeping a check if you are on the
road.
Customs:
Smoking in bars, restaurants and on public transport in Iceland
is illegal.
Business:
Most business in Iceland tends to take place in the capital,
Reykjavik. Business meetings tend to be formal, with smart dress
essential. It is worth handing out business cards, and initial
greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake. Punctuality
should be respected. Meetings are usually conducted in English when
dealing with foreigners. It is worth noting that Icelanders
generally go by their first name, and telephone directory listings
are alphabetical by first name. Business hours are usually from 8am
to 4pm (summer) and 9am to 5pm (winter). Most offices are closed on
weekends.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Iceland over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products. Travellers over
20 years are also allowed 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine, or 1
litre spirits and 6 litres beer; or 1 litre wine and 6 litres beer;
or 2.25 litres wine; and food items up to 3kg not exceeding
kr13,000. Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities are required
for cordless phones, remote controls or radio transmitters, but not
for a GSM mobile phone. Prohibited items include narcotics and
drugs, meat products, weapons and powdered or moist snuff.
Communications:
The international country code for Iceland is +354. The outgoing
code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g., 0027 for
South Africa). City/area codes are not in use. Note that Icelanders
are listed by their first name in the telephone directory, not the
last. Iceland has the highest per capital mobile phone use in the
world with GSM networks and there are roaming agreements with most
international mobile phone companies. Iceland Telecom rents mobile
phones to visitors. There are numerous Internet cafes around the
country.