Iceland
Last checked:
- Capital
- Reykjavík
- Currency
- ISK · Icelandic króna
- Languages
- Icelandic
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) · South Iceland
Classic day loop: rift valley national park, erupting Strokkur geyser and a huge waterfall.
- Blue Lagoon · Grindavík area
Geothermal spa near the airport; book ahead and check volcanic alerts on the Reykjanes peninsula.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon · Southeast Iceland
Icebergs floating from a glacier, with nearby Diamond Beach.
- Reynisfjara and Vík · Vík
Black sand beach and basalt columns; famous for dangerous sneaker waves.
- Hallgrímskirkja and downtown Reykjavík · Reykjavík
Landmark church tower with city views, plus the harbour and Harpa concert hall.
Getting around
Public transport
Strætó (Klappið app)
Reykjavík capital-area buses; pay in the Klappið app or with exact cash (drivers give no change). Tickets are valid for 75 minutes. Long-distance Strætó buses are infrequent.
Car rental
Car rental
The most common way to see the country. Buy gravel and sand/ash protection: wind-blown sand and gravel damage has led to large repair bills. F-roads need a 4x4 and are open only in summer. Check road.is and safetravel.is daily.
Buses
Flybus / airport buses
Scheduled buses link Keflavík Airport with Reykjavík bus terminals and hotels; much cheaper than a taxi.
E-scooters
Hopp
Local app for e-scooters in Reykjavík and other towns; Hopp also offers taxi rides in the capital area. Uber and Bolt do not operate in Iceland.
Taxi
Licensed taxis (Hreyfill, BSR)
Metered and expensive: a taxi from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík costs roughly 20,000-25,000 ISK (varies).
Buses
Organised day tours
Many visitors without a car use bus tours from Reykjavík to the Golden Circle, south coast and northern lights. Compare operators and read cancellation terms.
Money and cash
Currency: ISK · Icelandic króna
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis, petrol stations, souvenir stands and remote cafes, so most visitors never need cash. Unmanned petrol pumps need a card with a PIN or a prepaid fuel card. Always choose to pay in ISK.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Iceland. Service and VAT are included in all prices, and staff are paid full wages. Some tourist places now show tip options, but leaving nothing is completely normal.
| Restaurants | Not expected. Leave a small amount only for exceptional service if you wish. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Not expected. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Not expected. |
| Hotels | Not expected. |
| Tours and guides | Not expected; some travellers tip guides on small tours for outstanding service. |
| Food delivery | Not expected. |
Service charge: what’s true
Service is included in prices by custom and is not added as a separate line on bills.
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics. Card terminals at some tourist venues suggest a tip; you can skip it.
Useful phrases
- Get ég fengið reikninginn? Can I get the bill?
- Má ég borga með korti? May I pay by card?
- Takk fyrir. Thank you.
Etiquette
- Shower without swimwear before entering public pools and lagoons; this is strictly expected and staff will remind you.
- Icelanders use first names for everyone, including officials.
- Take your shoes off when entering homes and some guesthouses.
- Never go off-road: driving off marked tracks is illegal and fined heavily.
- Do not stop on the road to take photos; use pull-outs.
- Do not walk on moss or stack stones; nature is fragile.
- Bargaining is not done.
Scams and how to handle them
Rental car damage bills
Where: Car rental companies, especially at Keflavík Airport
How it works: Travellers are charged large sums for sand, ash or gravel damage or for scratches that were already there.
How to avoid it: Photograph and video the car at pickup and return, buy gravel and sand/ash cover, and keep the damage report signed.
Overpriced taxis
Where: Keflavík Airport, downtown Reykjavík at night
How it works: Unofficial drivers or unclear fares lead to very high charges for airport trips.
How to avoid it: Use the official taxi rank or prebook, or take the airport bus.
Parking app and private car park fines
Where: Tourist sites with private paid parking
How it works: Cameras record plates and fines are later charged through the rental company with admin fees.
How to avoid it: Look for parking signs and pay in the stated app (often Parka or EasyPark) as soon as you park (varies by site).
Petty theft in bars
Where: Downtown Reykjavík bars and clubs
How it works: Phones and bags left on tables or chairs are taken, especially late at night.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables on you and watch your drink.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: Card terminals, ATMs and exchange desks
How it works: You are offered your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Always choose ISK.
Safety
- Crime is very low; nature and weather are the main risks.
- At Reynisfjara and other south coast beaches, stay far back from the water: sneaker waves have killed several visitors.
- Never walk on glaciers or approach glacier fronts without a certified guide.
- Leave a travel plan and check alerts at safetravel.is and the SafeTravel app; check road.is for road closures.
- The Reykjanes peninsula has had repeated volcanic eruptions since 2023; obey closures near Grindavík.
- Wind can rip off car doors: hold the door firmly when opening in strong wind.
How widely English is spoken
Very high. Almost everyone speaks English, and signs at tourist sites are in English.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Iceland, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Iceland
- Safe Travel Iceland
- Wikivoyage: Reykjavík
- Hopp
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.