Visiting Iceland is on the bucket list for many (and we can’t blame them – have you seen the landscape??). However, Iceland is also expensive, has ever-changing weather, unpredictable road conditions, and, well, unfamiliar customs (like any country). Here at Your Friend in Reykjavik, we decided to give you a list of essential tips and practical advice to make your trip even better!
Preparing Financially for Iceland
When you finally visiting Iceland, it’s important to ensure you’re financially prepared. Iceland is expensive, and even for us locals!
Check out websites like 2fyrir1.is for great offers. There’s also an app called “Icelandic Coupons” that’s filled with discounts, although you might have to buy the app.
Be cautious when approaching tourist hotspots, as they might overcharge, so it’s worth doing some research for online deals.
For more information, check our blogs on How Expensive is Iceland? and How Much Does a Vacation in Iceland Cost?
Choosing the Right Car Rental
Choosing a reliable car rental is one of the most crucial things when visiting Iceland. It’s all too common to run into issues with rental cars. Always opt for full insurance when renting a car because some companies might try to hold you responsible for damages already there. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the vehicle, and take plenty of pictures.
Before driving off, check that the car is clean and make sure the oil, wiper fluid, and, if it’s a diesel, the AdBlue levels have been inspected.
Pay close attention to the condition of the tyres. Depending on when you visit, you’ll need proper winter or summer tyres.
It’s also important to check if the car has a spare tyre, as many rentals fail to provide one. Some rental companies offer discount petrol keys but don’t always mention them, so check the car keychain or ask. If you visit in winter, ensure the car has an ice scraper.
Check our blog, How to Drive in Iceland, for more information.
Weather and Packing Essentials
Planning is key when visiting Iceland. Before heading out, check the weather and road conditions using websites like vedur.is, which is for weather forecasts and Northern Lights predictions, and road.is, which is for road conditions, especially in winter. Road.is is also helpful in summer to check if off-road routes are safe.
No matter the season, packing appropriately is essential. For winter, bring warm, waterproof clothes and boots. In spring and autumn, you’ll still need warm layers, waterproof shoes, and a raincoat. Even in summer, a raincoat and watertight walking shoes are a must. Check out our blog on essential packing tips and What Not to Pack for Your Iceland Trip for more information.
Navigating Icelandic Culture
Icelanders can be as rude as we are nice. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about anything. Most of us are happy to assist, and if you run into someone rude, just try again with someone else. Smaller towns might have curious locals who stare, but don’t worry—it’s just our way of being.
Google Translate can be a handy tool for older Icelanders, as not all speak English. Make sure the audio translation feature is working if you need it. Also, don’t think we’re being rude because we do not use the word “please.” It simply isn’t found in our language, and we often don’t think of using it when speaking English.
Fueling Up
One thing that might catch you off guard is Iceland’s petrol pumps. Depending on where you are, they can be confusing. Most pumps have instructions, but some don’t, especially outside Reykjavík. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask someone nearby or go inside for help. Some stations operate on a trust system, where you pump first and pay inside afterwards. While this is common in smaller areas, remember that Iceland is a small country, so it’s not too hard to track down people who drive off without paying. Some petrol stations reserve money from your card, which will then be refunded minus the actual charge for the petrol you got.
You can use Apple Pay and Google Wallet in many stations today, and as far as we know, the reserve charge will not be made then.
Alcohol Rules in Iceland
Regarding alcohol, Vínbúðin is the only* place to buy it. Supermarkets and other stores don’t sell alcohol; you can only buy alcohol up to 2,25% there. You can, of course, buy it at bars and restaurants, and most bars have a happy hour.
As with everything else in Iceland, alcohol is expensive, and we encourage you to buy it in the Duty-Free store when you visit.
Check out our blogs on the history of the beer in Iceland, craft breweries in Iceland and the best beer in Iceland. If you want to taste some of Iceland’s fabulous beers and booze, check out our Reykjavik Beer & Booze tour!
*A few online stores have opened that sell alcohol and have home delivery.
Off-Roading
A big tip for visitors is to avoid going off-road. It is illegal, and there’s not really much more to say about it.
Being Prepared for Emergencies
It’s also wise to be prepared for emergencies. If you forget your phone in a restaurant or elsewhere, having emergency contacts set up can be a lifesaver. Add contact numbers to your lock screen or keep a piece of paper in your wallet with important phone numbers, including your own. The same applies to your wallet—write down the contact details of the people you’re travelling with. Even with credit cards, putting your phone number on the card itself may not be a great idea, but it could save you from stressful situations.
Driving in Iceland – Safety First
When driving in Iceland, follow the speed limits and traffic rules, as the fines for speeding are hefty. It’s especially important to never stop in the middle of the road to take pictures. If you need to stop for photos, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and ensure no cars are around.
Never stop your car on a fully painted line in the road, as this indicates poor visibility and increases the risk of an accident. Driving here can be scary, especially with Icelanders who sometimes drive aggressively.
One-lane bridges are common, so always stop to check for oncoming traffic before crossing. If a car in front of you stops, don’t pass them—wait to see what they do. If you’re driving slower than others, signal to let faster drivers know it’s safe to pass when no traffic is coming from the opposite direction.
Navigation and Pharmacies
Apps like Waze and GPS are helpful, but remember that Iceland’s roads constantly change, so don’t rely on them blindly. Icelanders love roundabouts, so use them properly to avoid a chorus of car horns. Lastly, remember that pharmacies are the only places to buy medication in Iceland – even painkillers. Supermarkets and gas stations won’t have anything beyond basic essentials, so plan accordingly.
We hope this guide to visiting Iceland was helpful – drop us a comment if you have any other advice you think we missed!
