What to Expect

  • Weather
    • The weather can be quite unpredictable in Iceland, but generally speaking it should be similar to September or October weather in Minnesota or Wisconsin. It probably won't get above 75 degrees, and it probably will rain at least a few times while we're there. From our experience, the rain tends to be light and sporadic, and rarely prevents you from doing anything.

 

  • Language
    • Icelanders speak Icelandic to one another, but almost everyone knows at least some English. Especially in Reykjavik and anywhere tourists go.

 

  • Currency and Prices
    • Iceland uses the Icelandic kronur (ISK) and the US dollar is doing pretty well against it right now. In all of our previous trips there, we've never had a better exchange rate than this. That being said--it's European, Scandinavian and an island that imports almost everything, so things are more expensive there.
    • We have never brought any ISK into the country (it wasn't even possible for a while), and always take some cash out at the ATM in the airport when we arrive. But with the exception of some food stands and some mom-and-pop stores, almost everywhere accepts credit cards. I recommend bringing a couple credit or debit cards in case for some reason you have an issue using one of them.
    • Most credit card companies want you to let them know before you travel! They usually have a form on their website when you log into your account. You can also call the number on the back of your card.

 

  • Driving
    • You drive on the same side of the road in Iceland as you do in the US. So please don't try driving on the other side.
    • Rental cars can be pretty expensive, and gas may be as much as four times what it is in the US. But the scenery is four times better, so it all evens out.
    • Speeding tickets are expensive! And these use cameras, not parked cop cars. I've never had a speeding ticket in the US, and I've gotten TWO in Iceland...

 

  • Cell Service
    • You will likely be able to get by without cell service (I'm told there was a time when NO ONE had cell service!), but it sure makes life easier, and can be valuable in an emergency. Talk to your phone company to see if they have some sort of international plan. Most do. AT&T will give you 120MB of data for $60, last time I checked (voice calls are still pretty expensive, though). That will be plenty if you only use data when you need to, and use wifi networks when you can.

 

What to Bring

  • ESSENTIALS
    • Passport
      • I cannot stress this enough! Don't forget it!

 

    • Credit cards and/or debit cards

 

    • Layers
      • The weather can vary greatly throughout a day. I highly recommend layering so you can add and remove as necessary. A light jacket, a fleece, and a long sleeve shirt will go a long way in Iceland.
      • Quick-drying pants are great, especially if they have some stretch.

 

    • Wool socks
      • Quicker drying, less stinky, and warmer when wet. Cotton kills, folks.

 

    • Rain jacket
      • A light rain jacket that will keep out light wind and rain on its own, and will act as a shell over a fleece, is very valuable.

 

    • Decent footwear
      • Sneakers may work, but I recommend something a little beefier if you plan to do any hiking.
      • Waterproof or water-resistant is also a big plus.

 

  • REALLY-NICE-TO-HAVES
    • Phone
      • This one doesn't even need a sub-bullet!

 

    • Eye mask
      • It'll be bright out when you go to bed and when you wake up, and your lodging may or may not have black-out curtains.

 

    • Ear buds or head phones
      • For the plane.

 

    • Hat
      • Something to keep the sun (if we're lucky) and rain out of your eyes. A baseball cap is fine.