Discover Reykjavik

Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK or kr)

Approximate Exchange Rate: $1 USD ≈ 135 ISK | €1 EUR ≈ 145 ISK (rates vary)

Daily Budget Expectations:

Budget Traveler ($100-150 USD/day):

• •Hostel dorm: $40-70
• •Supermarket meals, hot dogs, bakery items: $30-50
• •Bus passes and walking: $10-20
• •Free attractions and geothermal pools: $10-20

Mid-Range Traveler ($200-350 USD/day):

• •Guesthouse or budget hotel: $100-150
• •Mix of casual restaurants and groceries: $60-100
• •Rental car (split) or tours: $40-60
• •Paid attractions and activities: $40-80

Luxury Traveler ($500+ USD/day):

• •Premium hotel: $250-400+
• •Fine dining and trendy restaurants: $150+
• •Private tours and premium experiences: $100+
• •Helicopter tours, spa treatments, exclusive activities

Money Reality Check:

Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations. A beer costs 1,200-1,500 ISK ($9-11), casual restaurant meal 2,500-4,000 ISK ($18-30), and gas is expensive at ~300 ISK/liter ($6/gallon equivalent). Budget significantly more than other European cities.

Money Tips:

• •Credit cards accepted everywhere, even for small purchases; Iceland is nearly cashless
• •ATMs widely available at banks and shopping centers; most accept foreign cards
• •Bonus and Kronan supermarkets offer best value for groceries
• •No tipping culture in Iceland - service included in prices
• •Tax-free shopping available for purchases over 6,000 ISK if leaving Iceland

Official Language: Icelandic (Íslenska)

English Proficiency: Very high - nearly all Icelanders speak excellent English

Essential Phrases:

• •Hello: Halló (HAH-loh) or Góðan daginn (GOH-than DYE-in)
• •Thank you: Takk (tahk) or Takk fyrir (tahk FEER-ir)
• •Please: Vinsamlegast (VIN-sahm-leh-gahst)
• •Yes/No: Já (yow) / Nei (nay)
• •Excuse me: Afsakið (AHF-sahk-ith)
• •Cheers: Skál (sk-owl)
• •Goodbye: Bless (bless)

Communication Tips:

• •Icelanders appreciate attempts at their language but happily switch to English
• •Icelandic has unique letters: þ (th), ð (th), æ (ai), and ö (ur)
• •Many place names are descriptive: "foss" means waterfall, "jökull" means glacier
• •Weather terms: "Logn" (calm), "Rok" (windy), "Él" (snow shower)
• •Don't be surprised by unusual names - Iceland maintains naming traditions

Getting to Reykjavik:

By Air:

• •Keflavík International Airport (KEF): Iceland's main airport, 50km (31 miles) from Reykjavik city center
• •Flybus: 3,499 ISK (~$26), 45-50 minutes to city center, connects with most hotels
• •Airport Direct/Gray Line: Similar pricing, door-to-door service
• •Rental car: Best flexibility, pickup available at airport
• •Taxi: 15,000-20,000 ISK (~$110-150), 45 minutes - very expensive
• •Private transfer: Pre-book for ~8,000-12,000 ISK per person

• •No train system exists in Iceland
• •Some cruise ships dock at Reykjavik's Old Harbor

Getting Around Reykjavik:

Walking (Best option for city center):

• •Compact downtown easily walkable in 20-30 minutes end-to-end
• •Most attractions within walking distance
• •Well-maintained sidewalks with pedestrian priority
• •Dress for weather - wind and rain common

City Bus (Strætó):

• •Comprehensive network covering greater Reykjavik area
• •Single ride: 490 ISK (exact change or app only - no cash on bus)
• •Day pass: 1,050 ISK (unlimited rides)
• •Purchase tickets via Strætó app or at bus stations
• •Buses run roughly 7am-midnight on weekdays, limited weekend service
• •Route planner available at straeto.is

Bicycle:

• •Bike rentals available from ~3,000-5,000 ISK per day
• •Dedicated bike paths throughout city
• •Can be challenging in winter due to ice and wind
• •Electric bikes available for hills

Taxi:

• •Expensive but clean and safe
• •Meter starts at ~750 ISK, then ~300 ISK per km
• •Hreyfill and BSR are main companies; book via app
• •Tipping not expected
• •Average city ride 2,500-4,000 ISK

Car Rental (For day trips):

• •Essential for Golden Circle, South Coast, and beyond
• •Summer: ~6,000-10,000 ISK/day for 2WD
• •Winter: ~12,000-20,000 ISK/day for 4WD (required for many roads)
• •Parking in Reykjavik: 120-250 ISK per hour, pay via app or meter
• •GPS or offline maps essential - cell coverage can be spotty
• •Gas stations: N1, Orkan, Costco (cheapest)

Important Driving Notes:

• •Drive on right side of road
• •Headlights required 24/7 by law
• •Speed limits: 50 km/h cities, 80 km/h gravel roads, 90 km/h paved roads
• •F-roads (highland routes) require 4WD and closed in winter
• •Check road conditions at road.is and weather at vedur.is
• •Watch for sheep on rural roads
• •Gravel can cause skidding - slow down before gravel sections

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