Iceland Questions, Answered by a Resident

What is the emergency number in Iceland?

The emergency number is 112. It connects to police, ambulance, and fire services.

Is Iceland safe for tourists?

Iceland is generally very safe. The main risks are weather-related, especially in winter. Always check conditions before traveling.

Is there a safety app for Iceland?

Yes. The 112 Iceland app allows you to send your location to emergency services. It is free and recommended for all visitors.

Where can I buy painkillers in Iceland?

Painkillers and most medications are only available at pharmacies (Apótek). Common chains include Lyfja and Apótekið.

Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides some coverage for EU/EEA citizens but does not replace travel insurance.

Are pharmacies open on weekends in Iceland?

Most pharmacies have limited weekend hours. Some locations in Reykjavík offer extended or 24-hour service.

How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík?

Airport buses, taxis, and rental cars are available. Buses are the most affordable option and take about 45 minutes.

Do I need a 4x4 in Iceland?

A 4x4 is required for F-roads (mountain roads) and recommended in winter. For summer travel on main roads, a standard car is usually sufficient.

Are winter tires required in Iceland?

Winter tires or studded tires are required from November 1 to April 14. Rental cars are typically equipped accordingly.

Is there Uber in Iceland?

There is no Uber, Lyft, or Bolt car service in Iceland. The closest thing is Hopp taxi, an app based ride with licensed local drivers in Reykjavík and at Keflavík Airport, which works without an Icelandic ID. You can also call Hreyfill (588 5522) or BSR (561 0000). For longer distances, use Strætó buses or rent a car.

Can I drive the Ring Road in winter?

Yes, but conditions vary. Check road.is for current conditions. Some sections may close temporarily due to weather.

Are shops open on Sundays in Iceland?

Most supermarkets are open on Sundays with reduced hours. Smaller shops and state alcohol stores (Vínbúðin) are usually closed.

Are shops open on holidays in Iceland?

Shops may have reduced hours or be closed on public holidays. Gas stations and some convenience stores usually remain open.

Where can I buy groceries in Iceland?

Common supermarket chains include Bónus, Krónan, Hagkaup, and Netto. Most are open daily with varying hours.

Is food expensive in Iceland?

Eating out can be expensive. Many visitors use supermarkets and bakeries for more affordable meals.

Can I use my credit card everywhere in Iceland?

Yes. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and rural areas. Cash is rarely needed.

Do I need Icelandic króna?

Cash is not essential. Cards work for nearly all purchases. ATMs are available if cash is needed.

Do I need to tip in Iceland?

No. Tipping is not expected anywhere — restaurants, taxis, hotels, bars. Service is included in every price. If a tour guide went above and beyond, a tip is a kind gesture but never required.

Should I notify my bank before traveling to Iceland?

Yes. Informing your bank helps avoid blocked transactions. A PIN is required for most card payments.

Is tap water safe to drink in Iceland?

Yes. Tap water in Iceland is safe to drink and of very high quality. Most people refill a bottle from the cold tap instead of buying bottled water, but if you prefer or need bottled water, buy it. Both are fine.

Why does hot water smell like boiled eggs in Iceland?

The hot tap water in Iceland is geothermally heated and contains natural sulfur, which gives it a boiled-egg smell. This is completely normal. If you notice the smell, you're running the hot side. Turn the tap to cold. Cold water comes from a separate, non-geothermal source and has no smell or taste. Always drink from the cold tap.

Is there free Wi-Fi in Iceland?

Free Wi-Fi is available at Keflavík Airport, most hotels, cafés, and many public spaces.

Can I buy a SIM card in Iceland?

Yes. SIM cards and eSIMs are available at the airport, phone stores, and some convenience stores.

Do I need offline maps in Iceland?

Offline maps are recommended, especially for rural areas where mobile coverage may be limited.

What should I pack for Iceland?

Layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy shoes are essential. Warm clothing is available in local stores if needed.

Is it always cold in Iceland?

Summers are mild (10–15°C). Winters are cold but not extreme. Weather changes quickly, so layers are important.

Is wind a problem in Iceland?

Wind can be strong and sudden, especially in winter and open areas. Secure loose items and use caution when opening car doors.

Where can I leave my luggage before hotel check in?

Ask your own hotel or guesthouse first. Almost all of them hold bags before check in and after check out, usually free. If you are in a self service apartment with no reception, the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík has staffed luggage storage, and Keflavík Airport has left luggage in the terminal. If you have a rental car, the boot works, but leave nothing valuable visible. Hours and prices drift, so call ahead. Full detail is in the Transport guide.

Can I visit Iceland without a car?

Yes, if you base yourself in Reykjavík and use day tours. Strætó buses cover the capital area and the city pools, the airport coaches cover Keflavík, Sky Lagoon is a short bus ride and the Blue Lagoon has its own shuttle from BSÍ. Everything else, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes and the glacier lagoon, is realistically tour only. There is no bus that drops you at a waterfall and waits.

How much of my Iceland trip should I plan in advance?

Book flights, the vehicle and every bed early, especially in summer and around Christmas. Leave the days themselves loose: at most one paid thing per day, and choose activities you can move or cancel within 24 hours. The weather rewrites plans here, so a plan that can bend beats a full one.

Is one night enough for Snæfellsnes?

One night works, two is calmer. It is a two to two and a half hour drive from Reykjavík before you have seen anything, and the peninsula loop is about 200 km. One night lets you do the south side, sleep in Grundarfjörður or Ólafsvík, and take the north side back. Take two nights in winter or if you want the national park properly.

Can I do Iceland if I have chronic pain, fatigue, or I am not outdoorsy?

Yes. Most of the famous scenery is a few hundred metres from a car park, and the hot pots at any local swimming pool do more for a sore body than any hike. Plan one fixed thing a day, keep outings short with warm rooms in between, and bring medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. There is a low impact section on the Accessibility page.

What is the Silver Circle in Iceland?

The Silver Circle is West Iceland's quieter answer to the Golden Circle: Deildartunguhver hot spring, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt, and often Krauma baths or Húsafell. It is roughly 90 minutes from Reykjavík and far less crowded. Search Reykholt or Húsafell in the What can I do today? tool for what is open.

Is a day trip from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón worth it?

That is your call, but know the numbers: the glacier lagoon is about 375 km each way, so a return day is roughly 750 km and organised tours run 14 to 16 hours. In winter most of that is in darkness. If you can, sleep a night in Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Höfn instead and see it in daylight.

Where can I buy alcohol in Iceland?

Alcohol above 2.25% is only sold at Vínbúðin, the state-run liquor store. Supermarkets do not sell wine, beer, or spirits.

Is Vínbúðin open on Sundays?

No. Vínbúðin is closed on Sundays and has limited hours on other days. Check vinbudin.is for opening times.

Can I buy alcohol at the airport?

Yes. Duty-free alcohol is available at Keflavík Airport arrivals. This is often the most affordable option.