Iceland Travel Tips & Hacks from a Friend Living Here for 12+ Years

💳 Money & Payments in Iceland

Iceland is almost cashless. You can use cards in most places, including restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, petrol stations and tourist stops.

What to Know

• Iceland uses ISK, the Icelandic króna.
• Visa and Mastercard are the safest cards to carry.
• American Express is not accepted everywhere.
• Know your card PIN, especially when using unmanned fuel pumps.
• Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated for great service.

🚗 Driving in Iceland: Beautiful but Serious

Driving can be one of the best parts of an Iceland trip, but it is important to respect the weather, wind and road conditions. The landscape is open, the weather can change quickly, and small mistakes can become expensive.

Driving Rules Visitors Often Miss

• Keep your headlights on at all times.
• Do not turn right at a red traffic light.
• Never stop your vehicle on the road to take photographs.
• Off-road driving is illegal and damages Iceland’s fragile nature.
• Hold car doors firmly when opening them in strong wind.
• Check road and weather conditions before taking a long drive.

Road-Trip Safety

• Download offline Google Maps before leaving Reykjavík.
• Take gravel protection seriously when travelling outside the city.
• Single-lane bridges are common. Let vehicles already on the bridge pass before entering.
• Use Parka or EasyPark where required for parking.
• Keep winter itineraries flexible and avoid overplanning each day.
• Fill your fuel tank before travelling into remote areas.
• Campervans and tents should use authorised campsites rather than roadside parking areas.

🏕️ Get 5% Off Cars or Campers for an Iceland Road Trip

If you are planning a Ring Road journey, South Coast trip, Golden Circle route or flexible Iceland adventure, renting a car or camper can make the trip easier and more enjoyable.

You can use my recommended Go Rentals or Go Campers link. You should receive 5% off an eligible car or camper booking, and I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Think of it as a small tip from a local friend—you save a little, and your booking also supports the free advice I share with travellers.

✈️ Arriving at Keflavík Airport

Iceland’s main international airport is Keflavík International Airport, normally written as KEF. It is outside Reykjavík, so arrange or research your transportation before landing.

Budget Transportation

Flybus and Airport Direct are normally more affordable than taking a taxi and are convenient for most visitors travelling to Reykjavík.

Taxi Warning

Taxis between KEF and Reykjavík are convenient, particularly for groups or late arrivals, but the journey can be expensive.

Arrival Tip

Consider arranging an eSIM before your trip. Physical SIM cards and basic travel supplies are also available around the airport. Arriving passengers can visit the duty-free shop before leaving the terminal.

🍽️ Food, Groceries & Eating Out

Iceland is not the cheapest country for food, so a little planning can help. Combine restaurant visits with supermarkets, bakeries and simple meals when you want to control your travel budget.

Save Money on Food

• Bónus and Krónan are useful supermarkets for travellers.
• Bring a reusable bottle—Icelandic cold tap water is excellent.
• Let the cold tap run briefly before filling your bottle. Hot water may naturally smell of sulphur.
• Bakeries are useful for breakfast, snacks and road-trip food.
• Check restaurant opening hours before travelling, particularly later in the evening.

Warm Indian Food in Reykjavík and Kópavogur

After a cold, windy or rainy day, a warm Indian meal can feel perfect. Indian Food Box serves curries, biryani, naan, roti, Indian street food, takeaway and dine-in meals across our Reykjavík and Kópavogur locations.

🛒 Indian Food Shop for Indian Groceries in Iceland

If you are staying in an apartment, travelling by car or camper, cooking during your visit or simply missing Indian snacks, you can also visit Indian Food Shop for Indian groceries, spices, snacks and selected cooking ingredients.

It can be useful for travellers, students, families and anyone looking for Indian products in Reykjavík.

🌦️ Icelandic Weather & What to Wear

Icelandic weather changes quickly. You can experience sunshine, rain, wind and cold during the same day. The easiest way to enjoy the country is to dress in layers and remain flexible.

Wear Layers

Use a warm base layer, an insulating middle layer and a waterproof, windproof outer shell.

Good Shoes Matter

Waterproof walking shoes or boots are normally more practical than ordinary sneakers around waterfalls, beaches and rainy areas.

Respect the Wind

Icelandic wind can be extremely powerful. Hold vehicle doors firmly and avoid exposed or risky viewpoints during weather warnings.

♨️ Swimming Pools, Lagoons & Local Etiquette

Icelandic swimming pools are among the best local experiences. They are usually cheaper than luxury lagoons and form an important part of everyday Icelandic life.

Pool Tips

• Shower thoroughly with soap and without your swimsuit before entering the pool.
• Bring your own towel and swimsuit to avoid rental costs.
• Local pools are excellent for hot tubs, steam rooms and relaxing after sightseeing.

Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon

Book online in advance. Walk-in availability may be limited, particularly during busy travel periods. Sky Lagoon is also close to our Indian Food Box restaurant in Kópavogur.

🌌 Northern Lights & Seasonal Advice

The Northern Lights are generally possible from September to April, when Iceland has sufficiently dark nights. Clear skies are very important, so check the cloud forecast rather than looking only at aurora activity.

• Use aurora and weather forecasts before travelling.
• Avoid planning excessively long drives every winter day.
• F-roads are seasonal and require a suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Book popular cars, campers and activities early during summer.
• No forecast can guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear.

📱 Useful Apps & Websites for Iceland

You do not need dozens of travel apps. These are some of the most useful services for most visitors.

🍛 Visit Indian Food Box During Your Iceland Trip

We hope this local guide helps you experience Iceland safely and with greater confidence. When you are in Reykjavík or Kópavogur, we would love to welcome you for a warm Indian meal.

❓ Quick Iceland Travel FAQs