Iceland Travel Tips & Hacks from a Friend Living Here for 12+ Years
Hi, I’m Abhi from Indian Food Box. I have lived in Iceland for over 12 years, and this guide is my free advice as a friend for travellers who want to enjoy Iceland safely, smartly and with less stress.
These tips come from real guest questions, road trips, restaurant conversations and everyday life in Reykjavík.
By Abhi Chauhan — Indian Food Box, Reykjavík • Updated for 2026
Affiliate note: If you book a car or camper through my link, you may get 5% off and I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
```First Time in Iceland?
Start here for money, airport, weather, food, safety and the small things that make your trip easier.
Doing a Road Trip?
Driving in Iceland is beautiful, but wind, gravel roads and weather can change your plan quickly.
Need Food or Groceries?
Indian Food Box is here for warm meals, and Indian Food Shop is here for Indian groceries, spices and snacks.
Quick Menu
Why I made this guide: Many tourists ask us the same questions at Indian Food Box — about driving, weather, food, SIM cards, money, Northern Lights and what to avoid. Instead of giving the same advice again and again, I put everything useful here for free, like advice from a local friend.
💰 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 for fuel pumps.
- Tipping is not expected, but appreciated for great service.
Local Tip
You do not need much cash in Iceland. A small amount can be useful for rare public toilets or small situations, but most travellers can manage almost everything by card.
🚗 Driving in Iceland: Beautiful but Serious
Driving in Iceland can be one of the best parts of your trip, but it is important to respect the weather, wind and road conditions. The landscape is open, the weather changes quickly, and small mistakes can become expensive.
Driving Rules Visitors Often Miss
- Keep headlights on at all times.
- No right turn on red.
- Do not stop on the road for photos.
- Off-road driving is illegal.
- Hold car doors tightly in strong wind.
- Check Road.is and Vedur.is before long drives.
Road Trip Safety
- Download offline Google Maps before leaving Reykjavík.
- Take gravel protection seriously if driving outside the city.
- Single-lane bridges are common — let traffic already on the bridge pass first.
- Use Parka or EasyPark for Reykjavík parking.
- Winter plans should always be flexible.
My local advice: In Iceland, never fight the weather. If the wind or road warning looks bad, change the plan. The mountain, waterfall or beach will still be there tomorrow.
🚗🚐 5% Off Cars or Campers for Iceland Road Trips
If you are planning a Ring Road trip, South Coast trip, Golden Circle route or flexible Iceland road trip, renting a car or camper can make the trip easier and more enjoyable.
You can use my Go Rentals / Go Campers link below. You should receive 5% off cars or campers, and I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Think of it as a small local friend tip — you save a little, and it also supports the free advice I share with travellers.
Affiliate disclosure: If you book a car or camper through this link, you may get 5% off and I may receive a small commission.
✈️ Arrival at Keflavík Airport
Iceland’s international airport is Keflavík Airport, usually written as KEF. It is outside Reykjavík, so plan your transfer before you land.
Budget Transfer
Flybus and Airport Direct are usually cheaper than taxis and are easy for most visitors.
Taxi Warning
Taxis from KEF to Reykjavík are convenient, but they can be expensive.
Arrival Tip
Buy your SIM, snacks and duty-free items at the airport if needed before heading outside the city.
🍽️ Food, Groceries & Eating Out
Iceland is not the cheapest country for food, so it helps to plan. Mix restaurants with supermarkets, bakeries and simple meals if you want to control your travel budget.
Save Money on Food
- Bónus and Krónan are usually good supermarkets for travellers.
- Bring a reusable water bottle — Icelandic tap water is excellent.
- Bakeries are great for breakfast, snacks and road trip food.
- Many restaurants close around 22:00, so check hours before going.
Warm Indian Food in Reykjavík
After a cold, windy or rainy day, Indian food can feel perfect. Indian Food Box serves curries, biryani, naan, roti, street food, takeaway and dine-in meals in Reykjavík and Kópavogur.
🛒 Indian Food Shop for Indian Groceries in Iceland
If you are staying in Iceland for a few days, cooking in an apartment, travelling by car or camper, or missing Indian snacks, you can also visit Indian Food Shop for Indian groceries, spices, snacks and selected cooking ingredients.
It is useful for travellers, students, families and anyone looking for Indian products in Reykjavík.
🌦️ Weather & What to Wear
Icelandic weather changes quickly. You can see sun, rain, wind and cold in the same day. The best way to enjoy Iceland is to dress in layers and stay flexible.
Wear Layers
Use a warm base layer, middle layer and windproof/waterproof outer shell.
Good Shoes Matter
Waterproof boots are much better than sneakers for waterfalls, beaches and rainy days.
Respect the Wind
Icelandic wind can be powerful. Hold car doors and avoid risky viewpoints during warnings.
🏊 Pools, Lagoons & Local Etiquette
Icelandic swimming pools are one of the best local experiences. They are usually cheaper than luxury lagoons and are part of everyday Icelandic life.
Pool Tips
- Shower properly without swimsuit before entering pools.
- Bring your own towel and swimsuit to save rental cost.
- Local pools are great for hot tubs, steam and relaxing after sightseeing.
Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon
Book online in advance. Walk-in spots can be limited, especially in busy seasons. Sky Lagoon is also close to our Kópavogur restaurant.
🌌 Northern Lights & Seasonal Tips
The Northern Lights are usually possible from September to April when the sky is dark. Clear skies are very important, so check cloud cover, not only the aurora forecast.
Simple rule: Dark sky + clear weather + patience gives you the best chance. Do not expect Northern Lights in summer because Iceland has very bright nights.
- Use Hello Aurora, My Aurora or Vedur.is for forecasts.
- In winter, avoid planning very long drives every day.
- F-roads are summer-only and require a proper 4x4 vehicle.
- In summer, book cars, campers and popular activities early.
📱 Useful Apps & Websites
Do not download too many apps. These are the most useful ones for most visitors.
Roads & Weather
Road.is
Vedur.is
SafeTravel.is
Parking & Transport
Parka
EasyPark
Strætó App
Emergency & Aurora
112 Iceland App
Hello Aurora
My Aurora
👋 Visit Indian Food Box During Your Iceland Trip
We hope this guide helps you enjoy Iceland safely and confidently. If you are in Reykjavík or Kópavogur, we would love to welcome you for a warm Indian meal.
Indian Food Box Reykjavík Takeaway
📍 Langirimi 21, 112 Reykjavík
📞 +354 786 4555
Tue–Thu: 17:00–23:00
Fri–Sat: 17:00–23:45
Sun: 17:00–23:00
Monday: Closed
Indian Food Box Kópavogur Dine-In
📍 Hamraborg 11, 200 Kópavogur
📞 +354 888 8882
Mon–Fri: 11:30–21:00
Sat–Sun: 17:00–21:00
Free parking available
❓ Quick FAQs
Do I need cash in Iceland?
Usually no. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash can be useful for rare toilets or small situations.
Can I walk into Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
It is better to book online. Walk-in spaces can be limited, especially in busy travel seasons.
Is off-road driving allowed in Iceland?
No. Off-road driving is illegal and damages fragile Icelandic nature. Stay on marked roads and parking areas.
When can I see the Northern Lights?
Usually from September to April, when it is dark, the sky is clear and aurora activity is strong enough.
Where can I get Indian food in Reykjavík?
Indian Food Box Reykjavík Takeaway is located at Langirimi 21, 112 Reykjavík. You can order online for pickup or delivery when available.
Where can I buy Indian groceries in Reykjavík?
You can visit Indian Food Shop for Indian groceries, spices, snacks and selected cooking ingredients.
Can I get a car or camper rental discount in Iceland?
Yes. Use Abhi’s Go Rentals / Go Campers link on this page for 5% off cars or campers. If you book through it, Abhi may receive a small commission.
Can I ask Abhi a quick travel or food question?
Yes. You can message Abhi on WhatsApp at +354 786 4795.
Enjoy Iceland — And Eat Something Warm After the Adventure
Save this guide for your trip, drive safely, respect the weather, and visit Indian Food Box when you need warm Indian comfort food in Reykjavík or Kópavogur.