💰 Money & Payments

• Currency: ISK (króna). “ISK”, “kr”, and “KR” are used interchangeably.
• Exchanges: At banks. Some shops accept USD/EUR but give poor rates and ISK change.
• Cards: Cards rule; many places don’t take AMEX. Know your PIN (fuel pumps need it).
• Cash: Rarely needed—older buses or occasional public toilets.
• Tipping: Not expected; rounding up for great service is appreciated.
• Tax refund: Purchases > 12,000 ISK (per store/chain). Up to ~14% back at KEF/cruise port.
• Tap-to-pay: Apple Pay & Google Pay work almost everywhere.
• ATMs: Available in towns; check your bank’s international fees.
• Converter tip: Enter “3500 ISK” (no commas) in currency apps.

🚗 Driving & Roads

• Headlights always on. No right turn on red.
• Roundabouts: inner lane has right of way.
• Speed limits: 90 km/h highways, 50 km/h urban. Fines are heavy.
• Gravel roads: consider gravel protection insurance; many southern routes are unpaved.
• Sand & ash: extra insurance recommended in South during dry spells.
• Wind: Hold car doors tight. Wind damage is common and often not covered.
• Fuel: self-service; PIN card or prepaid fuel card.
• Tunnels: Pay Vaðlaheiðargöng toll within 24h at tunnel.is.
• Check road.is and vedur.is daily.
• Off-road driving is illegal. Don’t stop on highways for photos.
• Single-lane bridges: yield to traffic already on the bridge.
• Parking: Parka and EasyPark cover Reykjavík zones (P1–P4).
• Download Google Maps offline before long drives.

✈️ Arrival & Airport

• KEF transfers: Flybus and Airport Direct are budget-friendly; taxis are pricey.
• Luggage lockers: KEF, BSÍ terminal, Harpa, and more in Reykjavík.

🍺 Alcohol

• Best value at KEF Duty-Free on arrival.
• Vínbúðin stores sell alcohol > 2.25% ABV. Typical hours 11:00–18:00; closed Sundays.
• Happy hours ~16:00–19:00. Try the Appy Hour app.

🛍️ Shopping & Local Goods

• Wool sweaters: Handknitting Association, Kolaportið, Woolcano, Isbjörninn.
• Bring a tote—bags cost extra.
• Keep receipts > 12,000 ISK for tax refunds.
• Thrift: Verzanahöllin, Red Cross, Spúútnik, Wasteland, Kolaportið (weekends 11–5).

🚻 Toilets, Water & Hygiene

• Public toilets: near Hallgrímskirkja, Tjörnin, BSÍ. Use Flush / “Where Is Public Toilet”.
• Tap water is excellent—carry a reusable bottle.
• Pool etiquette: mandatory naked shower before entering.

🏊 Pools & Lagoons

• City geothermal pools are affordable with saunas, hot tubs, slides.
• Sky Lagoon / Blue Lagoon: pre-book online; walk-in slots are scarce.
• Bring your own towel/swimsuit to avoid rental fees.

🌦️ Weather & Clothing

• Weather changes fast: layer up with windproof & waterproof shell.
• Footwear: waterproof boots beat sneakers.
• September daylight ~12 hours (plan driving safely).

🍽️ Dining

• Most restaurants close by ~22:00; book in peak seasons.
• Tap water is always free.
• Budget bites: hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu; great bakeries like Brauð & Co.
• Cheapest groceries: Bónus and Krónan.
• You can also order Indian food online in Reykjavík & Kópavogur from Indian Food Box.

📶 Connectivity

• Wi-Fi common in cafés, hotels, buses.
• Prepaid SIMs at KEF or 10–11 for data.

🧭 Useful Apps & Websites

🚑 Health & Emergencies

• Emergency number: 112 (or use the app).
• Pharmacies (Apótek) for minor issues.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

🧘 Culture & Etiquette

• English is widely spoken. “Takk” (thanks) goes a long way.
• Keep noise low on public transport and in nature.
• Respect trails; never walk on delicate moss.

🌌 Seasonal Tips

• Northern Lights: Sept–Apr, dark clear nights; check cloud cover & KP.
• F-Roads: summer only; 4×4 required.

👋 From the Team at Indian Food Box

We hope this guide helps you experience Iceland fully, safely, and deliciously. If you’re in Reykjavík, we’d love to welcome you to Indian Food Box for a warm meal made with love.

❓ Quick FAQs

Author: Abhi Chauhan — Owner of Indian Food Box, Reykjavík. Local tips compiled from real guest questions and on-the-ground experience.