£1 ISK 166
Today
4:01 am
Same time as you
Weather in Iceland
Iceland
-2°
Overcast
Wed
-5
-2
Thu
-4
4
Fri
-3
3
Sat
-9
2
Sun
-1
3
SPF level in Iceland
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Iceland
Tipping in Iceland
Tipping is not a standard practice in Iceland, as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it is becoming more common to tip for exceptional service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill is common.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
ISK 500-1000 per bag for exceptional service.
Hotel Housekeeper
ISK 500-1000 per night for exceptional service.
Tour Guide
ISK 1000-2000 per person for a well-done tour.
Safety in Iceland
Tips for British travellers
Iceland is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Petty theft and antisocial behaviour can occur around bars in downtown Reykjavík, so take sensible precautions and keep your belongings safe.
It is illegal to smoke or use e-cigarettes in restaurants, bars, public transport, and public buildings, and you could get a fine.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Iceland for up to 30 days, but check if you need an International Driving Permit for a paper licence.
Always follow speed limits, keep dipped headlights on year-round, and ensure you have suitable tyres, including for winter weather, to avoid fines.
Strong winds are common and can throw sand or ash, damaging a rental car's paintwork, which is often not covered by insurance, leading to large repair costs.
Bonus tips:
When hiking, do not go too close to the ocean, cliff edges, or hot springs, as these are common causes of accidents.
Riding a scooter after consuming alcohol is prohibited by law and carries the same penalties as drink driving, resulting in a fine or charges.
Driving in Iceland
A valid UK driving license is accepted in Iceland.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
90 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Iceland drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Iceland
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Iceland operates on 230V at 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type C and Type F. Visitors from the UK will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted throughout Iceland.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Iceland
ATMs are readily available in Reykjavik and other major towns. Availability decreases in rural areas.
Local name
Banki
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs provide a convenient way to access cash. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming rules no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Iceland. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 2500 ISK (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Síminn, Vodafone Iceland, Nova
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in urban areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Iceland has good internet connectivity, making it easy to stay connected.
Health & vaccinations in Iceland
British citizens can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Iceland. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover costs not covered by GHIC/EHIC, such as repatriation or private medical care.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Iceland. The standard of healthcare is high. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and a GHIC or EHIC card. Be aware of the weather conditions and potential hazards during outdoor activities.
Calling Iceland
Country code
+354
To call Iceland from the UK, dial 00 354 followed by the eight-digit local number.
To call the British Embassy in Reykjavik, you would dial 00 354 550 5100 from the UK.
The country code for Iceland is 354. The international access code from the UK is 00. Mobile phone coverage is generally good throughout Iceland.
UK Embassy in Iceland
British Embassy Reykjavik
Laufásvegur 31, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Airports in Iceland
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.