Let me fill you in on one of my little travel secrets, you ready?
I never buy travel guides/books... ever! You may think that's absurd, but if you're trying to save that extra cash and space/weight in your backpack, It's a total travel hack 101 !
Here's the deal. I carry a mini notebook and write little notes that I've learned either through websites, friends, articles, apps, etc. -creating my very own unique itinerary! But of course, there's always basic information needed ! So lucky you, I've put together an Icelandic Yelp review compiled of basic things you need to know before you go!
Safe Travels! xx
Airport Transfer: Yes, 45 minutes to city center Flybus https://www.re.is/flybus/
Accepts Card: Yes, Debit & Credit literally everywhere, even toilets
ATM: Yes, found everywhere
Currency: Króna
Euros 1 = 116 ISK US dollars $1 = 109 ISK
Public Transport: Y/N - few in Reykjavik, but don't rely on it
Car Rentals: YES & highly recommend it- best way to get around *** also highly recommend getting add-ons such as GPS & Gravel coverage..
4x4 Automatic: $600 a week ~
Mid Size: $450 a week ~
Check out Sad Cars cheapest rentals out there!
Trains: No
Uber / Lyft: No
Pedestrian friendly : (City wise) Yes, you can easily walk around the whole city of Reykjavik
Taxi: Yes
Hitchhiking : Yes & safe ! check outhttp://www.samferda.net for carpooling and carsharing !
Friendly: Yes, very - but locals usually keep to themselves
Safe: Yes, very
City Tours: Yes & Free ! Visit your hostel for more info
Night life: Yes & surprisingly good! ( downtown Reykjavik )
Check out : The English Pub, Lebowski Bar & if you're looking to get wild Kiki - Queer Bar
Happy Hour: Yes, usually 17-19:00hrs but still expensive..
$: $$$$ -VERY EXPENSIVE even low season ( winter time )
Price list:
Coffee $3
Soft Drink $5
Cheap bottle of wine $14
Cigarettes $11
Pint of Beer $8
Blue Lagoon Basic Entry Ticket $81.65 ( not including transportation )
Blue Lagoon Pro Tip! BOOK IN ADVANCE - at least one week.. spots fill up quickly! going at night isn't the same experience-try to get an early AM entrance. http://www.bluelagoon.com
Dining: Generally $$$$ even fast foods and gas stations.. so be prepared!
Must Try : the infamous Classic Icelandic Hot Dogs ! check out super popular hot dog stand 'Plysúhsid'
Fine Dining: $70+ Kitchen and Wine ( they have excellent cocktails! ) , Essenia ( Italian ), Tapas ( a taste of an Icelandic Feast )
Casual Dining: Vergamot Bistro
Vegan/ Vegetarian: Yes! Great foodie scene
Coffee: Check out my post on the best coffee shops!
Cheap Supermarket: Bonús, stock up! (just look for the pink big!)
English speaking: Yes
Language: Icelandic
Useful Phrases : Thanks! Takk! , Please - Vinsamlegast , Hello - Halló ,Where is - Hvar er , Goodbye ! Bless !
Weather: Be prepared for anything...4 seasons in one day- lol no joke
What to pack: waterproof hiking boots, Dry-fit clothing, 1 rain jacket/coat ( you get soaked by the waterfalls) , Sleeping Bag! ( you save money @ hostels ), Reusable water bottle (save $ !) , External Battery ( iphones tend to die with the extreme weather changes lol ), hand warmers ( winter season ), swim suit (always always!), sunscreen!! detailed packing list coming soon!
Electrical Plug : Plug type C / European 2 pin ( the one you use in Europe )
Wifi : Yes, hotspots + tour buses
Water: totally drinkable - bring your own reusable container!
Gas: Liter of Petrol =194 ISK ~ 1 gallon = $8
Good News! All Natural Parks are Freeee!!
Amazing Hot Springs the are not Blue Lagoon: Secret Lagoon, Seljavallalaug, Grettislaug, Laugafellslaug
xx TMP
Also, Check out my Solo Traveling Iceland Video up on Youtube ! Hopefully it'll inspire you just go ;)
