Local Services – Reykjavik, Iceland

Money matters: Your wallet won’t whisper, it will WAIL! The Icelandic unit of currency is the krona(Ikr) or kronur, and you’re gonna spend a LOT of ‘em. Notes come in 500, 1000, 2000, and 5,000 denominations. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 kronur denominations.

Exchange your money at Landsbanki Islands (the National Bank of Iceland); there is no commission. There is one located on the central boulevard, Laugavegur, roughly half way between the local (as opposed to the Long Distance) bus station and the pond. There is also a Landsbanki at the Keflavik airport, though rates are slightly better if you can wait until you get into town.

To locate or contact your country’s Embassy:
Canada (568 0820), located at Suourlandsbraut 10
United Kingdom (550 5100) Laufasvegur 31
United States (562 9100) Laufasvegur 21

For travel up to ninety days, you only need a valid passport, no need to apply for a visa. Though you’ll surely want to stay, don’t plan on finding work in Iceland. You’d have to wait six months before being able to file the paperwork to even be legally eligible, and there is very little under-the-table employment.

There are several very helpful Tourist Information Offices located in Reykjavik, the main being on Laekjargata, near the intersection of Austurstraeti. These offices are a good place to double check bus schedules, find internet access/upload digital photos (250kr for 30 minutes), and check out a very extensive array of brochures.

I ended up visiting the office quite often as there was a Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa Beauty Products Shop sharing the storefront entrance. I admit rather shamelessly that I used the tester face and hand moisturizers almost daily…ah yes, bold and budget at its best. But hey, Iceland will wind and sunchap you before you know what hit you!

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Europe Insiders page.

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