| Republic of Iceland ((is)Lýðveldið Ísland) | |
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| Gullfoss fall | |
| Flag | |
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| Information | |
| Capital city | Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| Area | 103 125 km² |
| Population | 325 671 hab. (2014) |
| Density | 3,16 inhab./km² |
| Form of State | parliamentary republic |
| Official language | Icelandic |
| Change | Icelandic krone (ISK) |
| Electricity | 230 V/50 Hz, European plug |
| Telephone prefix | 354 |
| Internet suffix | .is |
| Flow direction | Right-hand drive |
| Spindle | UTC 0 |
| Tourist information office | E-mail : [email protected] |
| Location | |
 65 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ N 19 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ W | |
| Official site | |
| Touristic site | |
TheIceland, literally "land of ice", in the long form the Republic of Iceland, is an island country ofNorth Europe. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between the Greenland and the Norway, north-west of Faroe Islands, it is located near the Arctic Circle.
The country counts 325,671 inhabitants for a total area of 103 125 km2, i.e. a population density of 3.16 inhab./km2. Its capital is Reykjavik, which is also the most populous city on the island.
Iceland is best known for its many active volcanoes, as well as for its immense glaciers like that of Vatnajökull, as vast as the Corsica.
Understand
Iceland is located on the edge of the Arctic Circle and on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Its climate is extremely windy and rainy. Vegetation cover is thin and scarce. Erosion is very strong.
The very pure atmosphere of Iceland gives the photographs a very special light. Hunt flowers and landscapes with your photographic lens.
Iceland's volcanic nature is constantly visible: still hot lava flows, hot springs, craters, volcanoes, geysers, boiling mud pots.
There are many natural sites by the lake, we can see the pseudo-craters of Skutustaðir, the Hverfjall stratovolcano as well as the Grjotagja and Storagja hot springs which were once used for swimming.
Regions
 Iceland Map |
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South West Iceland - Around the capital Reykjavik, it is the most populous region in Iceland. |  |
Westfjords - The isolated character of the eastern fjords delights lovers of solitude and nature. In the heart of the Hornstrandir reserve, the Látrabjarg cliff is a privileged place to observe the puffin colonies. |  |
West Iceland - The lava fields of the Snæfellsnes peninsula offer great possibilities for hiking, following the Snæfellsjökull, which Jules Verne made the starting point of his Journey to the Center of the Earth. | .jpg/250px-Arnarstapi_(2).jpg) |
Northern Iceland - The vast peninsulas of the north of the island present a great variety of landscapes. Whale watching from the port of Húsavík, the birds of Lake Mývatn and the many horse farms make it one of the most interesting areas to discover the local fauna. |  |
Eastern Iceland - The long eastern fjords are home to small fishing villages, between mountains and green valleys. West of Egilsstaðir, Hallormsstaður forest is the last in the country. The south-east of the island is among the most visited regions by tourists, enjoying the hiking routes of Skaftafell Park and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón Lagoon. |  |
Southern Iceland - From Gullfoss Falls to the famous Geysir in the Golden Circle, to the volcanic site of Landmannalaugar, the south of Iceland offers landscapes of a great variety. The Vestmannaeyjar, accessible by ferry, bear witness to the country's volcanic activity: the main island of the archipelago, Heimaey, which is also the only inhabited one, was partly destroyed by an eruption in 1973 while Surtsey, the southernmost of Iceland, arose from an eruption in 1963. | .jpg/250px-Great_Geysir_(4).jpg) |
Inner Iceland - The highlands of the center of the island, practically uninhabited, present landscapes both austere and desert. |  |
Cities
The five largest cities in terms of population according to the 2010 census are:
- 1 Reykjavik – 118 326 hab.. The northernmost capital of the world concentrates more than a third of the inhabitants of the island, it is also the main center of economic and cultural activities of the country.
- 2 Kopavogur – 30 357 hab.. Municipality bordering Reykjavik, without much tourist interest.
- 3 Hafnarfjordur – 25 913 hab.. About ten kilometers south of Reykjavik, the “city in the lava” is home to Iceland's oldest working commercial port.
- 4 Akureyri – 17 573 hab.. Located in the north of the country, with its colorful houses, it is the second largest city in Iceland if we consider the previous two as extensions of Reykjavik.
- 5 Reykjanesbær – 14 091 hab.. Keflavík International Airport is located on the municipality.
Other destinations
The "Golden Circle"
The Golden Circle is a tourist name designating a set of sites among the most visited on the island. Accessible from Reykjavik by road 36, they are all located within a radius of 100 km from the capital, making it an ideal destination for day trips. The first of the three most popular Golden Circle sites, Þingvellir National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Located in a huge ditch of collapse caused by the spreading of the Eurasian and North American plates , it was the seat of the first Icelandic parliament, founded in 930 by the Vikings. Further on, Geysir is a spring from which hot water spurts intermittently. This is where the word "geyser" comes from. It is actually the Strokkur geyser that tourists can admire, it projecting its water column on a regular basis, about every ten minutes. The site is full of pots in the most varied tones, from pure blue to milky green. Gullfoss Falls, made up of a double cascade of 32 m, are among the most famous in the country. Saved from destruction when threatened by a hydroelectric power station project in the 1920s, they plunge into a canyon along 2,5 km, in a deafening din.
Blue Lagoon
.JPG/220px-Blue_Lagoon_2012-08-23_(4).JPG)
The Blue Lagoon is the most famous of hot pots, Icelandic natural pools. It is located southwest of Reykjavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is a traditional tourist stopover on the way from the capital to Keflavík International Airport. It is one of the favorite places to bathe in milky blue water, naturally heated to nearly 39 degrees, and to cover your face with a mud with recognized cosmetic properties. Count all the same 35 € to offer you this privilege.
Landmannalaugar
If the idea of admiring a desert of volcanic stones depresses you, you must go and admire the splendid hills of colorful rhyolites of the Landmannalaugar region. If the bus companies allow it to be a day trip, it is advisable to take the time to settle down at the campsite for one or more nights in order to fully enjoy the beauty of the place. The hot spring near the campsite is the ideal place to relax, making yourself comfortable in front of the magnificent natural landscapes. The campsite is also the starting point for the Laugarvegurinn, the trek from Landmannalaugar to þórsmörk, the most popular hike on the island, achievable in three or four days.
Skaftafell National Park
A hiker's paradise, Skaftafell is Iceland's busiest wilderness. Located in the southern part of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, this park, founded in 1967, merged in June 2008 with Jökulsárgljúfur National Park in the north of the country to form the huge Vatnajökull National Park. The information center is the starting point for many hiking, mountain biking and glacier routes. A short walk (1 h 30) leads to Svartifoss waterfall, the "black waterfall", plunging into the middle of the basalt columns that surround it.
Jökulsárlón
In the south of the island, near the Circular Route between Skaftafell and Höfn, a multitude of bright blue icebergs drift in the Jökulsárlón lagoon. The icebergs break away from the Breiðamerkurjökull, an glacial tongue of the Vatnajökull, whose melting forms the lake in which the icebergs drift before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Some of them were washed up on black sand beaches. For tourists, boat trips on the lagoon are offered. It is also possible to observe sea lions swimming in the middle of these huge icicles.
Seyðisfjörður
Nestled at the bottom of its long fjord 17 km, Seyðisfjörður is a typical Icelandic fishing village. This is where the ferry arrives, from April to the end of October Norröna of the company Smyril Line, liaising with the Denmark via the Faroe Islands. Several wooden houses of the XIXe century, imported from Norway and assembled in kit form, stand around the Bláa Kirkjan, the blue church of the village, in which concerts are organized every Wednesday evening during the summer. Seyðisfjörður also has a technical museum as well as a contemporary art gallery. Kayak trips along the fjord are offered to tourists.
Húsavík
In the north of the island, the fishing port of Húsavík is the prime spot for whale watching. Many companies offer sea excursions to discover cetaceans. A museum dedicated to the animal stands on the heights of the port. Húsavík, which hosts an annual “candy festival” also has one of the most beautiful churches in Iceland.
Mývatn
The “lake of midges”, the third natural body of water in the country, attracts many tourists for the richness of its avifauna and the geological complexity of the region. Around the lake, two short hikes lead to the top of the volcanoes Vindelgarfjall and Hverfjall, an impressive old explosion crater of 2,500 years. Unless 10 km to the east of the lake, the site of Hverrir at the foot of the Námafjall is a group of solfatares and boiling mud pools. A nearby road leads to the Krafla geothermal power plant, set in a lunar landscape, and then to the Leirhnjúkur volcano where it is possible to walk over a 1984 lava flow that is still hot and smoking in places. Opposite Leirhnjúkur, the Víti crater, whose name means "hell" contains a beautiful blue lake.
Waterfalls
They are innumerable in Iceland and easily spotted on maps by the suffix -foss, which means "waterfall". The most impressive, by flow or height, are:
- Goðafoss, the fall of the gods, between Akureyri and Mývatn takes its name from a legend according to which the colonist Thorgeir the Good would have precipitated the idols from the top of these falls after the adoption of Christianity. It is a magnificent fall in the shape of a horseshoe.
- Skógafoss, high of 60 meters and wide of 25 meters falls vertically near the village of Skógar. A campsite allows you to pitch the tent right in front of the waterfall.
- Seljalandsfoss is near Skógafoss. Slightly higher than the latter (65 meters, it is however narrower but has a particularity: it is possible to pass behind the waterfall by following a small slippery path which requires some precautions.
- Glymur is with his 198 meters away the second highest waterfall in the country after the Morsárfoss. It is not accessible by road: it takes an hour of hiking in each direction. The marked path is magnificent, we first cross a plateau before descending to the river through a cave. Crossing this river on a trunk is followed by a steep slope through rock slides.
- 1 Aldeyarfoss (30 km south of Godafoss 1 h Steps) – a geological wonder in the form of a waterfall smaller in size than some Icelandic waterfalls but embedded in a circus of basalt organs. Away from tourist circuits due to more difficult access: 30 km of gravelly track accessible to passenger cars then 1 h walk largely rewarded by a prodigious spectacle.
To go
Formalities
- See as well: Traveling in the Schengen area
Iceland is part of theSchengen area. The citizens of the Swiss and the European Economic Area which includes theEuropean Union, theIceland, the Norway and the Liechtenstein only need a national identity card or a passport valid. They don't need any Visa to enter or circulate in the Schengen area and are generally allowed to stay as long as they wish.
Remarks (1) Nationals of these countries need a biometric passport to enjoy visa-free travel. (2) Serbian nationals with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (residents of Kosovo with Serbian passport) need a visa. (3) Taiwanese nationals need their ID card number (a letter followed by nine digits) written in their passport to enjoy visa-free travel. |
Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area: Albania(1), Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and herzegovina(1), Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, United States, Grenade, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, North Macedonia(1), Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova(1), Monaco, Montenegro(1), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St. LUCIA, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia(1,2), Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan(3) (Republic of China), East Timor, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela as well as holders of a passport of Hong Kong SAR, of Macau SAR and all nationals British (including those who are not citizens of the European Union).
- The visa-free travelers mentioned above and not members of theEEE or from Swiss cannot stay more than 90 days in a period of 180 days in the Schengen area in general and, in general, cannot work during their stay (although some countries in the Schengen area allow certain nationalities to work). The counting of days begins once you enter one of the Schengen countries and does not return to zero when you leave one Schengen country for another.
- New Zealand citizens can stay longer than 90 days, but without working if they do not have a work permit, in some countries of the Schengen area, namely Germany, Austria, the Benelux, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland
If you are not a national ofEEE or from Swiss, even if you are exempt from a visa, unless you are Andorran, Monegasque, San Marino or Vatican, make sure your passport is stamped both when entering and leaving the Schengen area. Without an entry stamp, you may be treated as having exceeded your stay when trying to leave the Schengen area. Without an exit stamp, you may be refused entry the next time you seek to enter the Schengen area as you may be assumed to have exceeded the time allowed on your previous visit. If you cannot get a stamp in the passport, keep documents like boarding passes, transportation tickets, etc. which can help convince border control personnel that you have stayed in the Schengen area legally.
By plane
Arrival atKeflavik International Airport (KEF) which is connected by the following cities:
On a boat
Only one ferry company operates this regular crossing service: the Smyril Line.
The ship "Norröna" can accommodate many vehicles of all sizes and has a secondary lifting deck, many cabins often with two beds as well as various "duty free" shops. Of course, there is an excellent "lounge bar" offering a large choice of drinks and various dishes on a piano background ...
Excellent!
Various activities are also on the program to keep busy during the long crossing, a playground is on board for the little ones.
We usually leave the continent by Esbjerg or Hanstholm at Denmark with a stopover at Faroe Islands at Tórshavn. Arrival in Iceland is via the port of Seyðisfjörður located on the east coast. The crossing lasts a total of 4 to 5 days (including the stopover where you have to disembark and then re-embark ...) but can turn out to be an unforgettable experience. For a car and two people renting a cabin without a window, the price of the one-way crossing can easily rise to over 750 €.
In summer, the further up towards the Arctic Circle, the later the sun sets.
By car
It is possible to embark your personal or company vehicle only by ferry.
Circulate
By bus
A "full circle pass" allows you to go around Iceland in the direction you want on the circular route 1 (without however being able to retrace his steps ...). Pick up this sesame at the BSI station at Reykjavik. Bus timetables are also available.
Bus drivers are extremely courteous and helpful with tourists. You can ask to get off between 2 official stops, anywhere, at the place of your choice.To take the bus, stand at the edge of the circular road, and wave your hand to the bus so that he stops.
And if you want to get off Route 1, it is still possible to hitchhike even if the number of cars / hour is not very high.
For shipments within the island, it is sufficient to pay the trip directly to the driver of this other line. A 10% discount is granted for holders of the "Full Pass".
There are also regional passes such as the "Beautiful South" Pass which allows you to discover the south of the country.
By train
No railway infrastructure exists in Iceland.
By plane
It is proportionately cheaper to travel by plane than by bus, however, planes do not offer regular service.
By car
You can bring your own car (by ferry ...) or rent a vehicle on site.
The prices, again are very high (especially from June to September). The rental becomes profitable for groups of 3 to 4 people.
4x4s are offered to be able to go (almost) everywhere on the island unlike normal cars which can only take the main roads. Prices vary between 100 (for the smallest model) and 200 € per day, to which we sometimes have to add the option CDW which allows for about ten euros more (per day), to reduce the amount of the deductible in the event of damage.
- Guide to Iceland ,
354 519 7999 – Compare the offers of all car rental companies present in Iceland.
Road infrastructure
There is no motorway in Iceland, the only 4 lane serving Reykjavik. there is a charge for the Hvalfjördur tunnel.
Outside the capital, the risk of traffic jams (or even simply heavy traffic ...) is virtually zero on the entire road network, regardless of the time of year when you take the wheel. On the other hand, radar checks are very real.
A circular road called route n ° 1 goes around the island, i.e. about 1 300 km. The majority of its route is properly paved and normally always passable by a passenger car, and this in all seasons.
Secondary roads are two digits or three digits long. For these routes, it is often prudent to consult the website (or the application) SafeTravel which indicates in particular the axes which are partially or totally impracticable
Secondary roads starting with F are unpaved roads. Often passable because they are covered with gravel, they can also become simple tracks with many fords. This is particularly true in the center of the country (Highland). A sign mentioning Malbik Endar indicates the immediate passage to the track. Be careful, in case of rental, only 4X4s are allowed on type F roads.
Note that type F roads are only open to traffic when their condition allows it, i.e. after the snow has melted. Fine
Some bridges are still single lane, which means that the vehicle must be allowed to pass from the front before entering, including for giant donkeys. However, these passages are always signposted and a sign placed in the center of the lane encourages you to keep your right.
Some particularly interesting points are located on such roads, such as the Landmannalaugar. In this case, it is possible to access it by taking ... the bus! These machines are specially adapted, and make it possible to cross fords.
Note that all roads are passable by bike, the only reservation being the risk of punctures on volcanic gravel.
Driving "off-road" is strictly prohibited for any vehicle, for the sake of preserving the fragile nature.
Here is a list of damage that is not insured on vehicles whether rental or not:
- Sunken or split side sill
- Broken headlight optics
- Flat tires
- Engine drowning (fording in a stream ...)
- Gravel projections when crossing the tracks
This damage can be covered by additional insurance from the lessor.
Road signs
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | Indicating a first aid station. |
 | Hotel or motel open 7 days a week. |
Traffic Laws
You can drive very well with your usual driving license, it is not compulsory to obtain the international license. The green insurance card is valid in Iceland if you travel with your own vehicle or that of a company.
Icelandic signage meets international standards, signs indicating a potential danger (well illustrated ...) are sometimes simultaneously written in Icelandic and English. It should be noted that there are signs displaying a real schematic road map of the surroundings.
Speed limits:
- 90 km / h on the circular route n °1
- 80 km / h on dirt or gravel roads
- 30 km / h at 50 km / h in the city
Concerning heavy goods vehicles and any vehicle towing a trailer, the speed limit is reduced to 80 km / h regardless of the route taken.
Radar checks are becoming frequent, especially on the road 1. No quarter in case of arrest: fines can climb to 168,000 Isk (~ 1 000 €) and are payable on site under penalty of immobilization of the vehicle.
Switching on the dipped beam headlights is compulsory at all times of the day.
Driving is strictly prohibited above 0.4 g/ l blood alcohol level.
security
Considering the very changing climatic conditions in a brutal way in Iceland and the isolation of some roads, it is strongly recommended to consult the site (or the application of the same name) SafeTravel which indicates in particular the axes which are partially or totally impracticable. While this precautionary measure is essential for F-type roads, it is often useful for one-two or three-digit roads, regardless of the season.
Refueling and ancillary services
Given the remarkable character of these places of life, the gas stations deserve special mention ...
The price of fuel is the same throughout the island, the location of service stations is sufficiently large in town and on the road 1 but much rarer on the rural axes. This is why it is advisable to always watch your gauge and never hesitate to refuel once the tank half is empty.
International brands Shell and Esso are among the most represented, followed by local distributors such as Orkan and N1. They are generally open from 7 h 30 - 22 h (up to 23 h 30 at Reykjavik and surroundings ...) but some will not open before 9 h or 10 h not to say later. Outside these hours, it is often possible to refuel using automatic machines: international payment cards and accepted banknotes (100, 500 and 1000 ISK ...). Another no less practical option: pre-paid cards are also sold in the network N1 credited up to 3000, 5000 or 10,000 ISK. In this case, before using fuel, choose a maximum amount (in ISK), which seems confusing the first time.
Watch out for certain refueling points without a canopy: get help in the event of inclement weather, if only to cover the filler opening of the vehicle's fuel tank (infiltration of dirt that can seriously damage the engine ... ).
The vast majority of Icelandic gas stations have a car wash and a grocery store that can even act as a snack bar, serving hot and cold food. Very practical additional services for taking a break but also in case of last minute need, when supermarkets are too far away or closed for example. Some of these establishments have a small outdoor terrace. Coffee and tea are served at will please ...
Since it is advisable to wash your vehicle frequently due to the abrasive material that settles on it, most gas stations offer free access to garden hoses.
Icelanders have even gotten into the habit of dropping off their children (and picking them up ...) for pickup by school bus, doing their shopping there as well as dropping off their postal items. You can even find out about the weather (yes ...) or simply ask for directions. Their managers are friendly and outgoing, the places generally offer a pleasant setting even if they seem a little austere when seen from the outside. In general, these stations offer free Wi-Fi.
Road maps of the island and atlases are available at local tourist offices, as well as at bookstores and gas stations.
By bike
For true nature lovers, nothing beats a bike trip. The windy climate, the relief and the poor quality of the roads will overcome the toughest of them. A good training is then essential before embarking on the Icelandic adventure. For people who have time, this is the cheapest way to get around.
Be aware, however, that the practice outside classified roads and tracks is strictly prohibited, the bicycle being considered a vehicle according to Icelandic law.
Bring your bike as checked baggage or rent one on site.
Make
- A horse ride: this animal is remarkably resistant to difficult climatic conditions. While you won't be doing your transport exclusively on horseback, treat yourself to the luxury of a half-day on horseback. An unforgettable experience. The Icelandic horse, which is not to be confused with a pony, knows no less than five different steps, including the famous Icelandic step: between walking and trotting, it advances at equivalent speed without the jolts of the trot.
- From the snow scooter on the Vatnajökull glacier, in the south-east of the island. We are "lost" in the white immensity, it is extraordinary. But you can also just go up (in a special bus) to the top of the glacier, the steep road in the middle of the stones with a view of the sea is spectacular.
- A swim in the Blue Lagoon (Blàa Lònið), south of Reykjavik. It is a lagoon formed by the waste from the neighboring geothermal station. The temperature of the mineralized water is greater than 35 ° C.
- An excursion to meet the whales of the Arctic from Reykjavik. Minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises are the species you will see most often.
Speak
The official language isIcelandic. But almost everyone talks too English. It is also possible to find people speaking Danish and theGerman.
Buy
Iceland's currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK).
Here is a list of products to bring back from Iceland:
- Local wool crafts : Do not leave without having bought the famous Icelandic pullovers (lopi) knitted in one piece, seamless, waterproof and very warm. (between 6000 and 12000 ISK)
- Music : It is in Iceland that you will find the largest choice of music .... Icelandic. Do not hesitate to come back with folk music and songs.
Sales tax (VAT) is refunded to tourists prior to their departure (at the airport or port customs post) on all unopened items, along with proof of purchase. This refund can be obtained at the airport exchange office before taking off. It is of course possible to submit this request by post upon return, but the check will be issued in Icelandic Kroner and the bank charges for this kind of collection are often higher than the amount of the check itself!
Another solution is to go to the tourist office which performs the same transaction and reimburses you in euros or any other currency (rarely in crowns). But it is necessary, as proof of having left the country, to put the envelope in a letterbox at the airport of Keflavik within 30 days of the refund.
Eat
The geographical and climatic situation of Iceland does not allow a very varied agriculture as in other countries, so tourists will be surprised by the lack of choice and especially by the price of local food.
However, with Icelandic productions, you will discover very good and relatively affordable dishes:
- Fish (Fishing is still the economic engine of this country): the pheasant shark (buried in 1 m deep for 6 months in the sand of a beach with the tides passing over it), cod is also one of the most consumed fish in the country.
- Dairy products : a very large choice of dairy products is available to visitors. Don't miss out on Skyr, a delicious white cheese whose consistency can be changed at will by adding other simple ingredients (fresh cream makes it smoother).
If you're thinking of camping, don't forget your freeze-dried food supplies that you can find in any good outdoor store. It's light, it's easy to prepare by adding hot water, and it's nourishing.
Be careful, however, of the customs limit, only the equivalent of 3 kg of food is allowed.
Drink / Go out
Besides your 2 liters of wine per person that customs will allow you to pass, alcohol is a luxury that is expensive in Iceland. Alcohol has long been prohibited in this country.
It is the installation of the American base of Keflavík which ultimately got the better of prohibition. Strong beer has only been allowed since 1989, but it is not as full-bodied as on other continents.
If you drink in excess, be careful! Do not take the wheel under any circumstances because this risk taking is extremely frowned upon in this country. If you are stopped by the police you will be in very serious trouble.
Concerts in the bistros of Reykjavik Friday night.
Housing
- The most economical is undoubtedly camping. At the start of your stay, stop by a campsite near Keflavík International Airport, in fact returning travelers leave many useful things there (small gas bottle, condiment, rice, pasta, etc.)
- Schools are closed during the summer and turned into youth hostels (Edda)
- A non-negligible source of income for the local population remains the "Homestay" rooms. Several websites offer rentals, including in places that do not have hotels.
- A network of hotels covers the entire territory in the big cities.
Learn
To work
It is not always easy to work in Iceland especially for people who do not speak English. Through travel associations such as Club TELI http://www.teli.asso.fr However, you can find summer jobs such as au pairs for young girls, reception posts in museums, and waiters in hotels and restaurants. For the bravest, fish processing factories are also hiring!Icelandic embassy can also provide you with information.
Communicate
Internet
Few cybercafés since almost all the inhabitants have Internet access at home. All bars and cafes in downtown Reykjavik offer free Internet access, via Wi-Fi. Access is also available in libraries in each city, and can also be found in some hotels. In Reykjavik, the tourist offices in the city center offer access, but at a higher rate than that of a library.
Phone
Four operators are in the territory: Simmin, the national operator, Vodafone ... The telephone is one of the rare things which is not expensive, in Iceland; that is to say not more expensive than in Europe. If your mobile phone is unlocked for any type of chip, you can get a chip on the plane, at a reasonable price and enough credit for reservations, rentals, information services ...
Note the exceptional coverage: the mobile phone works even in the heart of the Highland desert, off the main roads. In the event of danger or more simply of breakdown, the rescue service intervenes free of charge, quite simply because life has failed. no price.
European roaming
Since June 15, 2017, "European roaming" has been introduced. It allows all SIM card holders belonging to one of the European member countries to maintain the same pricing conditions as in the country of origin.
Telephone calls and Internet browsing are valid at no additional cost in all European countries, unless authorized by national authorities (generally minor operators) or when a data Gbit threshold is exceeded, which increases year by year. To use this service, simply activate the roaming option on your mobile phone.
The participating countries are those ofEuropean Union (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary , Ireland , Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, UK, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), those ofEuropean Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and some Oversea territories (Azores, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, The meeting, Saint-Martin).
Manage the day-to-day
Health
European citizens
Citizens ofEuropean Union (EU), who fall unexpectedly ill during a temporary stay, studies or a professional stay, are entitled to the same medical care as in their country of residence. It is always useful to take the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which constitutes physical proof of your insurance in an EU country. However, if you do not have the card with you or if you cannot use it (as in the case of private assistance), you are still entitled to treatment, but you are obliged to pay the costs on the spot. , then you will ask for a refund on your return.
The countries in which health coverage is provided are all those that are members of theEuropean Union (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary , Ireland , Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), those ofEuropean Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), the Swiss, the UK and the Oversea territories member of the European Union (Azores, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, The meeting, Saint-Martin).
security
 | Emergency telephone number: All emergency services:112 |
The respect is total, the theft almost "non-existent".
As everywhere, alcohol in excessive quantities can make some people aggressive.
When you see signs warning you of the risk of burns, soil subsidence in the event of non-compliance with the trails, respect them. Les autorités islandaises ainsi que les habitants sont experts dans les dangers de leur territoire, ne vous amusez pas à les défier.Ainsi, les risques de brûlures sont bien réels dans les zones d'éruption volcaniques récentes (îles Vestmann, par exemple).
Sachez que la détention et le trafic de stupéfiants sont passibles de 6 à 10 ans d'emprisonnement.
Government travel advice
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Belgium (Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) 
Canada (Government of Canada) 
France (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) 
Swiss (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs)
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Respect
Être humble et discret.
Il est important de comprendre qu'un pas d'humain sur un territoire fragile peut l'endommager pour des années, alors ne jetez pas vos déchets dans la nature, ne piétinez pas inutilement le sol recouvert de végétaux et ne cueillez aucune plante.Surtout, n'oubliez pas que la circulation hors piste est strictement interdite, pour protéger la nature.
La coutume islandaise veut que lorsqu'on rentre dans une habitation, on se déchausse dans l'entrée. Il peut arriver que cela se fasse aussi dans certains lieux publics tels que les centres médicaux.
