Money
Icelandic Krona (Krona ISK). 1 Krona = 100 Aurar. Notes are in denominations of ISK5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of ISK100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Bring GBP, EURO or USD for exchange, and an internationally recognized debit/credit card for teller machine withdrawals (available in all bigger towns).
Foreign currencies can also be exchanged in all major banks, some of which (such as the Landesbank at Keflavik airport) are open 24 hours. Most hotels also provide their guests with exchange services. Exchange services are also available from The Change Group, which has offices at Keflavik airport, the Tourist Information Centre and in central Reykjavík.
Exchange rate (July 08)
1 USD = 79 Krona
1 GBP = 158 Krona
1 EUR = 126 Krona
1 AUD = 77 Krona
1 NZD = 60 Krona
Currency restriction: The import and export of local currency is limited to ISK8000; the import of foreign currency is unlimited and the export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported.
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Food, glorious food
Fish caught in clear and unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic and lamb that feed on unfertilised fields comprise the staples of Iceland’s almost entirely organic cuisine.
Icelandic fish, caught in the unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic and in rivers, has established a worldwide reputation for its superb quality and delicious taste. Fish is the mainstay of the Icelandic diet, and fresh fish can be had all the year round. Icelanders eat mostly haddock, plaice, cod, halibut, ocean perch, herring and shrimp, in addition to lobster, salmon and trout. Fish is traditionally baked, salted, or served in a stew. Smoked salmon is a favorite, along with fish pâté and pickled herring. Indeed, the smoked salmon of Iceland is a great delicacy and although served in many forms, one of the most popular ways of serving it is as gravlax.
Perhaps the best and most widely available meat is lamb. Predominantly free-range and hormone-free (thanks to Iceland’s strict regulations relating to meat production), the taste is superb. Lamb is a common menu item at restaurants, and is served in a variety of tasty ways in stews, roasted and smoked as hangikjot. Chicken, duck and turkey are also reared for consumption in Iceland.
Iceland excels in the dairy arena. More than 80 types of cheese and other dairy products are produced, some of which have won international awards. Skyr which is something between a rich yogurt and the German Quark (similar to ricotta or cream cheese) and mysa (whey) are Icelandic specialties that have been made in farms through the centuries. Skyr is often served mixed with cream and sometimes topped with wild berries. On the sweet theme, randalin is a delicious cake layered with blueberry jam.
Off the culinary beaten track, Iceland’s national bird, the puffin, is a popular dish in the country’s best restaurants. Served salted, smoked or slathered in a sauce, it is a dish that is totally Icelandic. Additionally, fermented shark (hakarl) is very Icelandic, but has perhaps an acquired taste.
Iceland has a range of traditional foods, called orramatur, which are enjoyed especially in the period from January to March. These preserved foods include smoked and salted lamb, specially prepared sheep heads, dried fish, smoked and pickled salmon, fermented and cured shark (hakarl) and various other delicacies. Breads include laufabrau (deep-fried paper-thin bread), kleinur (similar to doughnuts) and rye pancakes.
As a city, Reykjavik is very cosmopolitan. The city’s many and varied restaurants, cafes and bars serve a variety of cuisine including Icelandic and international cuisine such as Italian, Indian, Chinese and more. |
Shopping
Shopping in Iceland is of an international standard. Popular local buys include woolen knitwear such as cardigans, sweaters, hats, mittens and blankets, handmade ceramics, glassware, silver jewellery in Celt and Norse designs and patterns, Icelandic couture, artwork and chocolate.
The traditional Icelandic lopapeysa (a preserve of fishermen and farmers and now the fashionista brigade) is a knitted sweater made of Icelandic wool with a traditional design to the chest and sleeves. Some are buttoned, some come with a zipper. Sporting one of these beauties will definitely keep the cold at bay.
A refund of the local VAT (Value Added Tax), currently 15% is available to international visitors in Iceland. The purchase amount must be no less than ISK4000 (VAT included) in any one transaction. Enquire locally in your place of purchase for further information. |
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What's to drink?
Beer was prohibited in Iceland for 75 years. The good news is that it was finally legalised in 1989. The bad news is that alcohol in general is more expensive than anywhere else in Europe.
Liquor can be purchased at licenced bars, restaurants, or VinBud, the state monopoly.
There are three local brands of beer – Egils, Thule and Viking. In addition, Iceland produces a range of quality vodkas. Brennivin, a potent variation of aquavit made from potatoes is a local tipple worth sampling.
Visitors arriving by air should take advantage of Duty Free purchases. Many Icelanders enjoy a ‘few’ before heading out for a night on the town; this is also a popular move amongst visitors, keen to stretch their holiday funds.
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