15 Iceland-avoiding things as a tourist

Being an Island tourist

During your visit to Iceland, there are certain things you should not do to save money to save you from embarrassment or to protect you against harm. Here is a list of some good things to avoid while visiting Iceland, as a resident recommends.

1. Do not leave at home your coat

Iceland’s weather can change dramatically for one day. Although most days are predictable during summer, sunshine, rain, and evening snowfalls can still be experienced in the morning and changing winds. This weather pattern is even more common and extreme during the winter, with the occasional snowstorm for fun.

Everyone should also always bring your warm coat to Gullfoss and Geysir (or any other voyager for that matter), even if the weather is fabulous from your hotel window. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but you always have a chance and if you do, you’re glad to have it!

2. Don’t downsize the weather

It can range up to +20 ° C in high summer and usually does not get below + -15 ° C during winter. The temperature range is not drastic. The average temperature in the summer is approximately 10 ° C and in the winter is -1 ° C. Although Iceland’s name is on average very little snow.

The wind is difficult here. Tourists should expect steady winds close to the sea, from mild blowing gales. We can play gambling with the tranquil winds throughout Iceland throughout the North Atlantic. The winds are a little lighter inland unless you go up into the mountains, where they can blow. When the air is calm, there are days, but these are rare.

3. Don’t get attracted by darkness (or light)

You may experience a dramatically different amount of daylight from the one you used to in Iceland. It is not dark during June and July, while the dark is about 15:30 to approximately 11:30 on the following day, in December and January.

The sun goes down only a few hours from mid-May to mid-August, which means it’s almost always light. This is why people often bring masks to help them sleep. With about five hours of daylight, the midwinter is the polar opposite.

4. Avoid purchasing in stores bottled water.

Iceland’s tap water is among the world’s purest. It is not chlorinated or fluorinated, because it’s not necessary. Indeed, the main complaint of tourists about the Icelandic waters, because there is almost no other thing but water, is their lack of taste.

When you go to Iceland, make sure to have a reusable bottle of water and drink the water coming directly from the tap rather than spending money on bottled water. It does not only save you money but also helps the environment, by not buying plastic products — all of us know how long it takes to degrade. However, if you’re interested in sparkling water, most supermarkets have a decent variety.

5. Evitate 10-11 shopping

If you’re on a late flight, a 10-11 may be your only choice, but try not to shop for that supermarket chain simply because it’s Iceland’s the most affordable supermarket. Sometimes the prices at these stores are three times the cost of the cheapest option.

In the case of Bonus, Kronan, or Netto Stores, try to make your shopping savings. These alternative chains can be found throughout the capital and in most major rural towns.

6. Don’t be fooled in supermarkets by the light ‘Beer’

The alcoholic beverage sold in Icelandic supermarkets is called Pilsner with a minimum alcoholic volume of 2.25 percent. The drink is not beer, even if it looks like it, with such a low alcohol content. You have to go to a special government-run alcohol store called Vinbudin to purchase alcohol outside bars and restaurants. Don’t worry, around the capital area there’s plenty of them. They are available in a wide variety of stores and are typically open from Monday to Saturday.

As a side note, I recommend the brand on the picture below if you wish to buy a light beer — it’s quite delicious and refreshing.

7. Don’t assume that anywhere, anytime, you can buy alcohol

You can not go to any corner market in Iceland any day and buy booze. Special Vínbúðin shops are open for limited hours only for certain days.

You can not only expect to pay high duty and alcohol taxes. Travelers who want to store frequently charge at a duty-free airport for alcohol. Just ensure that you follow the alcohol requirements, which are duty-free in the country.

By the way, DUI in Iceland has no tolerance. You could get a fine of $750 and you could lose your driver’s license for only one beer for two months.

8. Don’t get too quick

In Iceland, the speed limit is between 30 and 90 km / h. You’ll want to keep your eyes fixed, as tickets for speed are heavy. For instance,

.When the speed limit reaches 60 km / h, you are going to be fined $80.

.You will need $400 to drive 110 km / h in a 90 km area.

.You should drive slowly in the neighborhood of residential areas, schools, and hospitals. .The loss of a drivers’ permit for three months will hurt 61 km / h in an area of 30 km / h: 550 $for fines.

Not only that, but fines generally begin at the speed limit of 6 km / h. So you can even pull over a few kilometers across the boundary.

9. Don’t get off-road

You might have seen a travel ad where people travel at high speeds across sand or grassy hills in a jeep with a blast, so it’s okay to go wherever you want in Iceland. It’s not true. This is not true.

Off-road driving takes Iceland very seriously, and if you are caught you could be fined up to $ 2,000 plus the damage you have caused. Don’t take off the road or track in your vehicle no matter what you saw on TV or how harmless it looks.

10. Do not walk alone and do not ignore signs of warning

Although nature is amazing, it is dangerous in Iceland. Every year, tourists get lost or have accidents on hikes in isolated areas and, though the majority of local rescue teams find themselves, some die because of exposure or are never found anymore. Therefore, please go with your group (preferably a guided tour), to walk in remote areas of Iceland, and make sure someone knows your plans in your hotel and can look forward to their return.

Please remember that warning signs exist for some reason, as many travelers may think — they’re not just built as a precautionary measure if someone sues.  In Iceland, warning signs are normally only placed where the real danger exists. You should be aware that the warning sign was probably placed there, if you think you know what you’re doing, as someone before you thought he knew what he was doing.

11. Do not first enter the pools without a shower

Iceland has many heated outdoor swimming pools which are a pleasure to experience. However, there is a strict policy that requires that all bathers shower in their “birthday suits” and clean themselves before entering the swimming pools. If you’re trying to skip the shower, a mild hostile shower guide will meet you and direct you back to the showers.

You should go to the Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s largest heated pool if you are rather timid about bathing before others. This swimming pool features extensive amenities, including a few special showers that look like changing rooms. I would love to display a photo, but I don’t have one (for clear reasons).

12. Don’t worry your server tipping

In Iceland, it is neither necessary nor encouraged to type the person who brings you food or drink. The food and service prices are the salary of the staff so they have no hope of leaving them a tip. But it’s not frowned on, either, therefore if you feel like tipping, then it’s more than all right, too.

13. Remember, before leaving Iceland, to exchange your remaining Kronas

The Icelandic Crown is a small currency that banks outside Iceland rarely accept. Therefore you should exchange Icelandic krona before you leave the country, except that you wish to keep it as souvenirs.

At the airport, there’s a bank that will gladly accept your rest in exchange for the world’s common currencies.

14. Avoid (or Embrace!) Iceland’s Biggest Tourist Traps

Iceland is undergoing a tourism boom, as mentioned. In 2018, Iceland visited 2.3 million people, which was 5.5% higher than in 2017. Of course, it means that you have a lot of other travelers to share your visit. The most popular places are listed below. If you love crowds, you won’t bother with visiting these most touristic sites, but you’ll want to avoid them at any price and instead choose options off the beaten track.