Here are some tips from our Iceland trip. Some specific to February or winter.

Money and Expenses

  1. Because Iceland is expensive, be prepared.  As an example, two coffees and two small sandwiches one morning were 36 dollars US.
  2. Alcohol is one of the most expensive items on the island.  The liquor stores are government-owned and only open a short time each day.  There is a duty-free shop at the airport, so if you want to drink, stop here.  It is a favorite of locals and travelers for the most reasonable prices.
  3. Airbnb is the way to go, their rates are more reasonable than the hotels, and you can cook, which will reduce your food expense.
  4. Tipping is included in your bills. However, if you feel generous above that, go ahead. We still do it from time to time.
  5. We use our phone carrier’s international day pass. You could also buy a sim card and use an unlocked phone. Either way, check with your carrier before leaving. If you use a day pass, make sure you turn on your international settings on your phone.
  6. This is one of the first places we have been that can be 100% cashless. There was not one time we needed cash. You can use your credit/debit card everywhere. You should set up and use smartphone payment apps (NFC) whenever possible. These apps (Apple Pay, Andriod Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay) are currently available’s safest method. Europe has been using this for many years, and it is nice and fast. Message us if you want further information, or give it a Google search. Also, when you use the card, the conversion to Icelandic Krona is done for you.

Pay icons look like these.

Weather

  1. Iceland has an unforgiving climate, be respectful and be prepared. A majority of the land is volcanic rock. The temperature was not as extreme as you may think. However, the wind is ferocious. You will need a wind barrier for your upper body and your legs. We both had balaclavas and waterproof/wind pants.
  2. If the road is closed or there is a rule about not going somewhere, obey it. People have died here, ignoring things.
  3. There will be ice, water, and or snow. Bring waterproof shoes or boots. If you go hiking, obviously wear the appropriate footwear. Even walking around town, your feet will get wet if there is precipitation. We soaked our shoes one day and thought we were taking a quick walk.

Buy some cheap crampons, just for around town or minor areas. Nothing serious like ice hiking crampons. We found some on Amazon for $12. They work well.

Driving

  1. Use a map. If you aren’t familiar with maps, then brush up. GPS is only half the battle if you can’t read the street signs…. In Icelandic. Even though we had GPS help, a few times, Apple decided not to work so well and sent us the wrong way.
  2. You will likely need to rent a car. Unless you are staying in town and using tour groups, you will have to drive to get to all the fun spots. They drive on the right-hand side of the road, so that part is easy. No special license is required.
  3. Insurance. There are some places where you should get the extra insurance on a rental. We have coverage through our insurance and our credit card and still took the extra insurance.  If anything happens to the car, and you don’t have their insurance, you have to pay upfront and get reimbursed.   This environment is, as I said, unforgiving. The entire island is lava rock. The wind is ferocious. You can slide on the ice. Friends warned us about the wind grabbing a door and bending it backward.   The fastest way to have your doors bent backward is to open both doors simultaneously.  The wind was that bad on several occasions. We saw several cars with bent back doors driving around. This is something to consider if you rent.
  4. If you drive, you can take advantage of the many stops. There are signs for some of the stops, but also interesting views and old buildings. Hopefully, you can stop at many and not be in a hurry.