No GMT offset.
Icelands electricity supply is 230 volts, 50Hz, as it is in most European countries. Plugs and sockets are of the two-pin type typical of Europe.
Icelandic, but English is widely spoken.
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry. Medical care in the country is of high quality. Payment is usually expected in cash from visitors. Travel insurance is highly recommended. A reciprocal agreement exists whereby British citizens are entitled to free emergency medical treatment provided they possess a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Service charges are included in bills and tipping is not expected in Iceland.
Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, so keep an eye open if you are on the road.
Smoking in bars, restaurants and on public transport in Iceland is illegal. Penalties for the possession of drugs are steep. Travellers should note that although whale meat is legally available in Iceland, it is not legal to bring it across borders into the UK or EU.
Most business in Iceland tends to take place in the capital, Reykjavik. Business meetings are usually formal, with smart dress essential. It is worth handing out business cards, and initial greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake. Punctuality should be respected. Meetings are usually conducted in English when dealing with foreigners. It is worth noting that Icelanders generally go by their first name, and telephone directory listings are alphabetical by first name. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm (summer) and 9am to 5pm (winter). Most offices are closed on weekends.
The international country code for Iceland is +354. City and area codes are not in use. Note that Icelanders are listed by their first name in the telephone directory, not the last. Visitors can rent wifi hotspots. Wifi is easy to access, and free calls can be made using wifi connections.
Travellers to Iceland over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products. Travellers over 20 years are also allowed one litre spirits and one litre wine, or one litre spirits and six litres beer, or one litre wine and six litres beer, or two and a quarter litres wine, and food items up to three kg not exceeding ISK 25,000. Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities are required for cordless phones, remote controls or radio transmitters, but not for a GSM mobile phone. Prohibited items include narcotics and drugs, uncooked meat products, weapons and powdered or moist snuff.
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