FAQs

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Wedding: The bride, groom, and wedding party will be dressed semi-formally so please keep that in mind when planning your attire. However the wedding day festivities will be mostly outdoors in the Iceland winter season so please dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for sightseeing Iceland in General: Tips from Pink Iceland: When travelling in Iceland we recommend layers! lightweight woollens a sweater or warm fleece a rainproof coat (and trousers if you have them) Walking shoes or hiking boots are great hat, scarf and mittens (especially in autumn and winter) A swimsuit is essential if you want to take advantage of the geothermal and/or natural pools. Makes sure you check the weather forecast frequently as the weather is known to change suddenly.

Question

What are the dates I should be aware of?

Answer

Attendance RSVP due: 11/30/19 Stracta hotel room block reservation ends: 11/30/19 Optional travel tour payment due: 1/31/19 International flight reservation: There is obviously no cutoff but the sooner the booking the better to obtain a better price. Wedding day: 3/14/20

Question

When are RSVPs due?

Answer

We will accept RSVPs through the end of November of 2019.

Question

Will Adam and Rachel be taking the optional transfers to and from the wedding hotel?

Answer

Adam and Rachel will be taking the tour from Reykjavík to Stracta Hotel. However after the wedding will be staying in Iceland and heading east around the country so will not be joining the group on the return trip to Reykjavík.

Question

What is the timing for the optional transfers?

Answer

3/13/20 - Reykjavik to Stracta Hotel Duration: 7-9 hours •Depart downtown Reykjavik, 10:00am. (Exact location bus stop #13 Rauðarárstígur) •Lunch stop, payable on site •Golden Circle Tour •Arrive Stracta Hotel 3/15/20 - Stracta Hotel to Reykjavik Duration: 5-6.5 hours •Depart Stracta Hotel, 10:00am •Arrive Blue Lagoon 12:15pm (entry of ~$85 as of June '19 exch rate included in overall price) •Lunch available at Blue Lagoon Cafe, payable onsite • Leave blue lagoon 2:15pm (guests that have same day flights) •Arrive KEF terminal 2:45pm •Remaining guests are picked up at the Blue lagoon 3:30pm •KEF terminal bus stop 4:15pm

Question

What is the cut off to be included in the optional transfers?

Answer

RSVPs should be submitted and booking fees for the transfer tours should be paid by the end of January 2020. After this point final arrangements will be made and seating may not be available.

Question

How can I pay for and reserve my spot for the optional transfers?

Answer

Payment for one or two guests can be made at the below links. (This is coordinated through our planner at Pink Iceland) URL FOR ONE PERSON: https://securepay.borgun.is/SecurePay/Ticket.aspx?ticket=vHLVRjzOx URL FOR TWO PEOPLE https://securepay.borgun.is/SecurePay/Ticket.aspx?ticket=7VUaUh02x (Please copy and paste one of the URLs above into your browser window as these are not hyper links)

Question

How can I book a reservation at Stracta Hotel for the wedding weekend?

Answer

To book a room under our wedding reservation please email Hannes at Pink Iceland. Email: hannes@pinkiceland.is

Question

How long do I have to book a room at the Stracta Hotel?

Answer

Rooms in our wedding block will be held through the end of November of 2019.

Question

What time is check in/check out at Stracta Hotel?

Answer

Check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 12:00 local time in Hella.

Question

What expenses should I plan for?

Answer

We will cover the arrival night cap, all wedding day expenses (travel, meals, and activities), and the Sunday farewell brunch. Guests should plan for airfare, travel to and from Hella, Iceland, and hotel accommodations.

Question

How should I calculate costs?

Answer

Currency in Iceland is in ISK, Icelandic Krona. This site can be used for conversion. https://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=ISK&to=USD&amount=1

Question

Can you help me book a flight?

Answer

Please make sure to check out the travel page for international flight details, tips, and travel agent information.

Question

What type of electrical outlet is used in Iceland

Answer

Outlets in Iceland output 230 volts versus in the US they output 110 volts. The plug in the wall will also be different. Adapters Versus Converters: Adapters: These will enable you to convert the physical plug into the correct shape and enable you to physically plug your device into the wall. If all you need is an adapter the power input marking should say "Input: 100-240V and 50/60H" Converters: These will convert the electrical power supply from 230 volts to the appropriate US 110 volts required for most US appliances. Without a converter most US appliances will overheat and burn up. This may still be a concern for certain hair appliances even WITH a converter so please check your device. -Most laptops accept 230 and only require an adapter (to be safe please check your individual device) -Both adapters & converters can be purchased online and in many airport stores

Question

Is tipping in Iceland customary?

Answer

No. It is not customary nor expected.

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

Iceland water is some of the cleanest water in the world. Make sure to bring a water bottle, refill it, and save a few dollars on purchasing bottled water.

Question

Should I travel with a gift?

Answer

It would make it much easier for guests as well as ourselves if anything besides small gifts or cards were mailed to our Denver address after our return to the US at the end of April 2020.

Question

Are gifts expected?

Answer

Gifts are definitely not expected or required. We will consider your presence an honor and a gift in itself.

Question

What are the days like?

Answer

The Icelandic days range between super short and super long, summer visitors who arrive to a bright midnight sky and ask when it gets dark in Iceland are sometimes told "in the middle of August." The sun barely sets in the summer in Reykjavík and it’s light round-the-clock in the north at the peak of summer. In mid-winter, expect only about four to five hours a day of daylight. Spring and autumn daylight hours are more or less "normal". Check it out: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=211

Question

Will my cell phone work in Iceland?

Answer

Unless you have an international phone plan as part of your wireless package phone calls & internet access will not be available through your cellular provider. Options: 1. Activate a temporary international phone plan through your wireless provider. This will ensure coverage but can be somewhat expensive depending on usage and days overseas. 2. Purchase a SIM card in Iceland and activate it in your existing phone + purchase a phone plan to use with the SIM card. This may be tricky depending on your phone & provider. If not done correctly it could cause issues with your phone. Rachel & Adam do not recommend this option. 3. Use WiFi networks that are available throughout the city. There will likely be some locations where WiFi is unavailable, but typically in major cities coverage should be enough to meet basic needs. *Rachel & Adam are planning for WiFi throughout Reykjavik (#3) but will have an international phone plan (#1) as backup for travel through more remote areas.

Question

Will I be able to send text messages while in Iceland?

Answer

Unless you have an international phone plan or an Iceland SIM card text messages will accrue charges or fail to go through. You may be able to send text messages while connected to WiFi but may still incur charges since you are physically outside of the US. Recommendation: Download "WhatsApp" and set up your account prior to leaving the US. This app will allow messaging via WiFi networks. When you're disconnected messages won't come through, but you will receive them when you reconnect to the next WiFi network. You can message individuals as well as groups of multiple people.

Question

How can I avoid international and roaming fees with my cell phone provider while traveling in Iceland?

Answer

The easiest way to turn off data and avoid charges altogether is to put your phone into airplane mode while out of the country. You can still connect to WiFi networks and check emails, browse the internet, and message individuals through WhatsApp or similar messaging apps.

Question

Will my credit cards work in Iceland?

Answer

Credit cards should work in Iceland but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. 1. International charges: Unless you specifically have a card that is considered international, most cards will charge a fee for conversion between ISK and USD. This fee can vary by card and is usually per transaction. Over the course of your trip this can add up, so it is recommended to check with your credit card companies beforehand and use cards that do not charge foreign conversion fees. 2. International Iceland charges being flagged as fraudulent: To avoid issues with your card companies incorrectly flagging your charges as fraudulent and declining your transactions, it is recommended to call your credit card companies at least a week before departure to let them know your travel plans. They can retain this information so that you don't encounter issues.

Question

What should I know about rental cars and gas in Iceland?

Answer

• Road conditions can vary a lot due to surface and weather. Take your time driving! •Gas in Iceland is very expensive, generally $8-10 per gallon. •A pin number will be required to purchase self service gas at the pump. A credit card without a pin will be declined. If the gas station is open you can pay with a credit card inside with the cashier but it is best to be prepared to have a card with a pin so that you can purchase gas after the store front is closed. •If you pass a gas station and are at half a tank or less, stop and fill up. Outside of Reykjavik gas stations are not available every few minutes, so definitely fill up to avoid having to turn back or get stranded.

Question

How long does it take to get a US passport?

Answer

After gathering and submitting requirements and payment, generally it takes 6-8 weeks to receive a passport. Sometimes it can take longer based on their wait list. It is recommended to start the process several months early to avoid problems should any delays arise. Information on the process can be found here: https://www.google.com/amp/s/time.com/5133988/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-passport/%3Famp%3Dtrue

Question

Where can I exchange money?

Answer

All banks exchange currency. Online currency converter. The banks in Reykjavík are usually closed during weekend. You can also change money at the Tourist information in Aðalstræti 2, in the city center, as well as in some hotels. It’s highly doubtful you’ll be anywhere that doesn’t accept international credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are pretty much accepted everywhere, and most vendors accept Amex. If you want to stay on the safe side and bring some cash then I suggest Icelandic Krona. You won’t be able to get those outside Iceland so I suggest you visit a bank at the airport after you land in Iceland.