FAQs
Question
Iceland travel webpage
Answer
Copy and paste : https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html
Question
Where are most people staying?
Answer
Most people are staying in Reykjavik and driving to the wedding the morning of the 17th. There are some hotels near the church if you are wanting to stay closer to the church.
Question
How far away is the black church from Reykjavik?
Answer
About 2.5 hours. Entering 'Budir Church' on your maps app should take you to the correct location. Please let me know if you have any trouble with directions.
Question
What should we expect at the church?
Answer
The church is ran by volunteers and is not staffed. There is no AC/heat or running water. Please keep this in mind with restroom needs as well as your attire.
Question
Is there a plan for after the wedding?
Answer
Yes! We will have a toast at the church and take photos. We will take group photos after the toast and then go on our own to take more photos at a nearby location. We have the church until 1 pm and can hang out (if the weather allows) until then. Feel free to go on your way when you want to. We are planning to organize a dinner for everyone in Reykjavik later in the evening. Details to come once there is a general head count. Again, no pressure to join if you have other plans! I am all for everyone exploring and making your trip what you want it to be!
Question
What documents will I need for the international trip?
Answer
Passport- to be safe, ensure it does not expire within 6 months of your return home date. No VISA required if staying for less than 90 days.
Question
What is the weather like in August?
Answer
Weather changes by the minute in Iceland, but in August it is typically sunny with lows of 40's F and highs of 60's F. Wind and rain come and go, layers and wind breakers/rain coats will be your friend. Days are longer in August and last 16-17 hours.
Question
Will my phone work in Iceland?
Answer
Refer to your phone carrier for international plans. There are eSIM cards you can purchase once in Iceland if that makes sense for you. You can rely on WiFi as well if you are confident with not needing internet access while driving. According to google: T-Mobile: Many plans include free international text and 256kbps data, with some offering up to 5GB-15GB of high-speed data in Iceland. Verizon TravelPass: $10/day for unlimited talk, text, and data, allowing you to use your phone as you do at home. AT&T International Day Pass: $10/day to use your existing plan's data, talk, and text. Alternative Options eSIM (Airalo, Orange): Convenient, affordable, and easy to set up for data-only access. Local Prepaid SIM (Nova, Vodafone, Siminn): Buy at Keflavík Airport or in Reykjavik for the best rates, offering high-speed data and local calling. Portable Wi-Fi Rental (Trawire): Rent a portable hotspot for around $10/day, ideal for connecting multiple devices.
Question
What plug-ins work in Iceland? Voltage?
Answer
Type C and Type F - Can find European universal plug-ins on Amazon Voltage 230V/50Hz - check the small print on the device or its charger for "INPUT: 100-240V" or "dual voltage" Phone/tablet chargers are usually dual voltage. Hair tools, especially hair dryers can be dual voltage but commonly are not. Double check! Larger appliances like an iron or steamer are not dual voltage unless it was intentionally designed for dual voltage. You can rely on what your accommodations supply for you, purchase a dual voltage product, or purchase a voltage converter. If you purchase a voltage converter, make sure it doesn't list anything that it is not compatible with that you are wanting to use it for. If your item does not match the voltage in Iceland, there is a really good chance that you break your item.
Question
Will I be able to communicate with locals?
Answer
Yes, English is widely spoken.
Question
What is the Emergency number?
Answer
112
Question
Do I need Icelandic money?
Answer
Icelandic money is called Króna. You do not 'need' cash unless you want to. Iceland is generally cashless, so ensuring your bank card will work is best. The rates in the airport for exchanging money will be high, the ATM's in town will offer the lowest rate.
Question
What are public restrooms like?
Answer
Unlike the USA, public toilets in Europe often require a small fee before using. As far as I know, these toilets will accept a bank card payment.
Question
Our plan if you care to join...
Answer
Leave Seattle the night of the 14th. Arrive in KEF the morning of the 15th. Rent a car. Drive to hotel in Reykjavik. Explore Reykjavik. 8/16 Drive the Golden Circle and stop at any sightseeing that peaks interest. At the end of the circle, we will head north to Budír to stay at a hotel near the church. 8/17 WEDDING! Then drive back to Reykjavik. Dinner in the evening and bar hopping. 8/18 TBD 8/19 leave Iceland and off to the honeymoon!
Question
Things to see in Reykjavik
Answer
From google: Top Landmarks & Sightseeing Hallgrímskirkja: Take the elevator to the top of this modernist church for the best view of the city's colorful rooftops. Harpa Concert Hall: Explore the stunning glass architecture in the Old Harbour area. Sun Voyager (Sólfar): A steel sculpture on the waterfront resembling a Viking ship. Perlan (The Pearl): A museum with a rotating glass dome, featuring a real indoor ice cave and planetarium. Old Harbour: Walk the docks, visit museums, and take whale-watching tours. Laugavegur Street: The main street for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Museums & Culture National Museum of Iceland: Detailed history of the nation from settlement to modern times. Icelandic Phallological Museum: A unique, world-renowned museum. Saga Museum: Life-like wax figures depicting famous Icelandic sagas. Reykjavík Art Museum: Spread across three locations, including the Ásmundarsafn. Activities & Experiences Geothermal Pools: Visit the local, affordable pools (like Laugardalslaug) or upscale spas like the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. Food Tour: Take a walking food tour to try local specialties like fermented shark or Icelandic lamb soup. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Try the famous Icelandic hot dog at this renowned downtown stand. Northern Lights: Walk along the waterfront near the Sun Voyager for a chance to see them in winter. Viðey Island: Take a short ferry ride to see the Imagine Peace Tower. Reykjanes Peninsula: Explore volcanic landscapes and the Blue Lagoon.
Question
What are some popular places people visit in Iceland, cost, and how far from Reykjavik is it?
Answer
Blue Lagoon; 10-18,000 ISK; 45 mins Golden Circle self toured; free; 140 mi round trip Sky Lagoon; 12-20,000 ISK; 10-15 mins Diamond beach; free; 5-6 hours one way Plane crash; Free; 2.5-3 hours with ~1 hour walk to site. Puffin tour; *** Rayfarholshellir lava cave tour; 6-10,000 ISK; 40-50 mins Reynisfjara black sand beach; free; 2-3 hours; recent weather has made this beach unaccessible. Double check in August to see if there are any updates.
Question
Other
Answer
Iceland is EXPENSIVE, dining out especially. Alcohol is sold in licensed stores. Grocery stores have limited hours. Tap water is clean! Hot water can smell like sulfur and that is normal. Iceland does not have a tipping climate.