Conference location
The conference will be held at Hotel Borg in downtown Reykjavik https://www.keahotels.is/hotel-borg.
Flights
The international airport for Reykjavík is Keflavík International Aiport.
All international flights (except those to and from the Faroe Islands and Greenland) go through Keflavík International Airport, which is about 40 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík.
Those travelling from the US please note that most flights arrive very early in the morning and if you want to have access to your hotel room upon arrival you will need to book for the previous night if you want to get access to your room early in the morning.
Getting to Reykjavík
You can travel by coach/bus to and from Keflavik Airport. The trip from the terminal to Reykjavík takes approximately 45 minutes.
There are two companies that offer this service. Fly Bus stops near the city center and the University of Iceland. Both companies offer the possibility to go all the way to your hotel.
https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport/parking-and-transport/coach-and-bus
Climate and clothing
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable and visitors should be prepared for the unexpected. When travelling in Iceland you should bring along lightweight woolens, a sweater or cardigan, a rainproof (weatherproof) coat and sturdy walking shoes.
Business, shopping and banking hours
Office hours are generally 09:00–16.00 or 17:00. Shopping hours vary, but most stores are open Mon–Fri 09:00/11:00–18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 16:00. Some supermarkets are open to 23:00 or even 24/7. Banking hours are Mon–Fri 09:15–16:00.
Credit cards
Credit Cards are widely accepted in Iceland. The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/ MASTERCARD and VISA. Diners and American Express are also accepted. Cash can be obtained at every bank branch as well as in all ATMs throughout the country. There is an ATM at the airport as well as in Háskólatorg (HT) on campus. Please note that there might be a difference between the official currency exchange rate in Iceland and the exchange rate that the credit card companies charge.
Currency exchange
The Icelandic monetary unit is the “króna”. Currency rates tend to fluctuate. For current exchange rates see: https://www.cb.is/statistics/official-exchange-rate/. All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange, and tend to offer much better rates than the airport.
Shopping and tax free
The shops in Iceland carry a wide variety of merchandise. Local specialities include woollen knitwear (sweaters and cardigans), handmade ceramics, glassware and jewellery. Also available is a great variety of high-quality seafood. There is an excellent Duty Free store at the airport where you can buy bottles of wine at a very reasonable price! Do note that alcoholic beverages are otherwise only sold in licensed liquor stores (Vínbúð).
A refund of local Value-Added Tax (VAT) is available to all visitors in Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price.
Electric current
The electric current in Iceland is 220volts, 50 HZ AC. Euro plug/Schuko-Plug (CEE types).
Pharmacies, emergency and medical help
The emergency phone number in Iceland is 112. The location of the nearest ER (Landspítali Fossvogi) can be found here: For non-emergency medical assistance contact Laeknavaktin (location can be found here), tel: 1770. Walk-in hours are 17:00-23:30 during the week and 9:00-23:30 on weekends. The European Health Insurance Card is valid in Iceland. Water is safe to drink throughout Iceland. Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours. Some are open at night.
Telephones and mobile phones
The code for Iceland from overseas is +354. Direct long-distance calls can be made to Europe and the USA by dialling 00 plus the country code, and the number you wish to reach.
GSM: Pre-paid GSM phone cards are for example available at at the 10-11 shop in the arrival hall at Keflavík International Airport, the Elko store at the airport and petrol stations around the country.
Tipping
Service and VAT are invariably included in prices in Iceland.
Transportation
Public transportation consists of buses (strætó), many of whom stop by campus. Schedules can be found here. There are several 24 hour taxi companies in Reykjavik; Hreyfill, tel: +354 588 5522, BSR, tel: +354 561 0000.
Tourist information
Various tourist information sites:
The official travel guide to Iceland: inspiredbyiceland.com
The official tourism website of the Reykjavík capital area: visitreykjavik.is
Check the weather in Iceland: en.vedur.is, yr.no
Iceland Review: What’s on in Iceland: whatson.is
Keflavik International Airport in Iceland: isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport