Do You Tip in Iceland?

Do you tip in Iceland?

Tipping in Iceland is not customary and not expected. Service is included in prices and hospitality workers earn a fair wage, so there is no obligation to tip, and leaving nothing extra is completely normal rather than rude. If you receive exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a small amount is a kind gesture that will be appreciated, but it is entirely optional and not expected at restaurants, taxis, tours, or hotels. Tour guides on longer excursions sometimes receive small tips from those who wish to, but even that is discretionary. In short, you can travel Iceland without calculating tips, which is one less thing to think about in an already expensive country.

What currency is used in Iceland?

Iceland uses the Icelandic krona (ISK); it is not in the European Union and does not use the euro. Iceland is one of the most cashless societies anywhere: cards and contactless payments are accepted virtually everywhere, from restaurants and shops to remote gas stations and small guesthouses, so you can travel with essentially no cash at all, and many travelers never withdraw any krona. If you do want some cash, get it from a bank ATM for a fair rate. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees, since you will use it constantly. Given how card-friendly Iceland is, a reliable card matters more than carrying cash.

What power adapter do you need for Iceland?

Iceland uses Type C and Type F plugs, the round two-pin style standard across continental Europe, on a 230-volt supply. Travelers from the United States, the UK, and elsewhere will need a plug adapter to fit Icelandic sockets, and a standard European adapter works. Check voltage as well: at 230 volts, Iceland is higher than the US 120 volts, so confirm your devices accept 230-volt input. Phone and laptop chargers are almost always dual voltage and just need the adapter, while single-voltage US appliances like hair dryers can be damaged without a converter. Bring one adapter for the trip, since the standard is the same across the country.

Can you drink the tap water in Iceland?

Yes, and Iceland's tap water is among the best and purest in the world. The cold tap water comes from natural springs and glacial sources and is clean, fresh, and completely safe to drink straight from the tap, so buying bottled water is unnecessary and even frowned upon by locals. One quirk to know: the hot tap water is heated geothermally and can carry a faint sulfur or rotten-egg smell, which is harmless but noticeable, so use cold water for drinking and it will be odorless and delicious. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it anywhere; the tap water is a genuine, free perk of visiting Iceland.