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Iceland

 
 

Passport and Visa

  1. All travelers must ensure that they have a valid passport and all required visas, and the passport should be valid at least 6 months behind the completion of your trip. It is also important that your passport has enough blank visa pages available for entry and exit stamps.
  2. U.S. Resident Aliens need both passport and Alien Resident Card for re-entry to the United States.
  3. Iceland is an associate member of the Schengen Agreement, which exempts US-passport travelers from entry visa of Iceland. It is the responsibility of non-US citizen travelers to obtain proper visas of Iceland in a timely manner. Passport, visa and travel-advisory information is available from the website of Icelandic Directorate of Immigration at https://www.utl.is.
  4. Passport and visa are always the sole responsibility of travelers. Peony Tours is not responsible when travelers are denied entrance for any reason at any foreign country in spite of valid passport and visa. Our tour fare does not include any fees of passport and visas.
  5. Keep travel documents, passport, personal necessities and valuables with you at all time. Scan and email a copy to yourself for easy online access. This will help speed up the replacement process. In addition, we suggest that you leave a copy of the important documents to your family or pack another separately from the original itself, and carry emergency contact person’s information with you.
  6. Be sure you have all the necessary documents and money before leaving for the airport.

Consular Information

The U.S. Department of State provides Country Specific Information Sheets for every country in the world, as well as Travel Alerts and Warnings. Final this information by calling 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444, or online at https://travel.state.gov.

Baggage

  1. Baggage charges and insurance are at the owner’s responsibility. Do not over pack, leave space for purchases on the tour. To avoid over-loading your suitcase, the less is the better.
  2. Baggage allowance and restrictions varies by airline and airport, and is subject to change at any time. For up to date baggage allowance, restrictions, and fees, always check with your particular airline before traveling.
  3. It is advised that all checked luggage has a lock (TSA accepted combination locks are recommended) and use Peony Tours red luggage tags showing your tour code, name, telephone number, and address.
  4. DO NOT pack prescription medicine, valuables and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep them in your carry-on bag.
  5. Consider including one night’s essentials for whole family in one of the suitcases or in your carry-on bag to void inconvenience in case of loss or delayed flight.
  6. Consult www.tsa.gov for information on TSA accepted locks and U.S.A. luggage restrictions.

Health and Insurance

  1. Tour fare does not include any travel insurance. We strongly advise travelers arrange for their own travel insurance prior to departure for your own protection. 
  2. It is important to familiarize yourself with any potential health issues or concerns related to your destination, and so we strongly recommend consulting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for up-to-date information on required and recommended vaccines and medications. Visit them online at www.cdc.gov/ or call 800-232-4636.
  3. Special vaccinations are currently not required for visitors to Iceland. Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the CDC.   
  4. In Iceland, there are medical centers or hospitals in all major cities and towns. Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours, except a few are open at night. Medical care can be obtained by visiting a Health Care Center, called “Heilsugæslustöð” in Iceland, during opening hours. For information of Health Care Center in Reykjavik, call +354-585-1300, or visit the website https://www.heilsugaeslan.is. The emergency phone number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112, or visit the website: https://safetravel.is. 
  5. Plan to visit your doctor or local travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions. Consult your doctor for suggestions on prevention and treatment. 
  6. Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Pack them in your hand luggage sufficient quantity for the duration of the trip.  
  7. It may be useful to bring aspirin, over-counter medicine for flu, indigestion, motion sickness, pain, and band-aids, etc.
  8. In case of illness during your trip, please immediately notify your tour manager and local guide for assistance.

Weather

  1. Use a website such as https://weather.com to find average temperatures and rainfalls during your travel times.
  2. The Icelandic climate is warmer than the name suggests, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Summers in Iceland are rather cool, while the winters are relatively warm. The average monthly summer temperature ranges from 10 to 13°C. During the summer the climate is mild but unstable with possible rain and frequent weather changes. The daily temperature can fluctuate from a minimum 5°C at night to a maximum of 25°C during the day. 
  3. For the weather information of Iceland in English, you may call: +354-902-0600 or visit website: www.vedur.is/english. No matter what season you choose to visit Iceland, there are some things that are essential to pack: study boots, layers of clothing (base layers, thermal and wool underwear, tops and leggings, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts), windproof/rainproof jacket, warm socks, swimming suit, sleeping mask, and warm sleeping bag (only if you plan to go camping or inland). 
  4. Northern Light: September and October bring cooler temperatures and the beginning of Northern Lights Season while daylight hours are still normal. The season ends in mid-April when the days start to get longer. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon that cannot be guaranteed.
  5. Daylight: Iceland’s northern latitude means it experiences big differences between winter and summer daylight hours. From May to August, you won’t see much darkness and in the month of June the sun never fully sets in the north. Conversely, in peak winter expect only about four to six hours of daylight but the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights on a clear night. Spring and fall daylight hours are normal.

Electricity

  1. Electricity in Iceland runs on 220 volts; 50 Hz AC. Icelandic electrical plugs are of the rounded, European two-pin type. 
  2. You need to bring a voltage converter and international power plug adapter (transformer), if you plan on bringing U.S. equipments for the trip.

Clothing and Things to Bring

  1. Regardless of the season, pack wind- and rainproof gear (jacket and trousers), gloves and a hat, as well as thick socks and hiking boots. Warm sweaters and thermal underwear is also recommended. Bring a warm jacket when visit the glacier. Good to bring casual clothes for going out in the evenings and bring a bathing suit! Iceland is renowned for outdoor swimming in the countless geothermal-heated pools and lagoons.
  2. Casual wear and comfortable walking shoes: The day-to-day attire consists of really whatever you are comfortable wearing. 
  3. Be wary of sunburn, use skincare lotion, and wear a hat, a pair of good sunglasses to protect your eyes. Pack enough sunscreen for your entire trip. Small, portable sunscreen sticks can easily be carried in a pocket or purse and are convenient for reapplying throughout the day.
  4. It is also advisable to bring chargers and cable for your electronics, battery, power bank, and extra memory card for your camera, insect-spray, slippers, first-aid kit, binoculars, aspirin, as well as over-the-counter medicine for flu, indigestion, motion sickness. 

Arrival Airport and Customs

  • Land & Air Package Travelers:
    • When you arrive in Keflavik airport, your Peony’s tour manager or local representative will greet you as you exit the Passport Control areas.
    • Put on Peony Tours red badge and luggage tag. These brightly colored markers help us identify you and your luggage quickly.
    • What should you do in the event that your flight is delayed beyond its scheduled time of arrival?
      • Short Delays (within one hour): Claim your luggage and clear the Custom as quickly as you can. Our tour guide or local representative will be waiting for you at the arrival hall.
      • Long Delays (more than one hour): Contact Peony Tours' tour guide upon arrival. Follow instructions to transfer to the meeting point or hotel by yourself. The cost of transportation from the airport to the meeting point or hotel is the traveler's responsibility.
  • Land Package Travelers:
    • You are responsible for arrival airport transfer (to hotel) and departure airport transfer (from hotel).

Language

  1. The national language of Iceland is Icelandic, a North Germanic language derived from Old Norse which can be traced back to the settlers from Norway during the Viking age. It has changed relatively little throughout the centuries. The Icelandic alphabet is notable for its retention of two letters that no longer exist in English, namely, Ðð (th in them) and Þþ (th in thing). 
  2. English and Scandinavian languages are widely spoken in Iceland.
  3. When traveling abroad, it is suggested to learn speaking a few basic local language, it will gain you respect from the locals and is a good way to break the ice.  

Local Time

  • Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round, and does not go on daylight saving time.
  • During the summer from March to November, in USA the clocks move one hour forward for daylight saving time, Iceland is 4 hours ahead of New York (U.S. EST), 7 hours ahead of Los Angeles (U.S. PST).   

Currency and Credit Cards

  1. The Icelandic currency is Króna (plural krónur) – ISK. In Icelandic banknotes, there are 5000, 2000, 1000, and 500 Króna, while there are 100, 50, 10, and 1 Króna in coins. As of January 2024, the exchange rate is: 1 US dollar = 136.60 Icelandic Króna (for your reference only).
  2. Business Hours: Banks are open from 09:15 to 16:00 Monday to Friday. As general rule offices are open from 09:00 to 17:00, in some cases during the summer these hours are from 08:00 to 16:00. Shops are open from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Kringlan and Smaralind shopping malls as well as souvenir and some bookshops in the city center are open on weekends. 
  3. The major credit cards in Iceland are Visa and MasterCard, although other cards are accepted as well. Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants, and organizations. We suggest traveling with sufficient U.S. dollars to be exchanged for local currency for small payments in case ATMs cannot be accessed, are broken down or run out of cash.  
  4. It is advised to inform your credit card company of your traveling and to confirm your credit line prior to departure.

Food and Drink

  1. Tour fare does not include any drinks. 
  2. The tap water in Iceland is safe to drink. 
  3. Iceland is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, clean nature and fertile fishing grounds. In the past few years Iceland has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic gastronomic destinations. When come to Iceland, why not try some of the delicious dishes like the traditional lamb ribs, the fresh caught fish, yoghurt-like Skyr, and lobster. 

Shopping

  1. Although the local guides will be happy to assist you with any shopping requirements, Peony Tours does not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour. You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and must be responsible for your own purchases. Any after sales correspondence must be between the passenger and the shop in question. 
  2. Shopping in Reykjavik can be done in Kringlan or Smaralind Shopping Mall, or Laugavegur shopping street. Laugavegur is located downtown while Kringlan is about 10 minutes away and Smaralind 20 minutes away, driving distance.  
  3. Top souvenirs to buy in Iceland: Icelandic woolen products including sweaters, blankets, mittens, and hats, Blue Lagoon skincare products, Icelandic handcrafted silver jewelry, artwork, wool yarn.     
  4. Tax Free Shopping / Tax Refund in Iceland: A refund of the local Value Added Tax is available to visitors to Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price, provided departure (of the goods) from Iceland is within 90 days after the purchase. The purchased amount must be no less than ISK 6,000 (VAT included) per sales receipt, and all goods (except woollens) must be packed in sealed bags or containers.
  5. It is travelers’ responsibility to observe US Customs restrictions when bringing in any goods from tour. Consult the US Customs and Border Protection website at http://www.cbp.gov for details.

Religion

Most Icelanders (80%) are members of the Lutheran State Church. Another 5% are registered in other Christian denominations, including the Free Church of Iceland and the Roman Catholic Church. Almost 5% of people practice ásatrú, the traditional Norse religion.

Major Cultural Events

Please note that the following established cultural events could result in restricted vehicle access to the city centre and that some service sectors might have surcharges during these events: Culture Night / Reykjavik Marathon (3rd weekend in August) and Iceland Airwaves (beginning of November). 

Phone and Internet Access

  1. All phone numbers within Iceland are 7 digits. Numbers beginning with 6, 7, and 8 are reserved for cellphones. No calls are “long distance”, and you don’t need to dial any prefix.  
  2. Calling Iceland: Dial the international access code (011 from the US), then 354, plus the 7 digit number. 
  3. International calls from Iceland: Dial the international access code (00 from Iceland), then the country code (1 for the US), plus the area code and number. 
  4. Mobile and internet service is usually good in Iceland and mobile phones work in all major towns and popular routes around the country. There are four main phone networks in Iceland: Síminn, Nova, Tal, and Vodafone. All these companies offer prepaid SIM cards which can be purchased at most gas stations easily.  
  5. Generally WiFi can be found in most restaurants, hotels, cafes, malls and bars around Iceland. Some hotels offer complimentary wireless internet services as well as business center, but some hotels don’t. Consult the front desk for specific details in each property.
  6. Contact your cellular phone provider to determine if your phone operates on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and what, if any, activation may be required. If our phone is not GSM-enabled, you may find that renting a phone specifically designed for use overseas is the most practical option.

Tipping

Tipping is at your discretion. As a guideline, Peony Tours recommends the following gratuities. Clients pay the number of days from their arrival to departure: 

  • Peony Tour Manager - 8 USD per guest per day
  • Long Distance Driver - 3 EUR per guest per day
  • Local Guide - 5 EUR per guest per day 
  • Local Driver - 2 EUR per guest per day

Other Notes

  1. Respect your tour guides, drivers, and other group members. Refrain from talking when tour guide is speaking.
  2. Travelers’ safety has always been our number one concern.  For your safety, you should notify tour guide ahead of time if you plan to go out at night or roam at free time alone.
  3. Always be cautious when staying at a hotel. Lock your door and never allow strangers into your room. 
  4. Keep an eye on your personal belongs and valuables at all time.
  5. Read carefully your itinerary and hotel information prior to the tour. Leave a copy to your family.
  6. Iceland falls are wet and slippery. Please pay attention and be careful when walking.
  7. A nice and smooth trip counts on every group member’s high cooperation. It is important to follow the indicated meeting time and meeting point.  Use the red round name badge provided by Peony tours for easy identification. To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, allow enough time for flight check-in, security screening and boarding: 2 hours for US domestic travel, 3 hours for international travel. 
  8. For flight delay, cancellation, or any emergency, please contact Peony Tours immediately:

US Area/During Office Hours

Headquarters (626)289-2450

Los Angeles (626)289-1010

San Francisco

New York (212)973-1998

US Area/After Office Hours (626)677-3415

London/During Office Hours 44-207-089-0600

After Office Hours 44-770-833-3368

*If we miss your calls, please leave your message with your name and phone number. Your message is very important to us. We will call you back as soon as we can.

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