Frequently Asked Questions - Iceland Group!

The short answer is, I recommend ones that have metal spikes for best traction! You can find a pair for about $25 or less.  The long answer: There are many different kids ones that give you a variation in amounts of traction, like YaxTrax which are cords that run under your shoes, to strap-on cleats that have slight nodules and even metal chain options that offer sharper metal spikes.  The goal here is to give you stability on potentially slippery surfaces such as wet ice!  Choose which is best for your comfort and stability, just remember better safe than sorry - the cool views in Iceland are not best caught from a hospital bed! 

Access to my private Travel Tips Page, Click here!

If you have any devices that are "Dual voltage" or say "110V - 220V" on them .. then the device will convert the voltage on its own, and you only need an "adaptor" to make the plug work, like this one: 

2 Pack European travel plug adaptor USB C, TESSAN US to Europe Adaptor with 4 outlets, 3 USB Charger, Type C Adaptor to Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Iceland, Germany, White Grey

However if you have any devices that just say 110V on them ... like curling irons, flat irons, sleep apnea machines & whatever else you may want to plug in ... if they JUST have 110V (they do not display 220V), then you will also need a converter.  (FYI if anyone needs a sleep apnea machine, you may also want to bring an extension cord, since outlets are not always by beds in Europe)

Here are a few options that have the correct settings to work as an adaptor AND converter for Iceland...

BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220V to 110V Voltage Converter with 6A 4-Port USB Charging and UK/AU/US/EU Worldwide Plug Adapter (White)

DOACE 350W Voltage Converter, Ai 220V to 110V Converter and 50Hz to 60Hz Transformer, Power Converter Adapter Combo US to AU, UK, European Travel Plug Adapter for Hair Straightener Laptop Cell Phone

[Game-Changer] DOACE 500W Max 220V to 110V Converter, 50Hz to 60Hz Voltage Converter for European Travel, 100% Pure Sine Wave Power Converter US to Europe for CPAP Hair Straightener Laptop Cell Phone

Please note- I have NOT bought any of these, so I cannot vouch for the quality, but they meet the right specs and reviews seemed to be high. Feel free to research and buy any option that is right for you, I am simply providing these paid links as a courtesy to help you plan :) 

Click here for a detailed step by step to figure out what you will need!

Here is a list of links to recommended items from me & other travelers:

Recommended by my winter camper friends:

• Wool Inserts (like these) are a “game changer” 
• these Merino wool neck gaiters 

I bought: 

• These Fleece lined water resistant pants I love them so far, they kept me warm and dry sledding with kids last weekend! 😊 
• I also bought these fleece leggings to wear under pants / jeans if needed, they are very comfortable and cozy.
• I bought these Ice cleats to strap on to any shoes / boots I wear. I have not used them yet so I cannot give a fair review, but the stretchy plastic makes them fairly easy to get on and off of shoes / hiking boots – probably will not stretch over winter boots. 

At our meeting this week travelers recommended:

• Ariat hiking boots. Available at Fleet Farm and other companies. It may be best to go somewhere to try on, but that link gives you an idea of options and prices. Hers were ankle height, waterproof, and kept her feet warm and comfortable through winter walks and shoveling. 
• Another recommendation was at these lined leggings (she wears at her cold environment job and loves the warmth and comfort of them.)

(and they have an app - here is the App store link)

At time of our document meeting, the current exchange rate was about $1 USD was equivalent to kr70. You have a quick reference guide in your travel documents. 

For converting currency, this is a trusted resource for daily currency exchange rates for a quick reference. 

Convert USD to ISK Click here

Convert ISK to USD Click Here

(and they have an app - here is the App store link & here is the Google play store link)

(Please note businesses may charge at a different rate, which includes a favorable exchange to them as a fee for themselves. So if you are asked if you want your card charged in USD instead of ISK - be sure to ask the exchange rate first!)

There is a detailed guide on Gratuities" in the "Iceland Tips" below. For reference our tour is considered 6 days (when deciding how much to tip the Tour Manager & Driver).

Also consider trips / gratuities for the 1 local guide on the afternoon we arrive in Reykjavik & possibly a tip on the cruise. Lastly consider tips for the hotel maid (especially in Vik where we stay repeated nights) and for any additional personal service you receive (like for lunches you buy and drinks you buy).

Reminder - As an added Perk for Booking with Travel with Mandy - IF you booked before March 6th Travel with Mandy will be covering your Tour Manager & Driver Tips!!  (details provided with your travel documents.)

Breakfast tid bits: 

• Coffee: $3      for filter, $4-5 for latte/cappuccino
• Croissant:$4
• Skyr (thick, tangy yogurt) and granola: $7

Lunch prices:

• Soup is a common lunch meal. Expect lamb or thick, chowder-like fish and potato during the colder months. $17
• Open-faced sandwiches on rye bread with salmon, ham, cheese, or hummus and vegetables: $14
• Chicken or fish salad: $19
• Lunch Buffet (to try Icelandic foods) is usually about $25-$40
• Icelandic standard fish & chips $22
• The Hot Dog is very popular in Iceland and a cheap eat at an average of about $2 - $4 

Dinner:

We have dinner included each day, but in case you want to venture out for something local, in Reykjavik, I was told about Islenski Barinn (“Icelandic Bar”) that serves “local” food. From puffin on crumpet to lamb and salmon hotdogs to shark bits and reindeer burgers, you can expect a more upscale and unusual pub experience. Around $15 for smaller dishes and $25-35 for larger ones.

Happy hour in Reykjavik:

~ Beer and wine as low as $6.50 & cocktails from $16. 

~ Expect as much as double in upscale establishments. 

~ At a grocery store local beers cost around $4 for a can, imported beers run a dollar or two more, and a midrange bottle of wine approx. $20. 

Getting around:

~ Taxis in Reykjavik, minimum fare is about 730 kr (US$ 5.20) plus each kilometer is 341 kr (US$ 2.43).

~ There is an extensive public bus system click here to see the map  Cost is about 470 kr (US$ 3.35) per ride (it doubles for night buses). For disabled passengers, seniors over 67 and young people, the price is halved to 235 kr (US$ 1.67). (Tickets can be bought on the bus in cash with exact change, or alternatively by card in one of the city's supermarkets or through the official Straeto application.)