In this article, you’ll find the nitty-gritty nuts and bolts of life in the city. Although Reykjavík is a relatively small place, it may take some time to figure out how to navigate the city. Most of downtown can be covered by foot, but when you leave the centre, things get a little trickier.
WEATHER
Be sure to check the weather forecast regularly while in Iceland, especially if you’re driving out of the city, hiking, cycling, sailing, or otherwise exposing yourself to the elements. The weather in Iceland is famous for changing at a moment’s notice, so plan accordingly.
Weather forecast: +354 902 0600 | The Icelandic Met Office
PHONE HOME
Dialling: When dialling internationally, dial 00 for a line out of the country, select the appropriate country code, then the number.
Cell phones: Cell phones work almost all over Iceland and you can get an Icelandic prepaid (frelsi) SIM card. There are three major service providers in the country: Nova (www.nova.is), Síminn (www.siminn.is), and Vodafone (www.vodafone.is). You can top up your phone through the company’s service number or buy cards from convenience stores.
Internet access & hot spots: The What’s On in Reykjavík tourist office at Laugavegur 5 offers Internet access and a printing service. If you have your own device, you can use Wi-Fi at almost any café or bar downtown for free (sometimes you have to buy a beverage). Many hotels and guesthouses also offer free Wi-Fi.
Phonebook & online maps: The Icelandic phone book lists people by their first names and offers an interactive searchable map (www.ja.is).
Directory information: Dial 1818 or 1819 for a 24/7 information service about names, addresses, and phone numbers, be connected to international numbers, or make collect calls.
USEFUL NUMBERS
The emergency number in Iceland is 112. Use it in any emergency for reaching medical help, the fire department, and the police.
Doctors on duty: 1770
Dentists on duty: +354 575 0505
Police – non-emergency: Hverfisgata 113, +354 444 1000
OPENING HOURS
Public institutions: Mon-Fri 10 to 15 or 16.
General office hours: Mon- Fri 9-17.
Banks: Most banks are open Mon-Fri from 9-16.
Shops: Opening hours vary, but are generally Mon-Thurs 10-18, Fri 10-19 and Sat 10-16. Malls usually have extended hours on Thursdays.
