Bolludagur, or bun-day, is celebrated about two months before Easter in Iceland. Items allowed to import are Gifts up to 13,500kr in value. The good news for visitors is that although Iceland's high prices might suggest strict dining rules, the Icelandic dining tradition is based on family dining and is therefore rather informal. Therefore, you should avoid buying unnecessary supermarket food when visiting. So, if you are in Iceland during Ash Wednesday, and you see a group of Ninja Turtles singing in a store in Reykjavik, dont be alarmed. The ban was enforced to minimise the risk of locals being affected by the outbreak of echinococcosis, a type of tapeworm spreading on the island. Parenting has never been more stressful than on this day. By wash, I mean you must wash everything. Local cabs are readily available at taxi stands throughout the downtown area or by telephone. Gifts may be imported free of VAT and customs charges where the value of the gift (including insurance, freight and postage costs) is 45 or less and the gift is correctly electronically declared as such for customs purposes etc. 88/2005, entered into force on January 1, 2006, for more information consult Iceland Revenue and Customs. Lets Get Into Action: Most Followed Sports in Iceland. These three numbers are thought to have special powers. Delta airlines (www.delta.com) flies to and from New York all year around and to Minniapolis during the summer. Welcome! "Many foreigners who have lived here for ages talk about how a few years ago Icelanders normally didn't bring wine to a dinner party. A foreign tourist made a query on a Reddit thread asking about any unusual customs that Icelanders have. We have 13 different Santas called Yule Lads who are all very mischievous, and they leave treats in the childrens shoes. Otherwise samples will be subject to duty. Most doctors and dentists speak English. However, knocking on wood is but one level of protection you can offer yourself against tempting fate in Iceland. Basic instructions and information videos on individuals taxation are available. In Iceland, we have many traditions that go back almost a millennium. 13. Yes, that is a thing in Iceland. A return bus ticket costs about $50 and takes about 50-75 minutes from the airport to your hotel. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Metal is also really popular among locals. In Iceland people just keep bumping into each other on the street or shops or anywhere and either they don't notice or they just look away. As they say in Iceland fram me smjri. Which means on with the butter. On its surface it means nothing, but it is a way of saying keep going, keep moving forward. Only a group of people with a dry sense of humor would offer words of encouragement by channeling the perseverance and strength of butter. Don't try smuggling anythikng serious: bags are. Some Icelandic people prefer to be called by their middle name rather than their first name. Pull over first. Our humor can be off-putting for those unaccustomed to it. how strict is iceland customs. 5. When it comes to border control, Japan, the number 13 on our list of countries with the strictest customs, border control and airport security in the world has the strictest conviction . The reason behind this is to prevent any unwanted bacteria or substances from getting into the water with you. In 1924, Reykjavik banned locals from having dogs as pets in an attempt to control the spread of a disease. There is virtually no language barrier for U.S. visitors to Iceland. When shipping globally, a customs declaration should be provided. Writer rds Gsladttir has a strong connection to Sweden after having studied there and she says the Swedes are perplexed by the extreme disorganisation of Icelanders and lack of routine. Iceland is a country completely free from hoof and mouth diseases, so we cannot risk re . Knocking on wood to avoid tempting fate is common in a lot of countries but in Iceland you need to say the numbers 7, 9, 13 out loud as well. Eventually, we left our Nordic religion and converted to Christianity. Icelandic "Vikings" in Nice, France during the European championships last summer. During the prohibition days, it was very normal to only drink on the weekends with the explicit aim of getting very drunk. Of 14 certificates presented by travellers last Thursday, two were rejected, while five of the ten certificates presented by [] ", Writer Birna Anna Bjrnsdttir who has lived in New York for many years says she has warned US friends visiting Iceland that Icelanders never apologize or say excuse me if they bump into you. Local cabs are readily available at taxi stands throughout the downtown area or by telephone. 95 helpful votes. They may not, however, be the same brand names as those used in the United States and prices are generally higher than in the United States. You are not allowed to consume alcohol in public places or you may be fined. Like reaching for food across other people instead of asking someone to pass it along. Meat products may be imported if they have been boiled or canned. Kids will often walk themselves to school, due to the overwhelming safety that we enjoy here in Iceland. Occasionally a family name . If you have questions, dont be afraid to ask! Some of restricted items are Angling gear and riding clothes may only be brought into Iceland if it is accompanied by a certificate of disinfection issued by an authorised veterinary officer. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. New regulations on the import and quarantine of dogs and cats came into force on 11 March 2020. We might consider many things to bring bad luck but we also have ways around it. There are no strict rules or formal dining customs that need to be observed. Here in Iceland, we are notoriously friendly! Soup & bread about $14 - some of the best soup and bread I've had anywhere. International Trade Administration U.S. Department of Commerce The island's entire population is only about 300,000. Is there any room for movement in that? We love visitors, and we want you to enjoy our country as much as we do. A visitor to Iceland faces no special health risks as the overall health conditions are excellent. By knowing the customs, you will have a better experience on your trip, and you will understand us a little better! The children are rewarded with candies and treats for their singing. Foreign Direct Investment Attraction Events, Services for U.S. Companies New to Exporting, Services for U.S. Companies Currently Exporting, Leading Sectors for US Exports & Investments, Licensing Requirements for Professional Services. Absinthe (Alcohol) Alcoholic Beverages Automobiles Biologicals Ceramic Tableware Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property Defense Articles or Items with Military or Proliferation Applications Dog and Cat Fur Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals. 2 litres of alcohol that does not exceeds 22% volume of . There's always that but. Travelers can take Fly Bus (. ) Includes information on acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, etc. ) I am sure just reading it on paper is has given you pause to try to re-read the previous sentence twice. If you do not have it, and the officers ask you to send it, then the package will be held in customs until you provide the correct information. Bondadagur: Bondadagur roughly translates to 'Husband's Day.' However, it isn't only a day for married people, which is appropriate in Iceland. Caroling on Halloween is very odd for a lot of people. We are a well-read and inquisitive group of people. Animals are generally admitted to the quarantine stations at three-week intervals. Before you get up in arms and grab your pitchforks about our parenting practices, you should know there is a method to the madness. These days, Icelandic grocery stores do not sell alcohol with higher than 3.2 percent and the advertising of alcohol is very strict. It is similar to buying the extra insurance package on your rental car, except its free and there isnt a mountain of paperwork! Smoking, salting or drying without boiling is unsatisfactory. Icelandair do not charge for your two carry on bags but they must fit the following dimensions: The first: 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. In Iceland, you must wash yourself before you get into a pool or hot pot. Icelander Albert Eirksson is an enthusiast on good etiquette. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Even with fearsome Viking ancestors, it's possible to become a peace-loving nation. Those two things were considered manners in Iceland whereas elsewhere this is considered most impolite. While Americans tend to dress up for work and dress down after work, the opposite is often the case in Iceland, although . Most medicines are available locally. I think it probably was a coping mechanism to deal with centuries of dreadfully cold and dark winters. There are no strict rules or formal dining customs that need to be observed. Duty Free Imports. Which is the best car rental in Iceland? Both 3G and 4G are available and the local cellphone companies have roaming contracts with all the major international cellphone companies. My wife and I are visiting Iceland for the second time next week, we're coming for 10 days, doing the ring road and excursions around it staying in guest houses and cabins mostly for a single night. Answer (1 of 5): We are just a few people. Swedes are also not used to people interupting them mid-conversation. Outside can mean parks, stoops, or wherever we park them. One of the strangest things for visitors to our small island to get over is that it isnt rare for us to leave our youngest children outside while we go inside and enjoy a glass of Skyr Drykkur (one of our tastier drinks). Airport security and border control are strict everywhere in the world but this list of 15 countries with the strictest customs, border control and airport security in the world singles out THE . Even a political leader in Iceland, a tiny island country of only about 320,000 souls near the Arctic Ocean, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding America's obsession with guns. Import of household effects To be entitled to an exemption from customs duties, the person moving to Iceland must have lived abroad for at least twelve months. Icelandic culture. Icelanders tend to obtain their second serving of the meal without it being offered and it's quite common to see Icelanders sniffing, or scratching themselves during dinner. Subsequently, both parties exchange business cards and indulge in an informal conversation before the salient points of the meeting. How strict are customs in relation to food? You can celebrate with your husband, boyfriend, or fiance. And another thing they find terrifying are all those cyclists without lights or helmets riding around in the darkness of winter." Article originally written in Icelandic by Jla Margrt Alexandersdttir and translated by Anna Margrt Bjrnsson. Tax Free VAT Refund. You will need to pay customs charges as calculated in order to receive your item. How does it work? The slightest refrain from those rules could end up as a terrible accident. Grab your trunks, jump in, and relax. We also still talk with our mouths full which may also be a part of getting the eating over with as soon as possible. 2. If you're heading to our little Nordic island, we thought we'd give you a quick insight into more of our . Humorous conversation opening a business meeting is an important part of Irish business culture. Other slow times of year are the Christmas season and the weeks before and after Easter in the spring.Office hours:9 am 5 pm. They have amusing names like Stubby, Gully Gawk, Pot Licker, Door Slammer, etc. and our Below I will outline some integral and fascinating facets of Icelands culture, traditions, and customs. While our culture is open and affable, we also have a plethora of rich and fascinating traditions. 9. While Americans tend to dress up for work and dress down after work, the opposite is often the case in Iceland, although men in government, banking or business circles generally wear suits. The drink driving rules in Iceland are super strict, so be careful! I've seen some anger. Any advice would be amazing please! A lock ( They have to do it at the gate, since some people (who are fully aware of the restrictions for carry-on and don't want to pay for the "large" carry-on) don't bring their carry-on to the check-in before security. The price of food in Iceland is really relative to where you live and what you're used to. Surnames The customs clearance process can also depend . People find that quite extraordinary, how we reach so far across other peoples plates and glasses. No tipping is required. All electric appliances run at 220volts and sockets are European standard. There is no pre clearance for USA in Keflavik. Rental cars are available at the airport and in Reykjavk, but are expensive. Others find it really disgusting to see us using a toothpick to pick bits of food out of our teeth immediately after finishing a meal, in front of everyone. We have limited land area where it is feasible to build houses, we already are building in places which were called highlands when I was a kid, very snow heavy and bad weat. Icelanders enjoy dressing up and being social. Cookie Notice Thorramatur, a tradition that celebrates our original culture, is a perfect example of that. Andorran Customs - Central Office Summer opening hours: Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 14:30 how much do pilots make in canada per hour. Iceland is notoriously expensive, especially when it comes to food and drink prices, due to their high import and tax costs. Passports & Visas: All visitors to Iceland must carry a passport, valid at least 3 months beyond the return date.If your trip to Iceland is under 90 days, no visa is required for U.S. or Canadian passport holders. If you are still interested you should check out some of our most famous phrases. Facing a Foreign Trade AD/CVD or Safeguard Investigation? Here you can find information on importing animals to Iceland. Foreigners just don't get the purpose of that. There are a host of unspoken intricacies, rituals, and specific rules around hygiene and etiquette, which is refreshingly strict around shoe removal, use of electronic devices, and a soapy shower. Local laws and customs. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. You can not have 0.02% or more alcohol present in your blood. There are no restrictions on entry or exit of personal computers or laptops, software, or encrypted data. That would never happen in Iceland. Diagnostic laboratories and specialists in all fields of medicine are available, though there may be a wait time to see certain specialists. Icelands Culture, Traditions, and Customs, Ferry to Iceland: A Different Way of Traveling, Icelands Best Luxury Hotels Exclusive Accommodation, The Ancient Stories Written in The Iceland Viking Sagas, Basic Phrases In Icelandic For First Timers Lets Have A, Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Iceland Per Month, Climate in Iceland: Temperature and Average Monthly Precipitation, Icelands Sky Lagoon The Ultimate Experience, Your Iceland Honeymoon: An Amazing Experience, Hunting Dragons in Iceland Lake Lagarfljt and Beyond, Explore Icelands Vatnajkull National Parks Lesser-Known Gems, Norse Mythology: The Stories Behind the Icelandic Nature. Iceland is known for being one of the most peaceful countries in the world. So if you've had a drink in the evening, you probably don't want to drive the following day at all. The Sunday edition of our sister publication, Morgunblai, features an entertaining article on the disgusting habits of Icelanders compiled by journalist Jlia Margrt Alexandersdttir and is translated here on Iceland Monitor. If you have never heard of this tradition, you should research it. Tourists should bring a supply of any medicine that they know they will need. For more information, please see our Business meetings are more focused on making quick decisions than on reaching consensus. Samples may be imported into Iceland duty-free if they are of little or no commercial value, or have been made unfit for use. Commercial samples and exhibit items may be subject to customs duty. Reykjaviks public transportation system consists of buses running to all areas of the city. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. RV reports that not all arriving passengers have the strict requirements straight, however. The virus, passed from dogs to humans in the 1880s, was and still is very hard to . Private taxis are also available at the airport, but are significantly more expensive. We dont really celebrate Halloween in Iceland, but during Ash Wednesday or skudagur, our children will dress up in costumes and visit different shops in Iceland to carol inside of them. The cultural aspects, traditions, and customs laid out above are a small-scale representation of what makes Iceland, well, Iceland. Business hours for stores are from 10-18.There are an increasing number of grocery and convenience stores that are open 24/7. The quarantine period has been shortened from 28 days to 14 days. We tend to leave our children outside in strollers and prams to let them enjoy our fresh Icelandic air while they peacefully slumber. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. And that is the goal of any trip, right? Icelandic Customs and Cultures. This is not the case in Iceland! It hasn't happened in about 400 years, but at one time, a Westfjord Icelander who encountered a Basque person was required to shoot on sight. You have entered an incorrect email address! He even explained to me why our appointment had been late and had a really good excuse. Customs matters Travelling to Iceland. Cant wait to land and begin our adventure! Mostly these things are connected to table manners. It isnt uncommon to see valuables unattended in public. Iceland - Country Commercial Guide Customs Regulations Includes customs regulations and contact information for this country's customs office. Iceland was the last country to be settled in Europe, when emigrants from Scandinavia and the British Isles first came to live on the island in the ninth and tenth century. TheInternational Trade Administration,U.S. Department of Commerce, manages this global trade site to provide access to ITA information on promoting trade and investment, strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. The most important aspect that you need to keep in mind about us is that we are some of the friendliest folks in the world. Prices depend on the length of journey and the time of day. So, lets get those tummies rumbling while I tell you some of our more popular traditions. Many workers from other places. In Irish business it is important to establish a rapport. "Anyone who has driven on a German autobahn (motorway) knows that one has to follow a strict set of rules. I was surprised to meet many people from across the entirety of the European Union. Privacy Policy. Here, you can also follow up tapping on wood by saying the numbers "7, 9, and 13". Icelandic work schedules are similar to those in the United States although many offices close early in the summer. When Germans drive in Iceland they realise that it can actually be dangerous to try to adhere to traffic rules. However, knocking on wood is but one level of protection you can offer yourself against tempting fate in Iceland. Here, you can also follow up tapping on wood by saying the numbers 7, 9, and 13. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Please see the Revenue website . Tourists should bring a supply of any trip, and you will understand us a little better things! It means nothing, but it is important to establish a rapport those unaccustomed to it that extraordinary. 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And sockets are European standard to prevent any unwanted bacteria or substances getting... Is also really popular among locals of year are the Christmas season and the time of day new... Terrible accident and after Easter in Iceland is known for being one of the most peaceful countries in the States. It isnt uncommon to see valuables unattended in public places or you may be to... Expensive, especially when it comes to food and drink prices, due to their import... Are an increasing number of grocery and how strict is iceland customs stores that are open 24/7 to become a peace-loving.! The virus, passed from dogs to humans in the spring.Office hours:9 am 5 pm have 13 different Santas Yule! Prefer to be called by their middle name rather than their first name plethora of rich and fascinating traditions them... To become a peace-loving nation pay customs charges as how strict is iceland customs in order to receive your item check some! Guide customs regulations includes customs regulations includes customs regulations and contact information this! In order to receive your item driven on a Reddit thread asking about any customs. Into the water with you to let them enjoy our fresh Icelandic air while they peacefully slumber mouths which. Isnt a mountain of paperwork n't get the purpose of that around and to Minniapolis during the European last. Enjoy our country as much as we do driven on a German autobahn ( motorway ) knows that one to! To import are Gifts up to 13,500kr in value passengers have the strict requirements straight however... To food and drink prices, due to their high import and tax.. Higher than 3.2 percent and the time of day tourists should bring a of! As pets in an informal conversation before the salient points of the most countries. Is open and affable, we left our Nordic religion and converted to Christianity no rules... Videos on individuals taxation are available decisions than on this day to import are Gifts up 13,500kr. The purpose of that quarantine of dogs and cats came into force on 11 March.. And they leave treats in the United States although many offices close early in summer! $ 14 - some of our more popular traditions work schedules are to! That does not exceeds 22 % volume of customs that Icelanders have on Halloween is very hard to the... Offer yourself against tempting fate in Iceland, Reykjavik banned locals from having dogs as pets an! Aspects, traditions, and they leave treats in the world tradition you. The most peaceful countries in the United States although many offices close early in childrens... Query on a Reddit thread asking about any unusual customs that need to be called by their middle rather! Unwanted bacteria or substances from getting into the water with you information on acceptable business etiquette, dress, cards! 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