Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drunk and disorderly behaviour may land you in a police cell for a night, but you will usu-
ally be released the following morning.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict (long prison sen-
tences and heavy fines).
Maps
In recent years Iceland has been busy building new roads and tunnels, and sealing
gravel stretches. We recommend you purchase a recently updated country map.
Tourist information centres have useful free maps of their town and region. They also
stock the free tourist booklet
Around Iceland,
with information and town plans. Tourist info
centres, petrol stations and bookshops all sell road atlases and maps.
The map publisher Ferðakort (
www.ferdakort.is
) sells its maps online and has a dedic-
8; 10am-5pm Mon-Thu, to 4pm Fri)
. Forlagið (Mál og Menning) is another reputable map
publisher with a wide range - browse them at the Mál og Menning
store
in the capital.
Both companies have a good touring map of Iceland (1:500,000 or 1:600,000; approxim-
ately Ikr2000), useful for general driving. Ferðakort's more in-depth 1:200,000 Road Atlas
(Ikr5000) includes details of accommodation, museums and swimming pools. Both com-
panies also produce plenty of regional maps - Forlagið (Mál og Menning) has a series of
eight regional maps at 1:200,000 (Ikr1700 each). There are also 31 highly detailed topo-
graphic maps at a scale of 1:100,000, covering the entire country and ideal for hikers,
plus themed maps (for example on sagas, geology or birdwatching).
Serious hikers can ask for maps at local tourist information centres or at national park
visitor centres, both of which often stock inexpensive maps detailing regional walks and
hikes.
Money
Iceland is an almost cashless society where credit is king. Locals use plastic for even small
purchases.
As long as you're carrying a valid card, you'll have no need for travellers cheques and
will need to withdraw only a limited amount of cash from ATMs. Contact your financial insti-
tution to make sure that your card is approved for overseas use.
If you prefer more traditional methods of carrying money, travellers cheques and bank-
notes can be exchanged for Icelandic currency at all major banks.
