Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TAX-FREE SHOPPING
Anyone who has a permanent address outside Iceland can claim up to a 15% refund on
purchases when they spend over Ikr4000 (at a single point of sale). Look for stores with a
'tax-free shopping' sign in the window, and ask for a form at the register.
If the refund amount on a single form exceeds Ikr5000, you have to show the goods to
customs when leaving the country and receive a customs stamp (note: this doesn't apply
to woollen goods).
To obtain your refund, you can mail the completed forms for a credit card refund (en-
sure you've written your credit card number on the form/s). Or you can present the pa-
perwork for a cash refund at an international refund point (Keflavík airport or Seyðis-
fjörður ferry port). A third alternative is to obtain a cash refund from a 'city refund point' -
these include the main tourist information offices in Reykjavík and Akureyri, but also the
service desks at the Kringlan and Smáralind shopping centres in the capital.
Full details are outlined at
www.taxfreeworldwide.com/Iceland.
Opening Hours
Many attractions and tourist-oriented businesses in Iceland are only open for a short
summer season, typically June to August.
As tourism increases at a rapid pace, some businesses are vague about their opening
and closing dates (increasingly, seasonal restaurants or guesthouses may open some-
time in May, or even April, or stay open until the end of September or into October, if de-
mand warrants it).
With the growth of winter tourism, a number of businesses are feeling their way towards
year-round trading. Note that many Icelandic hotels and guesthouses close from Christ-
mas Eve to New Year's Day.
The best advice is to check websites, and ask around. In such a small country, someone
will know someone who can help you out with a tour or transport or a meal - you just
need to ask!
Note that most museums (especially outside the capital) only have regular, listed opening
hours during summer (June to August). From September to May they may advertise re-
stricted opening hours (eg, a couple of hours once a week), but many places are happy
