Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, known for its colorful buildings, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 people, making it the most populous city in Iceland. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average fixed broadband speed is about 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 146 ISK, 1 USD ≈ 134 ISK. ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from local geothermal waters and known for its quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Síminn and Vodafone, offering prepaid options starting from ISK 1,500. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Kóða and Íslandsbanki are popular choices among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, short-term rentals through local agencies, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most establishments accept credit and debit cards widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and local services like HomeAway. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like KEX Hostel and Loft HI Hostel offer affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Reykjavik Grapevine Workspace, known for its vibrant atmosphere and events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Babalú Café, offering great coffee and free WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups occur regularly in venues like Harpa Concert Hall. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Iceland Expat Facebook Group hosts regular meets and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi apps like Hreyfill and IDA Services provide convenient services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent bikes at Reykjavík Bike Tours or use the Hopp bike-sharing system. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, only 15 minutes from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Iceland Connect is the primary carrier for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair serves various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 1 (the Ring Road) connects Reykjavik to other parts of Iceland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Reykjavik has a bus system (Strætó) with main terminals at Hlemmur and BSI. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Strætó offers single tickets and monthly passes for bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Reykjavik to nearby towns, including Golden Circle tours and airport shuttles. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Landspítali University Hospital is the leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hatha Yoga Reykjavik offers various yoga classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Icelandic Fitness and World Class are popular gym chains. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry facilities include Laundromat Reykjavik for self-service and drop-off. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Sveitin offers food delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Icelandic lamb stew (Kjötsúpa) and fresh seafood dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kaffi Veggen is a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Valdis serves delicious ice creams and has a local following. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kolaportið Flea Market offers local foods and crafts at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Verslun focuses on local products, and international services include Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Hagkaup and Bónus offer online shopping with home delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Laugavegur street is the main area for nightlife, with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Reykjavik BrewDog is known for its craft beers and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vínyl offers a cozy atmosphere with a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is famous for its hot dogs. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try restaurants like Potturinn and Ramen Momo for diverse global tastes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall are iconic spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Reykjavik Art Museum and National Museum of Iceland host significant exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Sun Voyager sculpture offers a picturesque view. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hallgrímskirkja is a prominent Lutheran church with stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival occurs every February, showcasing culture and community. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The 101 area is rich in culture, filled with cafes, shops, and art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Borgarleikhúsið is Reykjavik's main theater for performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kolaportið Flea Market operates on weekends and offers local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | venues like Gaukurinn host live music events and open mic nights. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals around the city, especially in the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Icelandic Sagas offers classes focused on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Living Art Museum promotes local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Reykjavik City Library has an interesting architectural design. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Viking history of Reykjavik is reflected in various museums and sites. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Snæfellsjökull National Park is a few hours from Reykjavik and offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastline path provides scenic views, making it perfect for biking or walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Perlan Museum's observation deck offers panoramic views of Reykjavik. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Heiðmörk Nature Reserve is great for spotting local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Visit designated areas at Nauthólsvík Beach for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Iceland Post and DHL provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair offers tech support for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Reykjavik Table Tennis Club hosts casual play and events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Icelandic Language School offers courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Reykjavik City Library is a great place to study and access resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The cultural center Mokka serves as a community hub. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming stations can be found at various cafes like Got Game. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Hraun Gaming Room provides entertainment options for locals and foreigners alike. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €228,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 22.5% tax on distributed dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Iceland has a progressive tax system, with top personal tax rates around 46.24%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 46.24% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 24%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Iceland has CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, generally around 0.25%-1.5%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate on property purchases. |