Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸
#791
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, known for its modernist architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 131,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 150 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 ISK ≈ 0.0072 USD; Banks widely accept Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and known for its purity. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Vodafone and Nova. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Kvika, Arion Bank, and Landsbankinn are popular for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hotels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cash is rarely used; cards are accepted everywhere. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies like Reykjavik Rent a Home. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel B56 and Bus Hostel Reykjavik offer budget options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Reykjavik, near Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Neighborhoods like Vesturbær and Seltjarnarnes for good cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tehúsið is a popular coworking space with amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Reykjavik Roasters offers excellent coffee and a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups regularly held at The Culture House or through Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Reykjavik Expat Meetup group on Facebook organizes regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services such as Hreyfill offer a reliable app for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Reykjavik Biking offers bike rentals; E-scooters are available via Beijum. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nauthólsvík is a popular beach for sunbathing and geothermal hot tubs. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Iceland Connect operates local flights within Iceland. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Icelandair provides international flights with a hub at Keflavik Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 41 connects Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Buses operated by Strætó are the primary public transport in the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes available for Strætó's bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Reykjavik to major cities and attractions, like Golden Circle routes. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Landspítali University Hospital is the major healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Reykjavik offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Class Gym and Fitness 67 for fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat Reykjavik provides self-service and full-service laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Happi is a popular local food delivery app. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Icelandic lamb soup, called kjötsúpa. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veganæs and Lunch in the Sun offer excellent plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Loki serves traditional Icelandic pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kolaportið Flea Market for local foods and products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bónus for groceries and other essentials online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rammagerðin offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Reykjavik BrewDog offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vínyl is known for its selection of wines and ambient atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, famous for local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Sushibar and Vikin serve diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall are iconic spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Reykjavik Art Museum and The Settlement Exhibition are must-visits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Þingvellir National Park, the site of the first parliament. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hallgrímskirkja offers stunning architecture and viewpoints. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Reykjavik Culture Night takes place every August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old harbor area is a vibrant cultural hub. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Reykjavik City Theatre showcases local and international plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kolaportið is the main indoor flea market on weekends. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Harpa Concert Hall hosts a variety of music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the vibrant street art scene around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Check out The Nordic House for local cooking workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery List offers contemporary works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the National Museum for insights into Icelandic history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional turf houses are a symbol of Icelandic heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Reykjavik is close to lovely areas like Thingvellir and the Golden Circle. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Snæfellsjökull National Park is about 2 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Sculpture and Shore Walk is a popular scenic route. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Perlan provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Grótta Lighthouse is a notable spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Seltjarnarnes Beach has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Iceland Post and DHL offer shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Verkefni for electronic repairs in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be found at Grafarholtslaug. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Icelandic Language School offers courses for newcomers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Reykjavik City Library is a great place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Bíó Paradís hosts various community events and screenings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Laugarás Gaming Lounge provides gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Reykjavik Grapevine offers insights into local gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €128,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €104,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €174,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 46.24% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% for residential property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax treaties with various countries provide some benefits. |