Working and Networking
- Best Cafe for Work
- Reykjavik Roasters (Brautarholt 2) or Kaffitar (Bankastræti 8) - Laptop friendly with fast Wi-Fi
- Networking Events
- Innovation Center Iceland and events hosted by Startup Iceland
- Social Events for Expats
- Expats in Iceland Facebook Group; 'Language and Beer' meetups at Loft Hostel
- Best Coworking Space
- Reykjavik Coworking Unit (Laugavegur 116) - approx. 35,000 ISK/month; Ocean Cluster House (Grandi)
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Hreyfill (+354 588 5522) or BSR. Note: Uber and Bolt do not operate in Iceland
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Hopp (electric scooters) - widely used via app; approx. 100 ISK unlock + 40 ISK/min
- Best Beach Nearby
- Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach - heated lagoon with golden sand and hot tubs
- Top Regional Airline
- Icelandair (domestic routes from Reykjavik Airport (RKV))
- Top International Airline
- Icelandair and PLAY (operating from Keflavik International (KEF))
- Highway Access
- Route 1 (The Ring Road) accessible via the Reykjanesbraut highway
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- BSÍ Bus Terminal (No trains exist in Iceland)
- Public Transport Passes
- Strætó app - Single fare 570 ISK; 20-ride pass 10,500 ISK
- Regional Travel
- Strætó regional buses or domestic flights from RKV to Akureyri/Egilsstaðir
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Landspítali University Hospital (Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavik)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Sólir Yoga & Spiritual Plant (Fiskislóð 53); Reykjavik Yoga
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- World Class (Laugardalur branch is the largest); Rebook Fitness
- Laundry Services
- Udarnik (Vitastígur 11) - Drop-off service; many hostels offer self-service
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Aha.is - The primary delivery service for food and groceries in Reykjavik
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Plokkfiskur (Fish stew) at Messinn; Icelandic Lamb at Matarkjallarinn
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Mama Reykjavik (Laugavegur 2); Chickpea (Hverfisgata 26)
- Best Dessert Spots
- Brauð & Co (Frakkastígur 16) for cinnamon rolls; Gaeta Gelato
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Bónus or Krónan supermarkets (Look for the yellow pig or lemon logos)
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Elko.is (Electronics); Heimkaup.is (General department store)
- Grocery Delivery
- Heimkaup.is offers same-day delivery for groceries
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Laugavegur and Hverfisgata streets; Lebowski Bar, Gaukurinn
- Local Brewery
- Bryggjan Brugghús (Grandagarður 8); RVK Brewing Co.
- Wine Bars
- Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar (Laugavegur 27); Mikki Refur
- Street Food Stalls
- Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Tryggvagata 1) for world-famous hot dogs
- Popular International Cuisine
- Ramen Momo (First ramen station in Iceland); Dragon Dim Sum
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Hallgrímskirkja Church; Harpa Concert Hall
- Museums & Art Venues
- Perlan (Wonders of Iceland); National Museum of Iceland
- Historical Sites
- Höfði House (Site of 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev summit)
- Religious Sites
- Hallgrímskirkja; Landakotskirkja (Catholic Cathedral)
- Annual Events
- Iceland Airwaves (Music festival, Nov); Reykjavik Pride (August)
- Cultural Districts
- The Grandi Harbour District (Art galleries and food halls)
- Theater Venues
- National Theatre of Iceland (Hverfisgata 19); Reykjavik City Theatre
- Local Markets
- Kolaportið Flea Market (Weekends only, Tryggvagata 19)
- Music Scene
- 12 Tónar (Record shop and bar); Mengi (Experimental music venue)
- Street Art
- Murals on Laugavegur and the Old Harbour area
- Cooking Classes
- Salt Eldhús (Thorunnartun 2)
- Art Galleries
- i8 Gallery (Tryggvagata 16); Reykjavik Art Museum Hafnarhús
- Historic Buildings
- Alþingi (Parliament House, Austurvöllur)
- Local Heritage
- Sagas of Icelanders (Historical manuscripts held at Árni Magnússon Institute)
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Viðey Island (5 min ferry); Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
- National Parks Nearby
- Þingvellir National Park (45 min drive) - UNESCO World Heritage site
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Ægisíða coastal path (Vesturbær); Elliðaárdalur Valley
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Perlan Observation Deck (360-degree city views)
- Birdwatching Locations
- Seltjarnarnes Peninsula (Grotta Lighthouse area)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Designated public bonfires during Áramót (New Year's Eve) and Þrettándinn
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Pósturinn (Iceland Post); DHL Express (Gunnarsbraut 11)
- Tech Repair Services
- Macland (Laugavegur 17) for Apple products; Tölvutækni
- Table Tennis Spots
- Laugardalshöll Sports Center
- Language Classes
- The Tin Can Factory (Skipholt 19) - Icelandic courses with cultural immersion
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Borgarbókasafnið (Reykjavik City Library, Tryggvagata 15)
- Community Centers
- Tjarnarbíó (Culture and community hub)
- Gaming Lounges
- Arena Gaming (Kópavogur suburb) - high-end PCs and VR
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- N/A (Gambling is illegal in Iceland, only limited slot machine halls exist like Gullnáman)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 1,000,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 40,000,000 ISK / $290,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 850,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 34,000,000 ISK / $246,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 950,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 57,000,000 ISK / $412,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 800,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 48,000,000 ISK / $347,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 900,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 72,000,000 ISK / $520,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 750,000 ISK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 60,000,000 ISK / $434,000)
- Corporate Tax
- 20% for limited liability companies
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 22% standard rate
- Tax System
- Progressive national and municipal income tax for residents
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 46.25% (on income exceeding 1,114,640 ISK per month)
- VAT
- 24% standard rate; 11% reduced rate for groceries/books
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Icelandic residents are taxed on profits in CFCs in low-tax jurisdictions
- Property Tax
- Yes, varies by municipality, typically 0.18% to 0.63% of the real estate valuation
- Property Transaction Tax
- Stamp duty: 0.8% for individuals, 1.6% for legal entities
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Remote Work Visa allows stays up to 180 days; holders are not considered tax residents if staying <183 days
Essentials
- City
- Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland
- Population
- Approximately 135,000 (Greater Reykjavik area: 233,000)
- Internet Speed
- High-speed fiber optics widely available; Average 100-500 Mbps
- Currency & Banking
- Icelandic Króna (ISK). 1 USD ≈ 138 ISK, 1 EUR ≈ 150 ISK
- Tap Water
- Drinkable; among the purest in the world. Cold water is spring water, hot water is geothermal (sulfur scent)
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets
- SIM Card
- Síminn, Nova, and Vodafone. Nova offers 10GB for approx. 2,490 ISK
- Banking for Expats
- Arion Banki, Íslandsbanki, and Landsbankinn. Revolut is widely used for currency exchange
- Accommodation
- Airbnb, Bungalo.com, and local Facebook groups like 'Leiga' for long-term stays
- Cashless Friendly
- Extremely high; cards and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are used everywhere, even for public toilets
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb (approx. 25,000 ISK/night) and specialized agencies like Blue House B&B
- Budget Accommodation
- Kex Hostel (Skúlagata 28) - Dorms from 6,000 ISK; Loft HI Hostel (Bankastræti 7)
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Miðborg (District 101) - Close to Hallgrímskirkja and Laugavegur shopping street
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Vesturbær (District 107) - Quieter residential vibe near the university and Grandi Harbor