This is the fourth episode for my segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. If you want to submit a question, you can do it here.
You can check out previous Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland episodes here.
Answers to the Questions That Were Submitted
1. Stephanie J. asked: "What is the tipping culture in Iceland?"
Tipping in Iceland is not expected, nor is the service you get dependent on it. While you can tip if you want to, it is certainly not a part of the culture, and some might even tell you that they don’t accept tips due to workers being paid a livable wage.
2. Ana R. asked: "What are your favorites pools and spas around Iceland? Cheers from Brazil!"
My favorite high end pools and spas are:
- Sky Lagoon
- Geo Sea
- Forest Lagoon
When it comes to natural hot pools, my favorites are in the West fjords. They are as follows:
- Laugarnes on Birkimelur hot pool
- Heydalur hot pools and indoor pool in a greenhouse
- Krossneslaug pool
For local swimming pools, I really like Lágafellslaug in Mosfellsbær and Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík.
3. Caroline said: "I’m traveling to Iceland from the US and I was curious if I should get some Icelandic kronar before I come to have on hand. I know Iceland prefers cards, but would having cash on hand be helpful?"
Because Iceland is becoming an almost cashless society, using cash is not necessary. Even really small vendors take debit and credit cards. You are more than welcome to take out Icelandic Kronar if you want to but you don’t need cash.
4. Caroline said: "What is the tipping culture for tour guides? For example, is it customary to tip the guide and/ or driver if you do a whale watching or glacier lagoon tour?"
There is no expectation or encouragement to tip your tour guide. Of course you can if you want to but it is not a custom in Iceland to do that.
5. Stephanie said: "I traveled to Iceland in March 2017 and flew Icelandair. The programming on the flight included tv episodes of an Icelander who had moved to a small town and talked about the life and activities in that town. It was great and I haven't been able to find it again! Do you happen to know what the show is, or can you recommend other shows about life in Iceland? Thank you!"
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find the show you watched on Icelandair. You can find some shows on RÚV that have English substitles. There is also a channel on RÚV that has educational content. However, it is only in Icelandic.
6. Kelly N. said: "What's a good way or place to get a daily summary of current events in Iceland (in English! 😉 )...as I'm sure you know, the daily morning and/or evening New York times is what I use in the US...love your show! :)"
Here are the Icelandic news outlets online that are in English:
7. Mariana said: "Have you ever been to the Inside the Vulcano Tour? Is is worth it? Thanks!"
Yes, I have been to Inside the Volcano some years ago. I think the experience was unique and interesting. I know it looks quite pricey, but I felt like it was worth it. The inside of the lava chamber was mind-blowing to me.
8. Chrissy P said: "Hi, Jewells! I’m a new listener and fan of the pod. My partner and I are visiting Iceland for the first time at the start of June and will be spending 2 weeks camper vanning it up! We’re birders and overall lovers of nature and are thinking of renting cameras instead of packing and bringing our own. Do you have thoughts or recommendations for renting cameras while we’re in Iceland? I know camera rentals can get pretty pricey quickly. Also, we too are East coast vegans! Thanks so much for all the plant based recs you’ve given on the pod! A bonus question, if it’s okay, would be for your favorite vegan-friendly hot dog spot in Iceland :’) Thanks so much!!"
Here is one place that I found where they rent cameras.
These are my favorite vegan hot dog places:
- The hot dog stand in Akureyri
- The pysluvagninn truck in Selfoss
- Vikingapyslur
- Vikivaki on Laugavegur
9. Rob From Chattanooga said: "What do Icelanders think about the movie Eurovision Song Contest?"
Many Icelanders found the movie to be funny and loved that Iceland was being featured in such a big movie with big movie stars like Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams.
10. Anne C. said: "What is something local people of Iceland miss or like to bring back from other places that might be difficult to get or very expensive there? For example my friends who live in the Virgin Islands miss Peanut Butter, fresh berries and odd things that are difficult to get over there or are expensive. What do you miss food or daily use wise...??? Does that make sense?"
Many Icelanders miss having summers or just weather in general that has temperatures above 60-degrees Fahrenheit. It is common for many of them to vacation in Tenerife or other warm locations. Because many things in Iceland are expensive, so many Icelanders will take an extra, empty suitcase for shopping. They can shop for clothes, toys, shoes, and etc.
I miss some foods and restaurants, access to certain hair products, my family and less expensive prices for pretty much anything.
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