Tips on arrival and survival in Iceland
Getting to Reykjavik from the airport:
There are buses leaving soon after each flight that will take you from the airport (Keflavik) to Reykjavik. The cost is ca. $10 and you can pay with a credit card in the ticket booth that is right outside customs. Tell the driver which hotel you are staying at. The bus will take you there or to a nearby hotel. The University is close to Saga hotel.
Getting money (the Icelandic krona, ca. 70 Ikr <-> 1 US $)
There are automatic teller machines at most banks. You should be able to draw money out of your checking account. There is a bank in the airport terminal (just before passport control). Also, credit cards are accepted almost anywhere in Iceland. (One can even pay for one entry in the swimming pool, worth $3.5 with a credit card).
Getting around in Reykjavik
Taxi service is very good, taxis arrive quickly and know where to go. All the taxis take credit cards. Buses are rather infrequent, every 15 min to every 30 min. But, then the distances aren't that large so it may be best to just walk (weather permitting).
Swimming pools
One of the major attractions in Iceland are the large outdoors swimming pools with geothermal water. They are clean and pleasant. Hot tubs, steam baths and saunas are typically also available at the swimming pools. There is one just west of the University called Vesturbaejarlaug, within easy walking distance. The biggest one is Laugardalslaug, a 50m pool, and several hot tubs with varying temperature. If you forgot your swimsuit, you can rent one at the entrance to the pool. For those of you arriving in the very early morning, well before you can check in at the B&B, a trip to the swimming pool might not be a bad idea.
Weather
The temperature has been 10 - 15 degrees in the last week (centigrade!), and an occational drissle. Remember to bring some warm clothes and raincoat or jacket.
Problems?
If you have any problems, don't hesitate to call Hannes Jonsson at 892-3560.
Electrical plug-ins
The electrical plugins in Iceland are of the type that is most common in wetern Europe, see http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/nongr.htm