Business trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. Its latitude at 64°08’ N makes it the world’s most northern capital of a sovereign state. The city is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. With a population of about 120.000 it is the heart of Iceland’s economic and governmental activity.
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which Ingólfur Arnarson is said to have established around 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development at the present city location. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national centre of commerce, population and governmental activities.
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Nowadays, Reykjavík is the centre of the Greater Reykjavík Area which, with a population of 202.000. It is the only metropolitan area in Iceland. As a highly modernized capital of one of the most advanced developed countries in the world, its inhabitants enjoy a first-class welfare system and city infrastructure.
Its location, only slightly south of the Arctic Circle, receives only four hours of daylight on the shortest day in the depth of winter; during the summer the nights are almost as bright as the days. It has continued to see population growth in past years as well as growth in areas of commerce and industry.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names and academic titles.
Icelanders are direct, do not confuse this with rudeness.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
Put a napkin on your lap, finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
Marine products account for the majority of Iceland’s exports of goods. Other important exports include aluminum, ferro-silicon alloys, equipment and electronic machinery for fishing and fish processing and pharmaceuticals. Information technology and life sciences and related services are significant growth areas.
The vast majority of Iceland’s exports go to the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, followed by the United States and Japan. The U.S. is by far the largest foreign investor in Iceland, and the country’s largest supplier of imported services (e.g., financial and franchise services, movies/TV programs/music, tourism).
Iceland’s relatively liberal trading policy was strengthened by accession to the European Economic Area in 1994 and by the Uruguay Round agreement, which also brought significantly improved market access for Iceland’s exports, especially seafood products. However, the agricultural sector remains heavily subsidized and protected.
Some facts in a list:| Currency | ISK, Icelandic crown (1 EUR=154,52 ISK) |
| Time zone | GMT |
| Population | 306.694 |
| Area | 103.000 |
| Population density | 3,1 / km2 |
| GDP | € 7.944.800.000.000 |
| GDP/per capita | € 34.794 |
  | Product tip: Buy a passport holder! Get a big wallet that takes passport, tickets and receipts all together in one place. This way you have all your documents organised and easy to find. |
Address
Civil Aviation Administration
Keflavik Airport
235 Keflavik
Iceland
lephone: +354(0)425 0600
Fax: +354(0)425 0610
www.kefairport.is
Airport codes
IATA airport code: KEF
ICAO airport code: BIKF
Lost property
If you have lost an item of baggage, contact Lost and Found at IGS Airport Services (for Icelandair, SAS and QS) or Airport Associates (for Iceland Express, Primera Air, Air Berlin, Germanwings and Fly Niki). Both are open from 08:00 to 17.00.
IGS Airport Services
Tel. (+354) 425 0226
E-mail: baggage@icelandair.is
Airport Associates
Tel. (+354) 425 0705
E-mail: lf@airportassociates.com
Items lost in the arrivals or departures hall go to:
Property Office - Airport Terminal Police
Tel. (+354) 420 1808
E-mail: lostandfound@dc.is
Open weekdays from 09:00 to 13:00.
Open for telephone inquiries on weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00.
Terminal info
Connectivity from the airport
Bus
A special shuttle bus, FlyBus (tel: +354(0)562 1011) maintains a connection between the airport and the capital, the bus leaves approximately 40 minutes after the arrival of a flight and stops in Hafnarfjörður and Garðabær on the way, you can purchase a ticket in the Arrivals Hall for ISK 1,100.A minibus goes to the Blue Lagoon which stops in Reykjanes and Grindavík on the way, a ticket costs ISK 500.
Taxi
Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall. Bear in mind that life in Iceland is expensive and that also goes for taxis, it costs ISK 7,500-9,000 for a ride to the center of Reykjavik!
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Reykjavik.
There are around 600 taxicabs in Iceland, most of them in the greater Reykjavik area. They charge uniform fares and you pay what the meter shows at the end of the trip. Tipping is not expected. Smoking in taxicabs is not permitted except with the drivers consent. Most taxicabs are 4-8 passenger vehicles. They are identifiable by a yellow lighted sign on the roof of the cab, indicating that the cab is unoccupied.
Taxi stands are outside most of the larger hotels and throughout the city and towns, and it is also normal practice to telephone for a taxicab.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Taxi Ehf | 5678000 |
| Taxi | 5880220 |
| Taxi | 5685575 |
| Iceland Taxi | 8920501 |
| BSR | 5610000 |
Carpe Diem Restaurant
The Carpe Diem Restaurant on Raudararstigur, Reykjavik, is a pleasant restaurant which prides itself on its excellent food, first-class service and enjoyable surroundings. If you are on a business trip to Reykjavik, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Raudararstigur 18
IS-101 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel. + 354 552 4555
Einar Ben. Restaurant & Bar
Einar Ben. is named after one of the most remarkable Icelanders of recent times and the staff tries to honor him by serving delicious food made from quality Icelandic ingredients: fish, seabirds, wild game and lamb.
Veltusund 1
IS-101 Reykjavik
Iceland
Tel. + 354 511-5090
www.einarben.is
Restaurant Reykjavik
If you want to go wining and dining in Reykjavik, this is your place to start. Here you can find list of quality restaurants in all price ranges all over the Reykjavik area. If you are looking for a gourmet food you will find plenty to keep you happy when dining and wining in the Iceland capital, Reykjavik. Cuisine, like many things in Iceland, benefits from the open-mindedness of the locals and the readiness of the Iceland culture to adapt foreign tastes to its own.
Vesturgata 2
101 Reykjavik
Telephone: 552 3030
www.restaurantreykjavik.is
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Reykjavik.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Reykjavik it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Reykjavik.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
The contemporary Hilton Reykjavik Nordica hotel is situated in the financial district of the capital and is only 5 minutes’ walk from the outdoor park, Laugardalur and a complimentary shuttle bus journey from the city center which is very convenient during a busy business trip.
Sudurlandsbraut 2
Reykjavik, Iceland, 108
354-444-5000
More info about Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel
The Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city centre and lies within walking distance of the financial, commercial, shopping and restaurant districts of Reykjavik. Just around the corner you will find all types of transportation depending on your needs and the hotel also offers excursion options that can be booked through our concierge service and arranged to pick you up from the hotel directly.
Posthusstraeti 2
Reykjavik, 101
Iceland
Telephone +354 599 1000
More info about Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is located on one of the city’s oldest streets, Adalstraeti, in a newly renovated building, the oldest part of which dates back to 1764. City life with shops, restaurants, cafés, clubs, museums and culture is within walking distance.Reykjavik Centrum’s award-winning restaurant Fjalaköttur serves traditional Icelandic dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list. Uppsalir, the hotel’s cosy bar & café welcomes guests to relax in a cosy atmosphere.
Aðalstræti 16
IS-101 Reykjavík
Iceland
Tel: +354 514 6000
More info about Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Reykjavik’s main and best shopping street is Laugavegur, in the downtown area. A selection of boutiques, designer labels, arts and crafts galleries and jewellery design studios can be found here, including the popular 66°North and the Blue Lagoon shop.
Over the past few years, Skólavödustígur has been transforming into one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the city. As would be expected in a country that experiences extreme weather conditions, several shops can be found selling high-quality outdoor wear and equipment, such as Skátabúdin, Snorrabraut 60, which stocks a range of well-known labels, including the Icelandic trademark Cintamani.
The Kringlan shopping mall, located in the part of the downtown area known as the ‘new city centre’, is a centre of social activity. Among its 150 shops is Íslandia, a one-stop outlet for Icelandic souvenirs. Smaralind shopping centre, a 10-minute drive from the old part of town, features 80 shops, a multi-screen cinema, cafes and restaurants.
The major souvenir shops are located on Laekjargata, Bankastraeti, and the area between Tjörnin and the harbour. Fur clothes are a particular Icelandic speciality and are available at the upmarket Eggert, Skólavördustígur 38. You can buy the famous lopapeysa (or Icelandic jumper) in many of the tourist shops or from The Handknitting Association of Iceland, Skólavördustígur 19, although buying one is the mark of a tourist. They are hardly ever worn by Icelanders.
One of the Golden Circles many highlights is the Gullfoss waterfall, the queen of Iceland’s waterfalls. Finally, but no less spectacular is a visit to the Thingvellir National Park.
This is the original site of the oldest existing parliament in the world. The Great Atlantic rift is clearly visible, a rift that is slowly pulling Iceland apart along tectonic plates. Lunch and refreshments not included. If you have more then enough time for sightseeing during your business trip to Reykjavik, I would recommended you to visit it.
When you have less time to spend during your business trip to Reykjavak go and have a trip to the puffin islands with Puffinexpress (Only from May 1st to September 1st) Look for more info on www.puffinexpress.is
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
The general emergency phone number on Iceland is 112. For non-urgent matters you can call the Reykjavik police on phone number 4441000.
Iceland’s National Hospital, Landspitali University Hospital serves the total Icelandic population.
Address:Eiríksgata 5, 1. og 2. hæð
Tel: 543 1300
Icelandic is an Indo-European language belonging to the North Germanic branch of the Germanic languages. It is the closest living relative of Faroese; these two languages, along with Norwegian, comprise the West Scandinavian languages, descended from the western dialects of Old Norse. Danish and Swedish make up the other branch, called the East Scandinavian languages.
Although most people speak some English, some Icelandic phrases can always come in hand....
| Yes | Já |
| No | Nei |
| Thank you (very much) | Takk (fyrir) |
| You’re welcome | þú ert velkominn/Gerðu svo vel |
| Please | Vinsamlegast/Takk |
| Excuse me | Fyrirgefðu |
| Hello | Halló/Góðan daginn |
| Goodbye | Bless |
| What is your name? | Hvað heitir þú? |
| Nice to meet you | Gaman að kynnast þér |
| How are you? | Hvernig hefur þú það? |
| Good | Góður/Góð (male/fem.) |
| Bad | Vondur/Vond (male/fem.) |
| Where is ...? | Hvar er ...? |
| Airport | Flugvöllur |
| Departure | Brottför |
| Arrival | Koma |
| Reservation | Bókun |
| How much does this cost? | Hvað kostar þetta (mikið) |
| Open | Opið |
| Closed | Lokað |
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