The unit of currency is the Islensk Krona (ISK), plural kronur, divided into 100 aurar. Iceland's three banks, Islandsbanki, Landsbanki Island and Bunaoarbanki, all offer foreign exchange facilities and can be found in even the tiniest villages. Most have ATMs on their premises, available after banking hours, which are usually Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 4pm. Credit cards are widely used in Iceland for purchases and cash advances, and travellers cheques are accepted by all banks and most hotels. Travellers cheques in US dollars get the best exchange rate charges.
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The international country code for Iceland is +354. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not in use. Iceland Telecom rents mobile phones to visitors. There are numerous Internet cafes around the country.
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Service charges are included in bills, and tipping is not expected.
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Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, which necessitate keeping a check if you are on the road.
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Travel health insurance is highly recommended. A reciprocal agreement exists with the UK. British citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them from home to ensure having the cost of any emergency treatment covered.
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Iceland's electricity supply is 220 volts, 50Hz, the same as in most European countries. Plugs and sockets are of the two-pin type as in Continental Europe.
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