Among the sights to behold in Iceland include exploding geysers, the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon and Aurora Borealis, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, which under the right conditions can provide spectacular displays.
The Icelandic Krona is the currency of Iceland, although credit and debit cards are commonly used even for quite small transactions and money can be exchanged at all banks and most hotels.
Getting to Reykjavik
Travelling from London to Reykjavik on a non-stop airplane service can take as little as three hours with certain airlines, although this can easily rise to between 12-15 hours depending on your flight selection.
For those looking to avoid airplane travel, an alternative can be found by using the Faroe Islands’ Smyril Line ferry service, which operates from Denmark and is the only way to bring your car to Iceland.
Trains from London to Denmark can normally take up to a couple of days, if you are looking to travel without your vehicle, with passengers booking this route recommended to allow between three and four days overall to reach Iceland.
Time difference
The time difference in Iceland is one hour behind British Summer Time and the same as Greenwich Mean time, which should not require you to alter your diabetes management significantly when you arrive.
However, if you are unsure as to how to adjust your medication then you should discuss a plan with your diabetic specialist.
It’s going to be cold
Iceland is generally a very cold country compared to the climate of the United Kingdom, with the average high summer temperature in Iceland around 14°C.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Iceland. However, the opportunity should be taken to ensure existing vaccinations such as your yearly flu jab and those against polio and tetanus are also up to date.
UK Global Health Insurance Card
Apply for a GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) – you can apply online at https://overseas-healthcare.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/get-healthcare-cover-travelling-abroad/start and you can receive free cover in some European countries.
Ensuring access to medication
Medication is available in Iceland, but payment is required from a pharmacy, for which the Icelandic translation is ‘Apotek’. However, possessing a GHIC card allows you to receive treatment at a lesser cost and this money can be recouped when you get back into the UK.
Most Icelandic pharmacies are generally open 1000-1800 during weekdays, which shortens to 1000-1600 on Saturdays. Pharmacies will be closed on Sundays and public holidays. Blood and urine testing kits are available from most pharmacies in Iceland.
The emergency services number to be called in Iceland is 112.
It is advisable to contact the manufacturing company of your medication prior to leaving the UK to find out what is available in Iceland if your medication gets lost, stolen or damaged. It is also worth checking to see what different names your medication may be listed as.
Insulin
You should note which syringes are available in Iceland, with U-100 syringes the most commonly used and available at all pharmacies. The vast majority of insulin in the UK is U-100 insulin.
If you need to take a different strength of insulin , say in an emergency, it’s important that you use the correct device and syringes for that insulin.
For example, you would use a U-40 syringe for U-40 insulin. You will need to work with a doctor getting the right dose if you’re using a different form of insulin.
Diabetes associations
It is important to note the diabetes associations in the country you are travelling to in case of an emergency.
The one diabetic association of Iceland is Samtok Sykursjukra, which has been a member of the Internationall Diabetes Federation (IDF) since 1991. The address is:
- Samtok Sykursjukra, Hátún 10B, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Tel: 354 562-5605
Email: [email protected]
Questions
- How is blood glucose measured in Iceland? Unfortunately, we do not have the information of whether blood glucose is measured in mg/dl or mmol/l in Iceland
- What language is spoken in Iceland? Icelandic, although most people will have a very good understanding of English and speak it very well
- Will I need an international driving license when driving in Iceland? Only if you from a country outside of the European Union
- If I want to hire a vehicle during my visit, will I face any form of discrimination? No, provided you can show a doctor’s certificate or letter confirming that your diabetes.
- What sugar free drinks are available in Iceland? No, provided you can show a doctor’s certificate or letter confirming that your diabetes.
