Reykjavik Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Reykjavik.
Healthcare System
Iceland operates a universal healthcare system with excellent standards. The public healthcare system is available to tourists for emergency care, though costs apply. Reykjavik has modern medical facilities with well-trained staff who typically speak English.
Hospitals
Landspítali University Hospital (Fossvogur) is the main hospital serving Reykjavik and offers comprehensive emergency and specialist services. For minor ailments, visit the Health Care Center at Laugardal or private clinics. Emergency departments accept walk-ins, but be prepared for potential wait times and costs.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apótek) are widely available throughout Reykjavik. Lyf og heilsa and Lyfja are the main chains. Many common medications require prescriptions that may not be honored from other countries. Pharmacies operate limited hours; check for 24-hour locations or those open on weekends. Common over-the-counter medications are available but expensive.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is highly recommended and essentially required. Medical treatment in Iceland is very expensive for non-EU/EEA citizens without insurance. EU/EEA citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though additional travel insurance is still advisable for repatriation and non-emergency care.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep all receipts and medical documentation for insurance claims
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- The tap water in Reykjavik is among the purest in the world and safe to drink
- Dental care is not covered under emergency provisions and can be extremely expensive
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as specialized treatment may require transfer
- Pack a basic first aid kit and any over-the-counter medications you regularly use, as they're expensive in Iceland
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are rare but can occur in tourist-heavy areas, particularly during peak summer season. Most incidents involve unattended belongings rather than confrontational theft.
Icy sidewalks and streets during winter months (October-April) pose significant injury risk. Many locals wear ice cleats; tourists often underestimate the hazard.
Weather can change rapidly even within the city. Wind chill can make temperatures feel much colder than actual readings. Inadequate clothing can lead to hypothermia, especially when combined with wet conditions.
Weekend nights can see increased intoxication-related incidents, though violent crime remains rare. Alcohol is expensive, leading some tourists to over-consume during limited drinking opportunities.
Unfamiliarity with driving conditions, especially in winter, can lead to accidents. Roundabouts are common and may be unfamiliar to some drivers. Rental car incidents are relatively common among tourists.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
While not exactly a scam, some operators charge significantly inflated prices for tours or services that can be arranged more cheaply. Some unlicensed tour operators may offer substandard or unsafe experiences.
Some exchange services or ATMs in tourist areas offer poor exchange rates or high fees. Dynamic currency conversion at point of sale can result in unfavorable rates.
Extremely rare, but there have been isolated reports of fake parking tickets placed on rental cars in tourist areas.
Unlicensed taxi drivers may approach tourists offering rides at inflated prices or without proper insurance.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Download the 112 Iceland app for emergency location sharing and safety information
- Register your travel plans at safetravel.is, especially if venturing outside Reykjavik
- Keep your accommodation address and contact information accessible at all times
- Carry identification but keep passport secured at accommodation when not needed
- Learn basic Icelandic phrases for emergencies, though most locals speak excellent English
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down as backup
- Stay connected - ensure your phone works in Iceland or purchase a local SIM card
Weather Preparedness
- Always dress in layers with waterproof and windproof outer layer
- Check weather forecasts multiple times per day at vedur.is
- Never underestimate Icelandic weather - conditions can change in minutes
- Carry emergency supplies (water, snacks, warm clothing) even for short trips outside the city
- Understand that 'good weather' in Iceland may still include wind and rain
- Plan indoor alternatives for outdoor activities in case of weather changes
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passports, and excess cash
- Verify accommodation bookings through official channels to avoid scams
- Keep accommodation address and contact information accessible
- Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and procedures upon arrival
- Ensure smoke detectors are present and functional in your room
- Lock doors and windows when leaving and sleeping
Transportation Safety
- If driving, ensure comprehensive insurance coverage including gravel damage and ash damage
- Never drive off-road - it's illegal and environmentally destructive
- Use only marked taxis or reputable ride-sharing services
- Walk facing traffic on roads without sidewalks
- Be extremely cautious crossing streets - drivers may not expect pedestrians in some areas
- Public buses are safe and reliable; keep belongings secure and in sight
- If renting a car, thoroughly inspect it before accepting and document any damage
Night Safety
- Downtown Reykjavik is generally safe at night, but remain aware of surroundings
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas when walking at night
- Travel in groups when possible, especially after dark
- Pre-arrange transportation home before going out
- Be aware that streets can be very icy and dark in winter evenings
- Keep valuables concealed and bags secured when in bars or restaurants
Health and Hygiene
- Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Reykjavik - no need to buy bottled water
- Wash hands regularly, especially during cold and flu season
- Be aware that the hot water may smell of sulfur (from geothermal sources) but is safe
- Pack any prescription medications with extra supply in case of travel delays
- Protect skin from wind and cold with appropriate moisturizers
- UV radiation can be strong even on cloudy days - use sunscreen when outdoors for extended periods
Money and Valuables
- Iceland is largely cashless - credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere
- Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks
- Carry minimal cash and use ATMs at banks for best rates
- Keep cards and cash in different locations on your person
- Be discreet when accessing money or valuables in public
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Consider using RFID-blocking wallets to prevent card skimming
Communication
- Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked for international use or purchase local SIM
- WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces
- Keep important phone numbers saved offline in case of connectivity issues
- Learn the local emergency number (112) and how to use it
- Download offline maps of Reykjavik before arrival
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for important safety updates
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Reykjavik is exceptionally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the world's most gender-equal countries, and women traveling alone are common and unremarkable. Harassment is rare, and women can generally move freely throughout the city at any time. The same common-sense precautions that apply anywhere should be observed, but specific risks to women are minimal compared to most destinations.
- Solo female travelers can feel confident exploring Reykjavik independently, day or night
- Dress according to weather and personal comfort - there are no restrictive dress codes
- While harassment is rare, if it occurs, locals and authorities will be supportive
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from any situation that feels uncomfortable
- Consider staying in accommodations with 24-hour reception for added security
- Join group tours or activities as a way to meet other travelers if desired
- Be aware that alcohol consumption is high on weekends; maintain awareness in bar areas
- Women-only facilities are not common as they're generally not needed for safety
- Emergency services and healthcare providers are professional and supportive
- Connect with other women travelers through hostels or online travel communities if desired
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Iceland is one of the world's most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, discrimination is prohibited by law, and transgender individuals can legally change their gender without medical procedures. Reykjavik hosts an annual Pride celebration (Reykjavik Pride) that is well-attended and celebrated.
- LGBTQ+ travelers can be open about their identity without safety concerns
- Same-sex couples can book double beds and show affection publicly without issue
- Kiki Queer Bar on Laugavegur is a popular LGBTQ+ venue, though LGBTQ+ individuals are welcome everywhere
- Reykjavik Pride in August is one of the city's largest celebrations
- No need to research 'LGBTQ+-friendly' establishments - all are welcoming
- Legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals are strong and enforced
- Healthcare providers are professional and non-discriminatory
- Trans travelers should have no issues using facilities matching their gender identity
- The general safety advice for Reykjavik applies equally to LGBTQ+ travelers
- Iceland's progressive attitudes extend beyond Reykjavik to the entire country
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Reykjavik and Iceland. Medical care is excellent but extremely expensive for those without coverage. EU/EEA citizens have some coverage through reciprocal agreements, but comprehensive travel insurance is still strongly recommended. The unpredictable weather frequently causes flight cancellations and tour disruptions, making trip interruption coverage valuable. Adventure activities popular with tourists (glacier hiking, ice climbing, etc.) carry risks that should be covered.
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