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*Practical information*

*Climate*
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a mild temperate ocean climate, cool in the summer and surprisingly mild in the winter. During the mid-summer, temperatures generally average between 12° and 15° C (50°-54° F) The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is warmer than in New York or Vienna. Iceland is among the most pollution free countries. During the summer months June and July Icelanders do enjoy almost 24\- hour daylight.
For weather forecast in Iceland, [the Icelandic Meteorological Office|http://en.vedur.is/]






*Currency exchange*
The Icelandic monetary unit is the "króna." Cash can be obtained against most common cards in all ATM banks, which are to be found in most of the bigger hotels in Reykjavík. The Icelandic króna is appr. 110 USD.
For exchange rate, [Central Bank of Iceland|http://www.sedlabanki.is/?PageID=183]






*Opening hours*
General office hours are usually 09:00-16:00/ 9:00 AM-4:00 PM in July. Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00/ 9:00 AM\- 6:00 PM, Sat from 10:00-14:00/ 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Some supermarkets and gas stations are open 24/7. Banking hours are Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00/ 9:00-4:00 PM .

*Time*
Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), New York \-4, Brussels \+2, London \+1.

*Tax and Tipping*
Taxes and services are always included in all prices for restaurants, hotels, taxis etc. Tipping is not customary in Iceland.

*Duty free shopping/Tax Free shopping*
Duty-free goods may be purchased both upon arrival and departure at Keflavík International Airport. A refund of local Value-Added Tax (VAT) is available to all visitors in Iceland. The refund will result in a reduction of up to 15% of the retail price, provided departure from Iceland is within 3 months after the date of purchase.

*Electricity*
The main voltage is 220volts, 50Hz. Appliance sockets are usually plugs with round pins.

*Medical help*
There is a medical centre or a hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The emergency phone number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112.
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