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Digital Nomad Guide to Iceland | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Iceland

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By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Iceland is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Iceland are Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Hafnarfjörður. Digital nomads like living in Iceland because of its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $2,000 in Iceland. This budget should cover accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. The culture of Iceland is very welcoming and open-minded. Icelanders are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The country is also known for its unique and vibrant culture, which includes traditional music, art, and literature.

How do I meet people in Iceland?

When we asked people living in Iceland about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Iceland often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending events hosted by the Icelandic-American Association. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Iceland," explained one person living in Iceland.

What is life like in Iceland?

When we asked people living in Iceland what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Iceland can be quite rewarding. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs, as well as its vibrant culture and friendly people. Expats and digital nomads can take advantage of the country's excellent infrastructure, with reliable internet access and a wide range of services and amenities. The cost of living is relatively high, but the quality of life is generally good. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from Iceland's generous visa policies, which make it easy to stay in the country for extended periods of time," remarked one member in Iceland.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Where should I live in Iceland?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Iceland is to use online resources such as websites and social media. Websites such as Leigulistinn, Bylgjan, and Airbnb are great resources for finding apartments, houses, and other rental properties. Additionally, social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram can be used to search for rental properties and connect with potential landlords. Additionally, it is possible to find rental properties through local newspapers and real estate agents," remarked one member in Iceland.

What do I need to know before moving to Iceland?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Iceland, they said:

"Before retiring in Iceland, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other countries. They should also be aware of the weather, which can be cold and unpredictable. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services. It is also important to research the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, expats should be aware of the visa and residency requirements for living in Iceland," said one expat in Iceland.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Iceland?

"Expats in Iceland appreciate the country's strong sense of community and the welcoming attitude of the locals. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the country, with its majestic mountains, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs. Additionally, they appreciate the unique culture of Iceland, with its rich history, vibrant music and art scene, and delicious cuisine. Finally, expats in Iceland appreciate the country's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to protect the environment," said one person in Iceland.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

What do people find most challenging about the culture in Iceland?

"Expats in Iceland often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the cost of living in Iceland can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy. Furthermore, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and harsh, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the climate. Finally, the cultural norms in Iceland can be quite different from those of other countries, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local customs," said one person in Iceland.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Iceland for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Iceland for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a different type of permit. For example, if you are coming to Iceland to work, you will need to apply for a work permit. If you are coming to study, you will need to apply for a student residence permit. Additionally, if you are coming from a country outside of the European Economic Area, you will need to apply for a visa before entering Iceland," explained one person living in Iceland.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Iceland?

We asked people in Iceland if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Iceland. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to respect the Icelandic language and not to speak loudly in public. Additionally, it is important to respect the Icelandic nature and not to litter or leave any trace of your presence. It is also important to respect the privacy of others and not to take pictures of people without their permission. Finally, it is important to dress appropriately and not to wear revealing clothing in public," said one person in Iceland.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What are healthcare services like in Iceland?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Iceland, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Iceland are provided by the public healthcare system, which is funded by the government and managed by the Icelandic Directorate of Health. The public healthcare system provides a wide range of services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and preventive health services. The quality of public healthcare in Iceland is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialist services. Foreign residents in Iceland have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Iceland can use the public healthcare system by registering with the Icelandic Directorate of Health and paying a fee for services," wrote one digital nomad living in Iceland.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What are the pros and cons of living in Iceland?

"Despite my earlier comment about criminal activity, Reykjavik is a wonderful place to grow up and also to raise up children. The education system is great for even the smallest of children. However, as an adult, needing to work, due to language barriers a lot of jobs are not available to me due to the level of Icelandic written and spoken that is needed to get hired. Food is expensive and the national food is not very appealing outside of the dairy products. ," explained one person living in Reykjavik, Iceland.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the natural beauty of Iceland, with its stunning landscapes, geothermal pools, and majestic waterfalls. They also enjoy the country's vibrant culture, with its unique music, art, and cuisine. Additionally, Iceland is known for its friendly people and safe environment, making it a great place to live. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Iceland to be quite high, as well as the weather, which can be quite cold and unpredictable," wrote one digital nomad living in Iceland.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Iceland Network Contribute
Help others in Iceland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Iceland.

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