Culture shock

One of the most common challenges outsiders face in Iceland is dealing with “culture shock.” Culture shock is a feeling of disorientation many people feel when experiencing an entirely new way of life. Many people find it difficult to adjust.

It is important to stress that culture shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable and not a sign that you have made a mistake or that you won’t manage. In fact, there are very positive aspects of culture shock. These experiences can offer us significant lessons and make us more aware of aspects of our own culture as well as the new culture we have entered.

“Explore the oddest things about the people in Iceland and Icelandic culture. Learn what’s behind all weird things written about Iceland online. Find out why Icelanders are so friendly.”

Tips that might help ease your transition:

Simply understanding that this is a normal experience may be helpful.
Maintain your confidence in yourself; follow your ambitions and continue your plans.
Most importantly, be prepared to open yourself to new experiences; be prepared to learn, not only in the classroom, but in your interactions with new people every day.
Keeping in touch with home is an important part of living in a different country. The internet makes it very easy to maintain regular contact also by sharing news, information, and photos of your life in Iceland.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Take regular exercise. As well as being good for your health, it can also be a way of meeting people.

Mobile services, TV and internet

Everyone wants to be able to keep in touch. For that, you need to be able to have access on the go. There are three main phone companies here, each with different offers. The quality of the service is good for each carrier. Each carrier has a store in the Kringlan mall and they all speak very good English.

To see the services and special deals they offer at any given time, it’s best to consult their websites:

Nova

Offers mobile phones and internet.

The newest phone company in Iceland. They offer a plan for a fixed amount a month and free calls and texts to other NOVA numbers, you only pay extra for the data plan you want. Many young people in Reykjavik are using Nova.

Nova.is

Siminn

Offers TV, Internet and mobile phones.

Has a variety of plans, including a combination of minutes and data for a fixed amount.

It is important to note that almost all services in Iceland require an ID number, or “Kennitala.” Prepaid services, however, do not.

Siminn webstite
Siminn (“prepaid” – in English)

Vodafone