Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Iceland, but it is always appreciated. The standard rate of tax on Icelandic products is 24%, with some products and services, including books, food and accommodation, taxed at a reduced rate of 11%.
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At bars in Europe, tips are not customary, but leaving change or a few euros is always appreciated, if not expected. For takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service, tips are also not customary.
Most locals only use card payments instead of cash, and you likely won't run into any small businesses in any of the small Icelandic towns that only take cash, no matter how small your purchase is. Again, for the most convenience, opt to bring your credit and debit cards with you to Iceland and pay that way.
Water bottleBefore the tourism industry boomed, locals would never buy bottled water, “because clean water is free in Iceland and can be found in lakes, waterfalls, and rivers”. When traveling in Iceland, bring a bottle and fill it up from taps and, clean rivers and waterfalls.
Yes, the water is perfectly safe to drink in Iceland. Unless marked otherwise, tap water is considered safe, and because of where it comes from, you know you're getting it in its purest form. Nearly all of Iceland's tap water is sourced from groundwater – stored deep in wells under the earth's surface.
So bring along a travel towel– you'll want something small and packable you can throw in your backpack, but also something that will dry you off so you're not walking around the chilly hills of Iceland while sopping wet.
If you are travelling to Iceland from the United States or anywhere else in the world you will probably need to buy an Icelandic Sim Card. You will also need to make sure that you have an unlocked phone to put it in. Have a chat to your home network provider about international plans first though.
Entry, Exit and Visa RequirementsYour passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page. You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
Just as in Japan, it is not customary to tip in China. Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances so when taking a taxi, enjoying a refreshing drink or tucking into a delicious meal there's no requirement to leave any gratuities.
Tipping culture in Europe is very different, so there are some habits American travelers will want to leave at home. For most, tips are not expected in Europe, and it's fine not to tip at all, especially in more casual settings like bars or cafes. In other cases, though, small tips may be warranted.