Transportation, food, and accommodation are the big three of travel expenses. In once-in-a-lifetime destinations like Iceland, staying at least a week is almost a given. That’s why renting a campervan in Iceland is a practical and popular way to get around Icelandic sights.
Savings from combining lodging and transport costs and cooking your food are a huge deal in expensive Iceland. The freedom of charting your adventures, be it chasing northern lights in the winter or finding puffins in the summer, is also priceless.
If you plan to book a camper in Iceland, check out these important details:
1. Identify Your Camper
Campervan offerings vary among rental companies and go by different price ranges, from budget to luxury.
Here are initial considerations when searching for your kind of camper:
- How many are you in the group? Whether it’s two or four adults, consider the sleeping and luggage space.
- What does a standard camper contain? Bedding, cooking and kitchenware, heating system, and Wi-Fi connection are usually included. For specifics and extras, ask the provider.
- Where do you intend to go? A 2×4 campervan works fine on main roads, while a 4×4 one is needed for F-roads or mountain roads and main roads in winter.
2. Contact a Rental Company
The above questions are just the tip of the iceberg, more are likely to come up in your search. It’s best to contact a campervan rental company directly about the following:
- Products, possible promos/discounts, and policies on booking and cancellation
- Insurance, taxes, service fees
- Relevant laws and regulations
- Weather and road conditions
- Travel restrictions, e.g., COVID-19 protocols
Being a first-time visitor necessitates asking all sorts of questions in addition to checking FAQs and doing research on your own. It’s always better to be safe and informed.
3. Account for Fuel Prices (and Fines)
Campervans run on gasoline or diesel. Trading Economics, citing data from the Icelandic Automobile Association, noted that gasoline prices in Iceland in February 2021, reached USD1.58 per liter. Prices, including that of diesel, are subject to change.
The cost of refueling the camper is on you, so include this recurring expense in your travel budget. Also, be careful not to violate rental terms and conditions that could result in fines, such as these standard policies relating to fuel:
- The vehicle must be returned with a full tank.
- The lessor could be fined for putting the wrong fuel on the vehicle.
4. Make Sure You Are Qualified to Drive
You need to present a driver’s license to be able to drive a campervan in Iceland. You must also be at least 20 years old.
What is considered a valid driving license in the country? According to government.is,
- It must be held for at least a year and issued by the person’s country of residence.
- An international driving license is required if the document is issued in non-roman alphabet.
- Go to the Multicultural Information Centre for more information on foreign driving licenses.
One more important thing, be prepared for the challenges of driving the roads, particularly during Icelandic winters. Check weather conditions, and know the driving rules.
5. Know Where to Shower
The detail about campers not having showers and toilets is crucial in your itinerary (and you have probably known it during your initial search).
You have the following places to take care of your bathing and related needs:
- Campsites
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Sights and attractions
- Public swimming pools
- Public bathrooms
Explore more places, create more memories: that’s the charm of campervanning in Iceland.
