Electronic Iceland
- Electronic services and electronic communication solutions are common in Iceland. www.skilriki.is
- All institutions and companies have a website with key information.
- You can send email messages and/or enquiries through an online chat.
- Filling out forms online and sending documents as scanned documents via email is also common. "Electronic signatures" are also used.
- Institutions also put personal information and replies to individuals on secure pages on their websites. The pages are called "My Pages".
- Iceland has strict laws on the protection and transfer of personal data that everyone must comply with, both public institutions and companies.
Banking services in Iceland are highly electronic
- Everyone has online banking through their bank and can view all transactions on their accounts, can transfer money, pay bills and view their pay slips.
- You can pay with your debit and credit cards through a smartphone.
- You can use the electronic banking system through the banks' websites or banking apps.
Healthcare services are also electronic (in addition to traditional services)
- On www.heilsuvera.is you can send a request to your health care clinic for prescription renewals, to make an appointment/phone interview with a doctor and ask for a blood test or a doctor's certificate.
- You can always book an appointment at the health clinic and see a doctor or nurse (see part 4 on Health).
Electronic certificates
- Electronic certificates are used through a smartphone.
- You can apply for electronic certificates at your bank or at Auðkenni (Holtagarðar, 2.hæð, 104 Reykjavík). www.audkenni.is; www.skilriki.is
- Then you need to go to the bank or Auðkenni.
- You will need to bring a valid passport, have an Icelandic phone number and an Icelandic ID number (kennitala).
- It's important to become computer literate/be able to use the internet on a smartphone as soon as possible in Iceland. It simplifies and streamlines your life.
- It is also important to have your own email address.
Transportation - Bus
- Iceland doesn't have trains or a subway system.
- People travel by car, bus, bicycle or walking.
- It is also possible to fly between some places domestically.
- The bus system is accessible on www.bus.is
- There you can see the route network, find out which bus to take and purchase a single trip or various types of passes.
- It is also possible to pay with money, but the driver does not give change.
Transportation – cars
- Car ownership is common among the general public in Iceland. Cars can be purchased at car dealerships, from car dealers and through various online media.
- All cars in use must be insured with an insurance company.
- Seatbelts must be used according to law in Iceland.
- Children must use car seats appropriate for their weight and age according to law.
- In winter, the road conditions are often bad and the streets icy. Cars must have winter tires (or all-season tires). With summer tires, they get stuck and can't move forward.
- There are also studded tires, but you can't drive on them in summer, only in winter. They are mainly used when driving in the countryside in heavy snow.
Driving Lessons and Driving Licences
- According to traffic laws, it is prohibited to operate a car or motorcycle without a valid driving licence.
- District Commissioners issue driving licences. See rules:
- www.syslumenn.is/thjonusta/skirteini-vegabref-vottord/okuskirteini
- In order to obtain an Icelandic driving licence, which is based on foreign driving licenses, you must demonstrate a valid driving licence in your home country and present a residence certificate from the National Registry of Iceland. (www.skra.is)
- The driving test age is 17 years in Iceland. You can start driving lessons at 16 years old. Driving lessons are both practical with a driving instructor and theoretical at a driving school. An interpreter may be used during the written driving test. www.samgongustofa.is
Icelandic Lessons
- Lifelong learning centers, language schools and aid organisations offer Icelandic language courses.
- You can choose between morning or evening classes.
- Courses at schools are not free of charge but it is often possible to get a reimbursement from your union (according to each union's rules) or a grant from the Directorate of Labour or the social services in your municipality for those who are entitled to them.
- The Icelandic Lutheran Mission offers free Icelandic courses in Reykjavík, www.sik.is and other religious organisations and aid organisations do so as well.
Learning Icelandic
- It is important to learn Icelandic - as well as everyone can.
- You can learn and practice Icelandic in many ways, in stints with breaks in between. Most people take courses, but it also helps to:
- Use free content online and language apps on your phone.
- Use grocery store apps to look at products, prices and offers.
- Use electronic materials for children, read children's books and listen to stories and watch children's programs.
- Listen to music in Icelandic.
- Read and listen to light material on social media and news media.
- Look at signs and labels in stores, outside of buildings and on signs.
- Watch content with Icelandic subtitles and watch content in Icelandic.
- Label items in your home with their Icelandic name - that way you'll see the words every day.
- Watch, listen, write, read and revise and add a little something every day.
- Use Icelandic (even if you know English) whenever you get the chance, e.g., in stores and don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
Self-confidence and Functional Activity
- It is important to build self-confidence and let your voice be heard in society by taking the first step and
- start using the language, e.g., just buying a cup of coffee in a gas station or ice cream in an ice cream shop and saying good morning.
- taking the initiative to talk to people and get to know people
- trying to make a friend that speaks to you in Icelandic
- going to new places
- trying new things
- You can increase your participation in society by, for example:
- taking part in aid activities, social activities, leisure activities, sports or religious communities
- taking advantage of the Red Cross' immigrant services
- taking part in your children's parent's activities and discussions in parent groups or various other groups on social media
- asking questions and seeking assistance, e.g., from teachers, neighbors or your children's classmates' parents