Iceland is not a cheap travel destination, and food in Iceland is expensive.
Why is Iceland so expensive?
The two main reasons for this are the location of Iceland in the middle of the North Atlantic and the small population of Iceland. Most all necessities and much of the food has to be imported. Iceland is too cold to grow most farm products, and bringing all necessities in by flight or ship adds significantly to the cost.
Read more: Reykjavík ranked second most expensive city in Europe, if you stay at a luxury hotel
The small size of the market then means that Icelandic importers and retailers can't achieve the same benefits to scale and scope as their European or North American counterparts.But can you deal with this by bringing in your own snacks, dinner and lunch? Are visitors allowed to bring food for private consumption with them to Iceland?
Can you save money by bringing a packed lunch?
According to the sources of Iceland Insider and anecdotal evidence, a small, but growing number of travelers has been trying to fight the high cost of travel in Iceland by bringing food from home.
Read more: Customs agents at Keflavík confiscating growing quantity of food from travelers
Is this a viable way to save money on a Iceland vacation?
The short answer is: Yes.
The long answer is: Yes – but only in very limited quantities. Travelers are allowed to bring small quantities of processed food not intended for resale. The quantity cannot exceed 3 kg (6.6 lbs) and the total value of the food cannot exceed 10,000 ISK (90 USD/78 EUR/69 GBP). Travelers must pay import duties on anything in excess of this. The import of raw meat is forbidden in all circumstances, including salami, Parma or other cured ham, as well as eggs or unpasteurized milk products. Travelers may bring small quantities of unpasteurized milk products (less than 1 kg/2.2 lbs).
If you break these laws you should expect to have the food confiscated upon entry.
You can read up on these rules at the website of the Icelandic Food and Vetenirary Authority.
Iceland is not a cheap travel destination, and food in Iceland is expensive.
Why is Iceland so expensive?
The two main reasons for this are the location of Iceland in the middle of the North Atlantic and the small population of Iceland. Most all necessities and much of the food has to be imported. Iceland is too cold to grow most farm products, and bringing all necessities in by flight or ship adds significantly to the cost.
Read more: Reykjavík ranked second most expensive city in Europe, if you stay at a luxury hotel
The small size of the market then means that Icelandic importers and retailers can't achieve the same benefits to scale and scope as their European or North American counterparts.But can you deal with this by bringing in your own snacks, dinner and lunch? Are visitors allowed to bring food for private consumption with them to Iceland?
Can you save money by bringing a packed lunch?
According to the sources of Iceland Insider and anecdotal evidence, a small, but growing number of travelers has been trying to fight the high cost of travel in Iceland by bringing food from home.
Read more: Customs agents at Keflavík confiscating growing quantity of food from travelers
Is this a viable way to save money on a Iceland vacation?
The short answer is: Yes.
The long answer is: Yes – but only in very limited quantities. Travelers are allowed to bring small quantities of processed food not intended for resale. The quantity cannot exceed 3 kg (6.6 lbs) and the total value of the food cannot exceed 10,000 ISK (90 USD/78 EUR/69 GBP). Travelers must pay import duties on anything in excess of this. The import of raw meat is forbidden in all circumstances, including salami, Parma or other cured ham, as well as eggs or unpasteurized milk products. Travelers may bring small quantities of unpasteurized milk products (less than 1 kg/2.2 lbs).
If you break these laws you should expect to have the food confiscated upon entry.
You can read up on these rules at the website of the Icelandic Food and Vetenirary Authority.
