What do I need to know before moving to Vik?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Vik, they said...
"Vik is a small town located in the southern part of Iceland, known for its stunning natural beauty, including black sand beaches, bird cliffs, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The weather in Vik can be unpredictable, with frequent changes throughout the day, so it's essential to dress in layers and always be prepared for rain or wind. The cost of living in Vik, like the rest of Iceland, is relatively high, with groceries and dining out being particularly expensive. The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially by younger generations and in tourist areas. Public transportation is limited in Vik, so having a car can be beneficial, especially for exploring the surrounding areas. The healthcare system in Iceland is of a high standard, but it's important to have health insurance as medical costs can be high. Vik is a safe place to live with a low crime rate, but it's always important to take standard precautions, especially when exploring the natural surroundings. The town is small, so amenities such as shopping and entertainment are limited, but the natural surroundings offer plenty of outdoor activities. Icelandic people value their privacy and personal space, so it's important to respect this when interacting with locals. The education system in Iceland is of a high standard, with compulsory education for children aged 6 to 16. Icelandic cuisine is heavily based on fish and lamb, but in recent years there has been an increase in the availability of international foods. The work culture in Iceland values work-life balance, with a standard working week of 40 hours and a strong emphasis on spending time with family and enjoying leisure activities. Iceland is a very eco-conscious country, with a strong emphasis on recycling and renewable energy, so it's important to respect and adhere to these practices. The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna, and while credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it's always useful to have some cash on hand. Finally, it's important to remember that while Vik is a beautiful place to live, it can also be quite isolated, especially during the winter months when daylight hours are very short," remarked another expat in Iceland.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Vik?
- What do I need to know before moving to Vik?
- How do I find a place to live in Vik?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Vik?
- What is the average cost of housing in Vik?
- How do I meet people in Vik?
- What should I pack when moving to Vik?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Vik?
- Will I be able to find a job in Vik?
- What is life like in Vik?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Vik?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Vik?
- What is the social scene like in Vik?
- What advice to expats in Vik have about housing?
- What are medical services in Vik like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Vik?
- Is the cost of living in Vik high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Vik?
- Why do people move to Vik?
What do I need to know before moving to Vik?
If you live in Vik, newcomers to Vik would love to hear your answer to this question.