Practical Information
Passports
and Visas
Passports are required. Entry visas are not necessary for US or Canadian
citizens, unless your stay will be longer than three months.
Local Time
Local time is Greenwich Mean Time, the same as London. Daylight savings
time is observed from April until October.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volts, 50 cycles. The electric outlets take
round plugs, common to most European countries. Bring along a converter
with many plugs, just to be on the safe side.
Foreign Exchange / Credit Cards / Banking
The Faroese print their own distinctive currency, the Króna, and
use Danish coins. The exchange rate is essentially linked to the Euro.
Most banks will provide cash advances on credit cards. Generally, credit
cards are accepted everywhere, although VISA and MasterCard are the most
accepted. If visiting the villages, however, cash is always best. Banks
in the major towns and some villages are open from 9 - 4 pm weekdays.
On Thursdays, hours are extended until 6 pm. ATMs are available until
midnight every day.
Tipping
A tip is generally built into the check or the charge.
So whether your dining out or going across town in a
taxi, no need to worry about how much extra to pay.
Tax-Free Shopping
Refund of the value added tax (VAT) on purchases of
more than 300 DKK is available. Ask the store clerk
for a refund voucher. When you leave the country, show
the voucher to the customs authorities and claim your
refund from the agent at the airport or ferry terminal.
Simple as that.
Clothing
Waterproof raingear is always a good idea to bring along
as the weather is a bit on the unpredictable side. If
you venture out onto the sea, a warm hat is a must.
A Faroese wool sweater might make your hike just about
perfect, as would a pair of rubber boots or waterproof
hiking boots. Dressing in layers is always the best
option.
Hiking
Here are a few tips that will make hiking in the Faroe Islands an absolute
delight. First, always carry a waterproof rain jacket and, of course,
dress in layers. A small backpack would be nice as well to keep your extra
clothing, some chocolate goodies and your favorite hot drink. Nothing
tastes better than a hot cup of coffee and a little chocolate while sitting
on a lichen covered rock gazing out over the fjord from high atop the
mountain. Other things to stash in your backpack are sunglasses, binoculars,
a bird guide and a map of the countryside. It is a good idea to let your
hotel know where you plan to go and when they should expect you to return.
Try to stay on the footpaths and be careful along the edges of the cliffs
the ground there can be a bit crumbly. Most importantly watch out for
the bird nests in the grass, although the oystercatchers will let you
know if you get too close. If the hill fog suddenly surrounds you, just
sit down and relax. Now is a perfect time for that cup of coffee and just
wait it out. Hiking on unfamiliar terrain when the fog swirls around you
can be quite dangerous.
Services for the Physically
Challenged
Wheel-chair access at most visitor destinations is limited.
Contact the Faroe Island Tourist Board for up to date
information. The Faroese Association for the Handicapped
can also assist.
TravelCard
A travel card available only to tourists provides unlimited
rides on all the scheduled buses and the ferries. Ask
for more information from FST.
