Expat Story: A Peruvian in Iceland

ABOUT

Ysabel is from Lima, Peru. She works as a receptionist in Reykjavik and her mother tongue is Spanish. She also speaks English and some Icelandic (smá islensku). Her journey started 20 years ago when she first moved to Europe.

Moving to Reykjavik

Why did you move to iceland?

The first time I came to Iceland was around 13 years ago. I was lucky enough to travel around Europe and in one of those trips I met my now husband, he’s from Iceland. Until that point I didn’t know where Iceland was located, he is the reason why I’m here in this beautiful country.

What is Iceland famous for?

Iceland, “The land of ice and fire” is famous for so many things. I believe the most attractive thing about Iceland is its stunning natural landscapes. I’ve been lucky enough to sit in a hot spring, in a remote area, looking up and seeing the magical northern lights dancing in the sky. Iceland is also a leader in renewable energy, with almost all its electricity coming from geothermal and hydroelectric sources.

What surprised you about Iceland?

What really surprised me about Iceland back in the days, was how sparsely attended the Island was. We didn’t have the amount of tourism we have now but the infrastructure has grown. All the improvements Iceland has gone through to make our island more accessible to tourists has highly impressed me. Iceland is not the same country it was 13 years ago. The Volcanic eruption in 2010 put Iceland on the map and of course Games of Thrones did that as well. Another thing that has really impressed me is the language, it has been preserved for centuries. The language has changed very little since the Viking ages.

How did you get set up?

The first thing you should do when you come to Iceland is to get a kennitala (Social security number). You have to do this within 2 weeks after arriving and you will need it in order to get your electronic signature, without that, you pretty much can’t do anything. Your phone number will be attached to your Digital Signature and you can obtain it by applying through a government-approved service provider such as Islykill. It doesn’t cost anything and Digital Signatures are widely used in Iceland for a variety of purposes including signing contracts, applying for government-related services and more.

How can Peruvians immigrate to Iceland?

As a Peruvian, settling in Iceland may present some challenges. We are not a part of the European Union so you will first need to obtain a resident permit to work and live in Iceland. I must say, it is very difficult to get, like it is for most non-European countries but it’s not impossible. If you want to have a taste of Iceland it will be a good idea to apply for a student visa or au pair visa.

What did you bring with you?

If you are planning to settle in Iceland or just come to visit, don’t forget to bring warm clothes, good hiking and winter shoes, an electric adapter (if you are from the UK or North America) and outdoor gear. It’s pretty expensive to buy all the necessities for an outdoor adventure, so it’s better to bring them along with you.

How to find an apartment in Reykjavik?

You should start searching early, months before you intend to move here. Finding a place to rent is not an easy job. There aren’t enough houses in the Reykjavik area to rent and that makes the rental prices extremely high. There are a couple of websites you can take a look at, such as leiga.is, bland.is, you can also check Facebook groups and the local classifieds.

Iceland is not a cheap country to live in. Before you come here, find a place first and have a lot of savings. It is typical to pay 2 months as a deposit and 1 month in front. The cost of renting can be relatively high in comparison to other European countries and can vary depending on the location, type and time of the year. For example; a studio apartment could cost you around 150,000 to 200,000 ISK a month, a one bedroom apartment around 200.000 to 250.000 ISK. The cost of living in Iceland is one of the most expensive in the world.

How to find a job in reykjavik?

The best way to look for a job is through online job boards. Some popular ones are job.is, Tvinna.is and Attavitinn.is or international websites like LinkedIn. If you are considering seasonal jobs then the app Alfred and Facebook groups are good tools to utilize.

Living in Reykjavik

Do you need to know the Icelandic language?

If you are looking to start a life in Iceland it is not really necessary to know Icelandic, around 70% of Icelanders speak English. Of course, learning the language will be really useful if you’re looking to carry on your profession and integrate into the community and culture.

Why are some underrated places in Iceland?

I would say west Fjords. People come to visit Iceland for short periods at a time. They don’t usually have enough time to go to the west since it’s a bit out of the way. When you’re planning to go around the island, I believe it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its dramatic fjords, colorful fishing villages and great places to hike.

When is the best moment to visit?

As I said before, Iceland is well known for its nature, so the best time to come is over the summer. July is the best month, you can access more places, drive around the island and enjoy the midnight sun. I love to go out of Reykjavik and find my favorite hot spring, there are many around the Island. Due to the weather, many routes get closed during winter time, it’s no fun getting stuck in a snowstorm but if the idea is to come here to see the northern lights then I suggest coming in September, October or almost at the end of winter. Try not to come when the moon is full, the bright light from the moon can dull out the light of the aurora and make it appear faint.

Where is best to live in iceland?

Reykjavík is the best place to live if you’re thinking of settling down and looking for work. Most of the job opportunities are in the capital area. How far from downtown you should live will depend on your preference and needs as well as if you’re planning to have a car or not. Which I think is really necessary in Iceland. Miðbær, downtown area is for those who enjoy an active social life. Vesturbær, which is located in the west of Reykjavík, is popular among young families. Grafarvogur is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik and is really close to nature and hiking trails.

What are the main differences between Peru and Iceland?

Ohh I will say the climate. Peru is in South America with tropical climate in the coastal regions, while the highlands experience colder temperatures due to the latitude. Food is another major difference. Peruvian food is well known for its indigenous heritage, African and Asian culture as well, this is what helps to make Peruvian cuisine unique, diverse and flavorful. Icelandic food on the other hand is known for its fresh ingredients including seafood, lamb and dairy products. You must try Skyr, a local yogurt.

Favorite recreational activity in Iceland?

Swimming pools. Iceland’s geothermal activity means that the country has an abundance of naturally heated water, making swimming pools an affordable and popular pastime for locals. They are an important part of Icelandic culture, that includes summer and winter alike.

Final Thoughts

Was it easy making friends and meeting people?

It wasn’t easy for me to make friends in Iceland and even more challenging with Icelanders. They are known to be friendly and welcoming but to break into the social circle you must be patient. You have to understand that Iceland is a close-knit community and Icelanders make long term friendships. If you want to give it a try, be open-minded, be receptive to new ideas and perspectives and this can help you to connect with locals. We have a large expat community in Iceland. I met my good friends while attending Icelandic courses. It’s a great way to meet people and bond over the challenges of learning a new language.

How to dine in restaurants and not get broke while you try?

Reykjavik is a small city with a lot to offer but don’t fool yourself, nothing is cheap here, the best restaurants are also the most expensive ones. As a local, I’ve found great ways to make dinner experiences more enjoyable and affordable. Cupons.is is one of the best when it comes to saving money if you are planning to treat yourself. Nova, one of Iceland’s telephone companies, offers discounts and 2 for 1 in many restaurants and activities. You will have to subscribe with them in order to get all the deals. The banks offer discounts for their customers so don’t hesitate to use them and of course always look for happy hour everywhere you go.

Can you tell us something about Iceland that others might not know?

People say Iceland smells like rotten eggs. In some parts of the country you may notice a strong smell of sulfur which can be described as rotten eggs. This is due to the country’s geothermal activity, hot springs and geysers. It is not harmful to human health. The smell of sulfur is just a distinct part of the Icelandic experience.

Have you seen any wildlife?

Yes, some of the most common animals you may encounter are Arctic foxes, they are small and the only native land mammals in iceland. Puffins are a common sight along the coast during the summer and seals are also around the coast. It is important to respect their space and natural habitats, avoid getting too close or disturbing the animals, be respectful and follow the guideline regulations from local authorities.

Thank you Ysabel, I absolutely loved reading your experience moving to Iceland for love! You added lots of details and I learned a lot from you! I myself saw the Northern lights from a plane when I was coming back to Europe from the US. Funny thing is, I was asleep and my neighbor woke me up so I wouldn’t miss it! How sweet! It was incredible and I cannot even imagine seeing them while being surrounded by nature in Iceland! I wish you the best in the future! Ysabel’s IG: here ♡