Business hours
In major towns, supermarkets are typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays; until 6:00 PM on Fridays; and from 09:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. In many towns, however, there are small shops that have longer opening hours and also open on Sundays.
Climate
Greenland has an Arctic climate, which means you should be prepared for sunny days, but also for cold, fresh mornings and evenings. The average temperature reaches a maximum of +10°C / 50° F during the summer months. Nevertheless, you might experience days with temperatures of + 15-20°C / 59-68° F. Therefore, it is important to bring warm as well as light clothes so you can layer.
Country
Greenland, autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, is home to approximately 56,000 people. With an impressive surface of 1,345,943 mi² Greenland is the least densely populated country in the world and the world largest island at the same time. While the northern corner of the island is located only 454 mi south of the North Pole, the South of Greenland lies on the same latitude as Oslo. With several climate zones Greenland offers both a diversity of sceneries and a variety of wildlife.
Credit cards
You can find ATMs in nearly every town. You can use following credit cards to withdraw cash: Dankort, Diners, VISA, VISA PLUS-card, VISA Electron, Eurocheque-card, Eurocard/Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus-card. Many hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards. However it is recommended to bring some cash, as ATMs may not be in service on weekends.
Currency
As an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland and uses the Danish Kroner (DKK) as its currency. We strongly advise that you exchange money before arriving in Greenland. Most hotels and many shops accept all major credit cards. But in several places, cash will be more useful as ATMs are only available in larger towns.
Drinking water
Water in Greenland is one of the purest in the world. You can drink water directly from the tap without any concern. You can also purchase bottled water at stores.
Export restrictions
Special permission is needed for taking souvenirs made from polar bear, walrus and some species of whales out of the country. The CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wile Fauna and Flora) certificate is available in shops and tourist offices. Make note of the regulations applicable for the import of foreign goods into your own country.
Foreign exchange
There are banks in all major towns, and it is often possible to change money at hotels. In bigger towns there may be a few places that accept foreign currency, but the exchange rate is usually unfavorable.
Health
There is a hospital in all towns, and usually a nursing clinic in settlements. However, it is recommended that visitors bring their own medicine particularly if they are on any medication, as some may not be available. Travel insurance is also recommended. In the event of acute illness, treatment is free of charge in Greenland.
Language
Kalaallisut (West Greenlandic) is the sole official language. Danish is still widely used in administration and higher education, as well as remaining the first or only language for some people in Nuuk and larger towns. The majority of Greenlanders speak both Kalaallisut and Danish. Although in schools of larger communities generally English is taught, inhabitants of small communities mostly don´t speak English.
Life onboard
Get more information about the life onboard.
Mobile phones
The mobile phone system in Greenland is GSM, and covers nearly all inhabited areas of Greenland except for one or two settlements. Tele Greenland has a list of countries and phone companies that have roaming agreements.
Passports and Visas
All travellers, except for Danes, to Greenland must be in their possession of a valid passport. If you need a visa to travel to Denmark, you will also need a visa to enter Greenland. However, a visa for Denmark does not automatically apply for Greenland and a separate visa has to be obtained. Please contact the embassy of Denmark in your country.
Post offices
Post offices are located in all major towns in Greenland.
Safety
Greenland is a safe place to visit. Crimes against foreigners are more or less non-existent.
Time
In summer, southwest Greenland is one hour behind GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Tipping
Greenland does not have a tipping culture. Tipping is greatly appreciated but not expected.
Transportation
Taxis run in most towns. In big cities, there are also public buses.
Traveller’s cheques
They can be cashed at the Bank of Greenland in Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Maniitsoq, Sisimiut and Ilulissat.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required.