Iceland
Iceland
Can anyone offer any opinions on Iceland as a location? There is an IS there - but no reviews on ISR. Anyone ever worked there or known anyone who is/has? What about living there/accommodation costs/taxes/insurance? Just curious as it looks such an interesting place.
Response
There are several ISs in Iceland. Its one of those ISs that ITs retire out of. Usually starting in when of the Nordic Council regions. ITs generally stay until they retire out, and has very low turnover (there is little recruitment advertising). Great location if your a couple with no kids, kids are expensive on a single salary. A dual income couple would have a very comfortable quality of life. Taxes are high around 40%, and the cost of living due to the large amount of importation is high. There is a social insurance system that provides high quality (though sometimes a little too efficient) health care and retirement/pension benefits.
Reykjavik is the beginning and end of the social scene, they have a number of very hot night clubs, and some of the events rival those of Moscow. There is a large selection of various regional cuisine, and you can easily spend your discretionary income eating out. Dining out options tend to be on the upper end and lower end of the spectrum, there isnt a lot in the middle. Housing is going to absorb about half your net income at about $1500 for a 2LDK. Utilities/Internet about $200 and another $100 for mobile w/data /month/each. Metro is about another $100 /month/each.
Living in Iceland is very routine and cyclic. Its cold, the day is short for most of the year. The novelty wears off pretty fast. You grow a social network very quickly, because there isnt a whole lot to do, and access to going anywhere else is expensive. If your a homebody or your daily routine is going to the gym and then a cafe afterwards before going home to a bowl of pasta with a weekend night out on the scene than you would like Iceland.
Reykjavik is the beginning and end of the social scene, they have a number of very hot night clubs, and some of the events rival those of Moscow. There is a large selection of various regional cuisine, and you can easily spend your discretionary income eating out. Dining out options tend to be on the upper end and lower end of the spectrum, there isnt a lot in the middle. Housing is going to absorb about half your net income at about $1500 for a 2LDK. Utilities/Internet about $200 and another $100 for mobile w/data /month/each. Metro is about another $100 /month/each.
Living in Iceland is very routine and cyclic. Its cold, the day is short for most of the year. The novelty wears off pretty fast. You grow a social network very quickly, because there isnt a whole lot to do, and access to going anywhere else is expensive. If your a homebody or your daily routine is going to the gym and then a cafe afterwards before going home to a bowl of pasta with a weekend night out on the scene than you would like Iceland.
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tommypizza
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:35 am
Re: Iceland
No heating bills there...Iceland has done an incredible job of harnessing the power of geothermal heat. Other expenses make up for it though. Best horse steak money can buy! I would say it would be a remarkable posting...
Re: Iceland
Many thanks for the replies - yes, it seems a fascinating country but with a trailing spouse and 2 KG age children it doesn't look feasible - for now at least.