Organize your stay Greenland
Covid-19 : current situation Greenland
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Greenland. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Greenland
The currency used in Greenland is the Danish krone, symbolised by the international abbreviation DKK. It is subdivided into 100 øre. The coins in circulation are: 0.50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 DKK. Banknotes in circulation are: 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 DKK. No restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency. If banks accept traveller's cheques, it's best to have cash on hand for day-to-day expenses, even major ones such as sled rentals or boat charters. We advise you to buy Danish kroner before you leave.
Generally speaking, banks in Greenland are open from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. Every town has a bank, but not every village has a bank. On the other hand, all villages have a post office where it is possible to ask for cash for a commission. You can also pay by credit card at the supermarket checkout for more than your groceries and ask for the difference in change. Hotel receptions sometimes also offer to give you change and more and more supermarkets have vending machines. The main banks are Grønlandsbanken and Bank Nordic. Good to know: if card payment is used throughout the country, it does not always work because of the network.
You won't find an exchange office on site, you have to go to the bank, the post office or find an ATM directly. The exchange rate is relatively stable: 1 € = 7.47 DKK and 1 DKK = 0.13 € (in November 2019). If you haven't had time to change your money before you leave, you can always change it on the way back to Reykjavík or Copenhagen airport.
Budget & Tips Greenland
Although Greenland has become more accessible in recent years, it remains a very expensive destination. Keep in mind, however, that prices drop a little in winter. Because of the very long distances, the small number of passengers and also the lack of roads: transportation is the most expensive thing you will have to pay for during your trip. Airline tickets often account for half of the budget. To find cheaper tickets, don't hesitate to make an (unavoidable) stopover in Reykjavík or Copenhagen in order to choose another company that offers more competitive prices.
The cost of living, heavily dependent on imports, is in fact particularly high. It is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Nothing escapes this rule, the slightest item will be much more expensive than in France, and it is therefore necessary to arrive in the country with some savings in your pocket to go to the restaurant, make some purchases, or simply to stay or move around.
What will be your daily budget? Assuming you stay in the same place, without making excursions with a tour operator and without a hotel room, you can estimate spending between DKK 300 and DKK 500 per day. Travellers with rooms and taking advantage of the restaurants can estimate spending about DKK 1,500 per day. Camping and making your own food is still the most financially interesting solution. Beware of extras, coffee shops, night outings or other activities that can quickly weigh heavy on your wallet. If you are on a tight budget, the best thing to do is to reduce your trips around the country and devote your expenses to local excursions (boat, sled dog, kayak...) to discover the charms of the region.
Passport and visas Greenland
Greenland is linked to the European Community through Denmark. While a simple, valid national identity card is sufficient for European citizens, a passport is nevertheless preferable for easier travel, as security checks at airports are becoming more and more stringent. Beyond the three months allowed, you will have to apply for a visa (work, student or family reunion). Do not hesitate to contact the Danish embassy in your country for more information. Nationals from outside the European Union must obtain a Schengen visa to visit the country as they transit through Denmark or Iceland to come.
If you wish to travel to Thule, special permission is required. As for a trip to the National Park or on the Inlandsis, you will have to pay a fee of DKK 4,000, and present guarantees of financial autonomy as well as an insurance covering helicopter rescue. Don't expect to go undercover and defraud the local government... In case of a problem, the bill would then be exorbitant, calculated on the Arctic rates!
Beware of customs if you export animal by-products without a permit (provided in advance in the shop). However, you should be aware that imports of seal products are allowed into France without any restrictions, provided that they are for personal use. Such legislation is justified by virtue of the Inuit people hunting in a traditional and non-abusive manner. For other species, please refer to the CITES table later in the guide.
Beyond the age of 18, you can import alcohol (2 litres of beer, litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits) and cigarettes (200 cigarettes or one carton or 50 cigars) according to the legislation in force during your stay. Do not hesitate to visit the duty free shop on your arrival as these products are subject to very important taxes in the territory. In terms of food, you have the right to import 5 kilos of meat, 4 kilos of coffee or tea, 4 kilos of chocolate or candy. There has been an easing of imports since 2012. The import of revolvers and automatic weapons is strictly prohibited, but not rifles subject to prior authorization.
Health Greenland
There are no special precautions to be taken before departure. No vaccinations are required for travel to Greenland. However, make sure your vaccinations are up to date. The climate is healthy and generally very dry. The main problems encountered are those related to the polar climate, namely: risk of frostbite or depression in winter, insomnia and mosquito bites in summer. Apart from the accidents inherent in outdoor activities, it is one of the safest countries in the world to visit.
If the sanitary facilities are satisfactory, problems of distance and transport difficulties (out of price) require checking all the clauses of the assistance insurance contract taken out before departure. You can contact the French consulate in Nuuk.
Tap water is considered one of the best in the world. Don't deprive yourself of this pure and fresh water... especially since bottled water is very expensive. River water can be drunk if it's not caked. There's no need to take water disinfection pills. Just make sure you wash the dishes/brush your teeth downstream, and check upstream to make sure there is not a dead animal in the water.
Security Greenland
Greenland is an extremely safe country with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Perhaps the only potential dangers are related to watered-down evenings or outdoor activities related to nature, which sometimes does not give gifts, especially in winter.
The image of the police here is fundamentally different from that perceived in France. While the prison design has long been alien to the local traditional culture (serious crimes are dealt with in Denmark), a prison is soon to be built in Nuuk towards the airport. The role of the police is most often preventive and first aid.
For the latest information on local security, consult the "Travel Advice" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs (in the Denmark section). However, you should be aware that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Greenland
Greenland is at GMT-4, that is to say all year round there is a 4 hour time difference, when it is 2pm in Paris, it is 10am in Nuuk. Two communes are exceptions. The Thule base which is at GMT-5 and the commune of Ittoqqortoormiit which is at GMT-2.
Spoken languages Greenland
There are three main dialects of Greenlandic: Kalaallisut or "West Greenlandic", which is the main Greenlandic dialect and the official language of Greenland since 2009; Inuktun or Avanersuarmiututut, which is the northernmost dialect spoken around the town of Qaanaaq (Thule); and Tunumiit or "East Greenlandic", which is spoken around the towns of Tasiilaq and Illoqortormiut.
In addition to these dialects, the country's inhabitants generally speak Danish (the former official language), which is still widely used in administration and higher education. It also remains the first or only language for some Danish immigrants in Nuuk and other major cities. Based on the Nordic model, English is also widely spoken. In fact, the tourist should have no problem making himself understood.
Want to learn the language, or at least some basics before you leave? Find out more about the great Inuksuk association (www.espace-inuit.org) which offers various activities around Inuit culture. You can also contact the Greenland House (www.maisondugroenland.com). Air Greenland's Suluk magazine translated into 3 languages (Greenlandic, Danish and English) can be useful for training! Alternatively, for English speakers, you can follow Per Langgård's comprehensive method available online at www.learngreenlandic.com.
Communication Greenland
Internet access is generally available for a fee in all hotels. However, you can take out a local contract with Tele-Post that includes a router to connect you anywhere (800 DKK at 0.40 cents per megabyte). You will find Internet-wifi cafés in all the big cities and even in some tourist offices or libraries. Note however that more and more places have free wifi zones such as the library (one hour a day) in Nuuk or the post office in Ilulissat. Ask around if you need help finding them!
For more information on communications in Greenland, visit the website of the Internet provider Tele-Post: www.tele.gl.
Electricity and measurements Greenland
Don't panic for the electric plugs, they are the same as in France with two round pins (220V). No adapters are therefore required. The same applies to weights and measures: Greenlanders weigh in grams and count in metres.
Luggage Greenland
Clothes. Knowing what to put in your suitcase is a vast subject for a polar destination! Greenland is a country with a changing climate but one constant: the cold. For clothing, the golden rule is the principle of three layers to put on or take off depending on the weather, in order to avoid sweating and catching cold, whatever the season. Quick description: the underlay must be thin and thermal, like a breathable material or merino wool (self-regulating temperature and less odours as opposed to cotton), the second layer (middle) thicker like fleece and the third (outer) must be resistant, windproof and protected from rain like Goretex. In summer, a light, breathable waterproof overpant to put in your bag and to put on in case of bad weather is clever, or conversely a pair of shorts or a t-shirt if you need to be particularly warm (but beware of mosquitoes). If your destination is Uunartoq in the south, don't forget your swimsuit! In winter, thermal tights or even gaiters are essential, as well as a very warm winter jacket made for cold in static mode, preferably made of goose down like North Face's Arctic down jacket.
The extremities will cool down faster, so don't forget gloves and under gloves (silk), hats (ideally wool or windproof), scarves or fleece neckerchief, ear protection and good socks. Bring high, waterproof hiking shoes or boots with good soles for walking, dog sledding or boating. Another pair of evening shoes is recommended.
In case you forget, you can find everything you need in the big cities with sports shops or otherwise in the local supermarkets. Good to know: Tour operators often offer the rental of warm sealskin clothing on dog-sled excursions. Taking laundry to hand wash your clothes is also a good idea.
Another essential precaution in summer (especially in June-July): the face mosquito net (inseparable cap to give volume) and all mosquito repellent products. Little tip: remember to dress loosely to avoid bites and wash your clothes before leaving with mosquito repellent. Bring antihistamines and soothing creams in case of an allergic reaction is more prudent. However, don't panic, you can usually find all these products on site at airports.
Avoid hard-shell suitcases and use soft wheeled bags or backpacker bags. A backpack of 30-40 litres is essential for your day trips in order to put the essentials (food, water, clothing, camera, first aid kit, binoculars, accessories...). The waterproof overbag in case of heavy rain can be very useful (system d: use a garbage bag).
Last essential accessories : sun cream because of the sun's reverberation on ice and water, sun stick for the lips (often forgotten), sunglasses protection 4 because of the strong light, first aid kit, compass, walking stick and Swiss Army knife for hiking, sleeping bag specially designed for temperatures around 0°C, intimate toilet towels if you cannot shower, a one-litre flask or even a thermos flask for warmth, a pair of binoculars (especially useful for safaris), a waterproof pouch or plastic bag for your papers, GPS equipment if you are going on a long excursion, fishing or skiing equipment..
Beware of excess weight in your suitcases. Air Greenland and Air Iceland are very strict about overweight baggage and the price per extra kilo is very high. Indeed, Air Greenland also acts as a cargo carrier to replenish the country. Please note: remember not to exceed 20 kilos in your hold luggage, even if it is possible to come with more kilos during the first part of your trip to Iceland or Denmark.
