Practical Information
1. Alcoholic Beverages
The legal drinking age in the Faroes is eighteen. Light beer may be
purchased in shops and unlicensed restaurants and cafés. Stronger beer,
wine and spirits may only be purchased in Government Monopoly stores
in major towns and in licensed restaurants, café‘s,
nightclubs, etc.
2. Animals
The transportation of any animal into the Faroes is strictly forbidden.
For more information call 356400, www.hfs.fo
3. Banking Hours
Banks in major towns and some villages are open from 9:30 to 16:00
weekdays. On Thursdays, hours are extended until 18:00. (See page 85).
All banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Secure Automatic
Teller Machines (ATMs) are available from 6:00 until 24:00 every day.
4. Business Hours
Most shops are open from 9:00/10.00 to 17:30. On Friday, many retailers
remain open until 19:00. On Saturdays, shopping is limited; stores
open at 9:00 and close either at 12:00, 14:00 or 17:00. On Sundays,
all stores are closed. Kiosks, petrol stations and some bakers close
late in the evening during the week, usually 23:00 - also Sundays.
5. Camping
There are no public wilderness or common areas in the Faroes. As a
consequence, camping is only permitted at designated campsites (See
page 87). Moreover, it is not permitted to stay overnight in your
camping cars along the road, at rest stops, lay-bys or view areas. Be
aware that many camping sites are designated only for tents. Campers
ought to be considerate of the environment, keep the camping areas
tidy and clean up thoroughly upon departure. Because of the
unpredictable weather even in summer, it is advisable to have sturdy,
waterproof and windproof camping equipment. Fuel for camping stoves
is available in the pharmacies, petrol stations and most larger shops.
6. Churches
Almost every village has its own church and in several places you can
see examples of the old Faroese wooden church with black walls, turf on
the roof and a white belfry. Visiting the modern churches, decorated
with Faroese art, is an interesting experience as well. Church
services are held every Sunday at 11:00 or 12:00. Some of the
churches are open at fixed hours or on request. Contact the local
tourist office for information.
7. Clothing
Because the weather is quite unpredictable, one must prepare for any
eventuality. A waterproof rain jacket is highly recommended and a warm
sweater, as well as a warm hat, especially when voyaging out to sea. An
extra sweater might prove handy for mountaintops. Rubber boots or
waterproof hiking boots are a must along the trails in the mountains.
Dressing in layers is always the best option. Sunglasses and
binoculars might prove useful. Sunglasses and a good sunscreen to
shield against the bright sun when it bursts through the clouds and
binoculars to enjoy the splendid vistas and rich bird life.
8. Communication
The Faroese telephone company, Føroya Tele – Faroese Telecom has coin
and credit card telephones located in many public places. When calling
from abroad, the Faroese national code is + 298. Calling from the
Faroes you must dial 00, then the national code and the telephone
number. For further information, please contact the telephone number
information on 118.
Mobile phones
The GSM system is the most commonly used mobile phone system in the
Faroes and can be used throughout the islands. Føroya Tele (Faroese
Telecom) and Vodafone have many cooperation agreements with other
countries, so-called roaming agreements, so that foreign visitors can
make use of their own mobile phones while they are in the Faroes, and
Faroese mobile phones can be used in large parts of the world. Føroya
Tele and Vodafone also provide prepaid telephone cards. This is a
service for which the customer pays a sum in advance into a GSM
account, which can then be used up as required. With this service you
avoid unexpected bills. Prepaid telephone cards can be purchased in the
Teleshops, kiosks, petrol stations, post offices, hotels and tourist
offices. It is possible to send MMS and use GPRS data in the Faroes. If
this is possible with your telephone, it will depend on your operator
having a GPRS roaming agreement with the Faroese telephone companies.
Internet
Telecentre (Teledepilin) has a net-café in Niels Finsensgøta 10 in
Tórshavn, where it is possible to send and receive e-mails. Tourist
information offices in Tórshavn, Sandoy and Runavík also have an
internet café service.
9. Consulates
The following countries maintain consulates in Tórshavn: Britain,
Finland, France, Germany Greece, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain,
Sweden.
10. Currency, Credit Cards and Foreign Exchange
As a self-governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroese
government prints its own currency, the króna, although Danish coins
are used. The exchange value is equivalent to the Danish krone, and
there is no service charge on exchange, as Danish notes are equally
acceptable as the Faroese króna throughout the country. Banks and post
offices provide foreign exchange services. Automatic teller
machines (ATMs) are available for MasterCard/Eurocard, Visa and
Dankort at various locations, e.g. at the banks located along the
pedestrian mall in the centre of Tórshavn. At Hotel Hafnia in Tórshavn you can withdraw money on your American Express. Most
banks provide cash advances on credit cards. Some villages have an ATM
but no bank.
11. Cycling
There are no public wilderness or common areas in the Faroes, and
cycling other places than on the road is prohibited. All land is
privately owned and public access, therefore, limited. Conservation
of the fragile soil is very important, especially on the mountain
trails where erosion is closely monitored. The roads are often steep
and good brakes are an absolute necessity. Cycling in some of the
longer tunnels where ventilation is poor is not recommended. Some
tunnels are narrow with few passing places so that cycling is
hazardous. The inter-village buses, however, can often accommodate
cycles for easy transit in hazardous areas. Consult with the
various tourist offices on local conditions and on scenic roads.
Cycles can be rented from the 62N Airport hotel. Tourist information
offices have a brochure giving details of cycle routes.
12. Deep-sea fishing
There are several operators that offer deep-sea fishing. Get a detailed brochure from the local tourist information.
If you want to bring your own fishing vessel for fishing in the
Faroes, please enquire about licence regulations with the local
authorities, as the regulations are presently being prepared.
13. Driving in the Faroes
Driving is on the right and most road signs follow international
standards. The use of seat belts is required. The speed limit is 80 kph
(50 mph) and 50 kph (30 mph) in the towns and villages. For cars with
trailers, the speed limit is 50 kph and for caravans the speed limit is
60 kph. The consequences for speeding are severe. Parking in the towns
of Klaksvík, Tórshavn, Runavík and the Airport is restricted. Parking
discs must be displayed in the lower right hand corner of the front
windscreen showing the time you parked your car. These display discs
are available at no charge from banks and the tourist offices. There is
a fine of DKK 200 for parking violations. Headlights must be on when
driving and seat belts fastened. As you drive along, please be aware
that the sheep may be startled and leap out in front of you. If you
happen to collide with a sheep, immediately contact the police in
Tórshavn at tel 351448 for assistance.
14. Duty-Free Goods
Travellers to the Faroe Islands are permitted to purchase the following items duty-free:
Travellers aged over 18:
1 litre of spirits (maximum of 60% alcohol by volume)
and
1 litre of fortified wine or other beverage (maximum of 22% alcohol by volume) or 2 litres of table wine
and
2 litres of beer (maximum of 5,8% alcohol by volume)
and
200 cigarettes or
100 cigarillos or
50 cigars or
250 grams of tobacco.
Limited purchase of perfume, eau de toilette and confectionery is also permitted.
15. Electricity
The current is AC 220 volts, 50 cycles. The electric outlets take round
plugs, common to most European countries. To be on the safe side,
however, invest in a converter with a variety of adapter plugs so you
will have just what you need for your hair dryer or shaver.
16. Emergency Assistance
Dial 112 for any type of emergency assistance anywhere in the country.
First aid is provided at the hospitals in Tórshavn, Klaksvík and
Tvøroyri. General Practitioners are also available for
non-emergency consultations over the telephone, usually between 08:00
and 09:00 in the morning. Emergency medical treatment can be obtained
in Tórshavn between 16:00 and 08:00 by telephoning to the emergency
medical service tel. 1870. Pharmacies in Tórshavn, Runavík,
Klaksvík and Tvøroyri provide after hours assistance as well.
Emergency dental service (tel. 314544) is also available in Tórshavn.
The emergency dental clinic is open Saturdays and Sundays and bank
holidays from 10:00 to 11:00.
17. Entry Regulations
Nordic Region:
Passports and/or entry visas are not required for citizens of Nordic countries. Identity documents are required, however.
EU-Countries, SHENGEN-Countries and other Countries:
Passports are required. For most countries entry visas are not
necessary unless your stay will be longer than three months. Consult
the Danish Embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
18. Faroese Dance
The old Faroese chain dance is our most important heritage. But the chain dance is not only ancient culture, it is also a
living tradition, and danced at nearly all festive occasions, private
or public. Societies are founded around the islands to preserve the
old dancing variations and the ballads. The members meet once a week
in winter time, but it is an old tradition not to dance during Lent,
so the Faroese do not dance the chain dance between Shrovetide and
Easter Monday. The Faroese dance is a natural part of the many summer
festivals and a must at the Faroese Cultural Evenings arranged for
tourists. It is possible to contact the union of the dancing
societies ”Sláið Ring”, tel. 310312.
19. Health Insurance
Citizens of Nordic countries and Great Britain are covered under their
respective public health plans while in the Faroes. Residents of other
countries will need to acquire their own traveller’s health insurance.
20. Hiking
Hiking in the mountains is one of the many delights awaiting the
visitor. Here are a few suggestions to make your trek pleasant and
safe. Always travel with a waterproof windbreaker and dress in layers
so you can adjust as you go. A knapsack for your extra clothes along
with some food, especially chocolate bars or similar quick energy
food, and a thermos of your favourite hot drink is a must. Obtain a
detailed map before you head out and tell someone your destination,
planned route and your expected time of return. Be sure to let them
know when you finally return so they won’t come looking for you. Follow
the footpaths and avoid walking on the grass in the cultivated
infields. Avoid climbing where the soil is very fragile and loose and
remember that the stony terrain along the cliffs and at the higher
elevations can be quite dangerous because of slippage. Be observant of
bird nests hidden away in the grass and avoid disturbing nesting
birds. Usually they will let you know by their distress calls if you
are wandering too close to their nests. You just might find them
swooping down on you as well. If the hill fog suddenly surrounds you,
sit down and wait until it clears. Hiking on unfamiliar terrain in such
circumstances can be quite dangerous. Observing these few hints will
help assure you have a safe and pleasant experience.
21. Local Radio
Kringvarp Føroya FM 89,9
The national Faroese radio station broadcasts every day beginning in
the mornings and ending at 22:00 hours. Information about the Faroes
of interest to visitors is broadcast in English at 08:30, Monday
through Friday in the summer.
Two local radio stations have been established in 2000: Rás 2 FM 102,0
/ 107,0 which transmits a varied programme, and the other is Lindin,
FM 101,0, whose transmissions are mainly of a religious character.
22. Local Time
Local time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight saving time (GMT+1) is observed in the Faroes from April until October.
23. Lost and Found Articles
Contact the local police for assistance. Local tourist
offices can also direct you to the proper authorities if you lose
something during your travels. If your luggage is misdirected and
does not arrive with you on the plane, contact the airline agents on
duty or the Airport Tourist Office Desk, tel. 353300 for assistance.
Normally luggage is located quickly and arrangements can be made for
delivery.
24. Luggage Storage
Limited locker space is available at the bus terminal in Tórshavn.
There are approximately 20 coin-operated lockers. Contact the local
tourist information for other options.
25. Newspapers
Most Scandinavian newspapers are available in the pleasant reading
area near the information kiosk at the Nordic House. Other foreign
language newspapers are available in larger hotels, mini-markets and
some kiosks. Libraries also carry an assortment of international
newspapers and magazines.
26. Postal Services
The main post office in Tórshavn is open Monday to Friday 09 -17.
Village post offices have shorter opening hours. Please note that all
post offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
27. Public Holidays
Friday 1 January - New Year’s Day
Thursday 1 April - Maundy Thursday
Friday 2 April - Good Friday
Sunday 4 April - Easter Sunday
Monday 5 April - Easter Monday
Saturday 25 April - National Flag Day
Friday 30 April - Prayer Day
Thursday 13 May - Ascension Day
Sunday 23 May - Whit Sunday
Monday 24 May - Whit Monday
Saturday 5 June - Constitution Day (1/2)
Tuesday 28 July - St. Olav’s Eve (1/2), (Faroese: Ólavsøkuaftan)
Wednesday 29 July - St. Olav’s Day (national day), (Faroese: Ólavsøkudagur)
Friday 24 December - Christmas Eve
Saturday 25 December - Christmas Day
Sunday 26 December - Boxing Day
Friday 31 December - New Year’s Eve
28. Services for the Physically Disabled
Wheelchair access at most visitor destinations is limited. For a
worry-free holiday, take the time to plan ahead. There is a
comprehensive booklet available detailing wheelchair access. This
booklet and more information can be obtained by contacting the Faroese
Association for the Disabled, MBF, Íslandsvegur 10c, FO-100 Tórshavn,
tel. +298 317373 or text tel. 318206 Monday to Friday from 9:00 -
16:00. mbf@mbf.fo, www.mbf.fo
29. Shopping/Souvenirs
Among Faroese souvenirs of particular interest are the numerous
woollen goods, stuffed birds, ceramics, wood articles, jewellery,
music, stamps and posters.
30. Sport fishing
Fishing permits are required for certain lochs. Regulations for fishing
in the lochs are printed on the permit. The fishing season in brooks
and streams is 1 May to 31 August. Coastal fishing is generally
permitted. Please enquire about local exceptions. You can purchase
permits in most of the tourist information offices. All
equipment, including rods, reels, rubber waders, or lures, must be
disinfected prior to arrival in the Faroes. You can get more
information about this, in the fishing brochure available in tourist
informations.
31. Tax-Free Shopping
As a guest in the Faroes, the holiday and business traveller is exempt
from the 25% value added tax (VAT) on purchases over DKK 300. Look for
the blue and white “Tax Free for Tourists” sign in the shop window.
Over a hundred shops at various locations in the Faroes are members
of the “Faroese Tax-Free System“ and will gladly help you to obtain
your tax refund. Ask the sales clerk at the time of purchase for a “Tax
Refund Cheque.” Complete the necessary information requested on the
form and have the sales clerk validate the Cheque. Upon arrival at the
airport or harbour, contact the customs officials before you check-in
your luggage. The customs agents may ask to see your purchases before
validating your Tax Refund Cheque. Proceed to the Tax Refund Agent,
either at the airport or on board your ferry or cruise ship, for a full
refund of the VAT. If you forget to cash your Cheque before you leave
the Faroes, the stamped Cheque can be sent to “The Faroese Tax-Free
System” (See page 95), who will send you the money or transfer it to
your bank account.
TaxFree i lufthavnen
Der er to TaxFree butikker i Vagar lufthavn. En efter sikkerhedscheck
ved afgang og en ved bagageudleveringen ved ankomst. Butikkerne har
åbent i henhold til flyenes afgang og ankomst.
32. Tipping
Although it has not been the custom to tip in the Faroe Islands, it is
however becoming more widespread especially in restaurants, bars,
cafés and taxis. You are not obliged to tip.
33. Travel in the Faroe Islands
Buses and Ferries
A well-developed, national system of roadways and ferries connects
most towns and villages in the Faroes and is operated by
Strandfaraskip Landsins. The inter-town bus system
(Bygdaleiðir) operates daily to most areas. The buses are blue in
colour. A comprehensive schedule (Ferðaætlan) listing the various
timetables for the inter-town buses and ferries can be obtained from
the tourist office, as well as the central bus station near the harbour
in Tórshavn. As well as children, pensioners and students are eligible
for discounts on fares provided they show a pensioner or student
identity card. The capital Tórshavn offers an efficient local bus
service (Bussleiðin) with four routes that reach most areas of the
town. The red-coloured buses operate every half-hour during the day
and hourly in the evening and on Saturdays and Sundays. Kollafjørður
is also included in the local bus service. Route maps and schedules
can be obtained on the buses, at Kiosk Aktiv in the centre of town, or
at Kunningarstovan. Det er gratis at køre med de røde
bybusse.
Helicopter Service
Atlantic Airways offers a helicopter service to selected towns and
villages throughout the Faroes. Contact Atlantic Airways directly at
phone no. 341060. Booking is required.
34. Travel to the Faroe Islands
By ship
The Faroese shipping company Smyril Line, operates an all year cruise
and car ferry service with regular sailings to the Faroe Islands from
Iceland and Denmark. Contact the head office (See page 89) for more
information about timetables, brochures and international sales
agents or visit www.smyril-line.fo.
By air
Atlantic Airways, the national airline, flies several
times daily to the Faroe Islands. Contact the airline direct or your
local travel agent for information about flights. For more information,
see www.flyfaroe.com. There is a direct
bus service between the airport and Tórshavn in connection with arrival
and departure times.
35. Weather Forecasts
The weather forecast for various locations in the Faroes is broadcast
on Faroese radio in Scandinavian and English every morning at about
08:45, and sent to various tourist offices in the summer.
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