Electricity

The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong round plugs (Europlug) and three-prong round plugs (typical in Denmark) are most common.

Language

Since 2009 Greenlandic has been the sole official language of Greenland, but the majority of the population speaks both Greenlandic and Danish.

Money

The currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK). There are banks and ATMs in all major towns and credit cards can be used at many hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Tipping

Service charges are always included in the bill, so tipping isn't strictly speaking necessary. However, locals won't be offended if they're given a tip for especially good service.

Health

No vaccinations are required for travel to Greenland, but vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Medical facilities are limited in Greenland and travellers with serious health issues will generally need to be evacuated to Denmark, where the medical facilities are excellent. Comprehensive health and travel insurance is therefore recommended, and travellers should bring with them any prescription medication they require, in the original packaging, and accompanied by a signed doctor's note detailing what it is and why it is required.

Safety

The crime rate is low and there are no serious security or safety concerns. Visitors should nevertheless take normal security precautions to ensure that personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, are secure at all times. Arctic weather conditions may cause delays and interruptions in transport services, so visitors should carry enough funds to cover unexpected expenses.

Local customs

Kaffemik (via coffee) is a special tradition where Greenlandic families open their homes for celebrations such birthdays, weddings or the arrival of tourists. Houses get extremely full at Kaffemik, so visitors shouldn't stay too long and prevent somebody else from getting in. However, they should definitely stick around long enough to try all of the food and say hello to everyone.

Doing business

Business people should wear suits and knowledge of the Danish language will be very useful.

Duty free

The following goods may be imported into Greenland without incurring customs duty: two hundred cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; two hundred pieces of cigarette paper or cigar ethyl streaks; one litre of alcoholic beverages over 22 percent volume or 2L of fortified wine less than 22 percent volume.

Communications

The international access code for Greenland is +299. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.

Passport & Visa

All visitors to Greenland from countries other than those included in the Nordic Passport Union should contact the Danish immigration service in order to learn the specific requirements for entry. A valid Schengen visa for Denmark does not automatically apply to Greenland. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after they plan to leave Greenland. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after they plan to leave Greenland. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after they plan to leave Greenland. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after they plan to leave Greenland. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after they plan to leave Greenland. A schengen visa is required and must be endorsed 'valid for Greenland'.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after they plan to leave Greenland. No visa is required.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after they plan to leave Greenland. A visa is not required for stays under 90 days.

Useful contacts

Australia Tourist Office, Nuuk: +299 34 2820 or www.visitgreenland.com

112 (General emergency)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 4300

Royal Danish Embassy (also responsible for Greenland), London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7333 0200

Royal Danish Embassy (also responsible for Greenland), Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 1811.

Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 5333.

Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 9340.

Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 475 6404.

Royal Danish Consulate General (also responsible for Greenland), Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 537 3099

Embassies / consulates in Greenland