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. Wheather this is possible with your telephone, it will depend on your operator having a GPRS roaming agreement with the Faroese telephone companies. Internet: Internet cafés can be found in the Tourist Information Offices in Sandoy and Runavík and in all libraries.
PRACTICAL Information
9. Consulates The following countries maintain consulates in Tórshavn: Brazil, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia Sweden. 10. C urrency, 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 Visittorshavn 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 (see page 86) 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 recom mended. 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 100
on local conditions and on scenic roads. For bicycle rental, see page 88. 12. Deep-sea fishing There are several operators that offer deep-sea fishing. Ask at 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 authori ties. 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 50 km in the towns and villages and 80 km on the main roads. For cars with trailers, the speed limit is 50 kph and for caravans the speed limit is 70 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) 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) and 100 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco. You may also import: perfume up to 50 gr, aftershave 25 cl, chocolate/sweets 3 kg, fizzy drinks 10 litres 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