GRAPEVINE’S PURCHASES THAT JUSTIFY EXISTENCE

1: Fröken Reykjavík lighters
Even if you’re not a smoker or an arsonist, these disposable lighters emblazoned with the words “Fröken Reykjavík” (after the name of the hotdog stand that sells them) and inexplicably, a high-heeled shoe, make for some great souvenirs. And for 150 ISK, they’re quite possibly the cheapest, too. Buy ten of them and take them home with you on the plane. Fröken Reykjavík, Austurstræti 22, 5512522.
2: The 10-11 Salad Bar
If you work like we do, you don’t really get a lunch hour. Or a lunch fifteen-minutes for that matter. How can you very quickly pick up a giant pile of lunch food to take-away for pocket change? The 10-ll salad bar (which also has pastas, meats, cheeses and even hummus) is you’re best bet. The smaller container – which is large enough to feed two people comfortably – goes for a trifling 329 ISK. 10-11, locations all over Iceland.
3: The Green Card
No, not the immigration kind – the bus kind! If you’re going to be here for a few weeks and you don’t have a car, the green card is a must. For 4,500 ISK, you get unlimited bus rides for a month. Trust us: we’ve done the math. The bus authority simply must be losing money on this thing. Get them while they last. Lækjartorg, Hlemmur or Mjódd bus stations, 7:00-20:00 every day.
4: Sunglasses from Tiger
It’s not just about UV ray protection for your eyes for 200 ISK. It’s about looking like Tom Cruise, Andy Warhol or Joan Collins for 200 ISK. It’s a win-win situation. Tiger on Laugavegur.