Greenland Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Life is generally conducted at a more relaxed pace than is usual in northern Europe, as exemplified by the frequent use of the word immaqa - ‘maybe'. Until recently, foreign visitors were very rare. The name of the country in Greenlandic is Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning ‘Land of the People'.

Photography: Throughout the country there is a ban on taking photographs inside churches or church halls during services. A UV or skylight filter and a lens shade should always be used. In winter, the camera must be polar-oiled. It is advisable to bring your own film. Film cannot always be developed in Greenland.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Air Greenland (www.airgreenland.gl). The only direct flights to Greenland are either from Copenhagen, Denmark, or Reykjavik, Iceland.

Note: The Arctic weather conditions in Greenland may cause delays and interruptions in transport services or changes to planned itineraries. Visitors are advised to leave enough time for possible disruptions to flights and check with their airline or tour operator before flying.

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord) (SFJ) is served from Copenhagen by Air Greenland (www.airgreenland.com); Kulusuk (KUS) is served from Iceland by Air Iceland (www.airiceland.is); Narsarsuaq (UAK) is served from Copenhagen by Air Greenland and from Iceland by Air Iceland (www.airiceland.is); Nuuk (GOH) is served from Copenhagen by Air Greenland (www.airgreenland.com).

Other international airports include Nerlerit Inaat (CNP) and Pituffik (THU).

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Greenland without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of alcoholic beverages over 22% volume or 2L of fortified wine (15%-22%).
• 2.25L of table wine.
• 50g perfume and 250mL eau de toilette.
• Goods up to a value of DKK700.
• 1kg of coffee or tea.

These goods must be carried by the traveler personally. Alcohol allowances are for travelers aged over 18 only.

Note: Special permission is needed to export souvenirs of whales' teeth and walrus tusks. Authorization forms are available from shops and tourist offices in Greenland.

Prohibited Imports

(a) Fresh food. (b) Pistols, fully- or semi-automatic weapons. A permit is required from the carrying airline to bring a hunting rifle to Greenland, but hunting is only permitted on special hunting trips organized by a tour operator who has been authorized by the Home Rule Government to do so. (c) Narcotics. (d) Most live animals (guide dogs for the blind are an exception).

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Air Greenland (www.airgreenland.com) serves all towns on the west coast, from Nanortalik in the south to Thule/Qaanaq in the north. The frequency of departure on all routes is variable, and it is advisable to make reservations well in advance. Reservations made outside Greenland will take some time to confirm.

Getting Around By Water

It is generally cheaper to sail than to fly. Arctic Umiaq Line (tel: 349 900; www.aul.gl) operates services along the west coast between Nanortalik and Upernavik. In addition, all villages are served by local boats connecting them with the nearest town, but space may be limited. Boats in some towns may be available for hire, with a skipper.

Coastal Cruise Greenland offers cruises with all-inclusive flights. During the summer months, visitors are advised to book their journeys in advance as this is the time when Greenlanders travel. For further information, contact Arctic Umiaq Line (see above) or Greenland Tourism.

Getting Around By Road

The only places that are connected by road are Ivituut and Kangilinnguit. The harsh landscape and weather conditions make road building elsewhere a virtually impossible task. Air and sea travel are the recommended ways of getting around.

Dog sledges: These can be hired for the day, or for longer periods. Sledging is possible in all towns on the east coast and on the west coast north of the polar circle. It is important to remember that sledge dogs are usually only semi-tame. This is just one reason why dog sledges should be given right of way at all times. Take particular care, as they are almost totally silent.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Kangerlussuaq to other regions in Greenland:

	Air
Disko Bay	0.50
South Greenland	1.30
East Greenland	1.10