A Land Far Away

So the missus thinks that due to Iceland's economic and political collapse we should move there and live off our online teaching income. I think it's a crazy idea, but there is actually some appeal to me in this plan, mainly the not having to work very much anymore part, assuming we could actually pull it off, though there is much analyzing to do. Still, I figured with the highly international community that is ALFA that someone here must be from Iceland, or be familiar with it, and wanted some native input on the situation there. They believe in elves there so it can't be that bad.

I only lament I can offer no assistance to your departure.

I'm pretty sure they have internet there too.

I've been to Iceland every November for the past three years, and love it. It is my hope to move there one day when I can score a job or find a way to get money there.

Anyways, lovely country, and not nearly as cold as people think, I mean sure you'll freeze if your an idiot but it isn't really any colder then New York most of the time. And summer time, it's even more beautiful then the winter scenery.

People are great there, most speak basic English if not better, nearly everyone is friendly(even if times are tough, they are still pretty understanding) and thanks to all that pillaging and kidnapping of beautiful women way back when, they have some very good genes up there so plenty of nice views

Other then that, yea right now is a great time to visit with the exchange rate the way it is, but if things ever recover in Iceland, and you see the exchange rate go back to what it was just a few years ago, you might have some trouble living off whatever money your getting now.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. I also got a few friends in Iceland I might be able to put you in contact with if they are willing.

Things are pretty turbulent there. I recommend looking at this site, an Icelandic woman translates news for you and keeps a blog:

http://newsfrettir.com/

There are rumors that Russia is going to essentially try and buy up iceland, and the EU is trying as well.

I can't say i'd recommend moving there. The thing to keep in mind is that yes the exchange rate is good, but the real cost of goods is always going to be high as most everything needs to be imported there. As long as the krona declines companies will not want to continue to move goods there, and many places have put a freeze on exchnaging dollars or euros to Krona.

Best advice? Try before you buy. Set up a trip and sort things out.

I don't know about Iceland, but the cost of living in other Scandinavian countries tends to also be high because of high taxes.

Just looked it up. 24.5% VAT (Sales tax). 7% for food and some other stuff.

You could try Jamaica. It's a tax haven!

ayergo wrote:Things are pretty turbulent there.

Yep, very true, but if you do want to move there and have the income to support it in the future, now is the time to buy for cheap.

Well, that was the thinking: Sell here, buy some property outright there and live within means thereafter.

Vendrin wrote:but if things ever recover in Iceland, and you see the exchange rate go back to what it was just a few years ago, you might have some trouble living off whatever money your getting now.

Ah yes, that is the flaw to the plan. If the US dollar tanks relative to the Kronur in the future, things get hard on a smallish US income. Maybe a summer trip would be a better idea.

Iceland and bust, anyone?

Cassiel wrote:Iceland and bust, anyone?

Miss Iceland 2007

Ssshhh, this was my wife's idea, remember?