Surviving Iceland

In Iceland it is standard practice to remove your shoes before entering somebody's home. In most homes there will be reserved space for out door shoes either by the front door or in some cases outside it (often in appartment buildings). It is strongly recommended that guests follow this specific rule as it is considered quite disrespectful to enter somebody's home wearing out door shoes - it is viewed as bringing dirt from the street onto the clean floors of an obliging host.

Exceptions: It is not uncommon for hosts to allow their guests to wear shoes inside while throwing a party. One should always ask upon arrival though if this is the case and not assume that it is. The host will usually appreciate the courtesy of asking.