Greenland

Travel tips for Greenland: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. While contactless cards and Apple Pay are widely accepted in major towns and supermarkets, recent travelers recommend carrying Danish Kroner for small settlements, local vendors, buses, and occasional power outages.

Try the food

  • Suaasat: A hearty, traditional soup typically made from seal meat, boiled with onions, potatoes, and rice or barley.
  • Mattak: Bite-sized cubes of raw whale skin and blubber, known for its chewy texture and nutty flavor.
  • Caribou (Tuttu): Wild reindeer meat often served roasted, in stews, or dried as a savory snack.

Say it in Kalaallisut

  • Hello: Aluu
  • Thank you: Qujanaq
  • Yes: Aap
  • No: Naamik
  • Excuse me: Utoqqatserpunga
  • How much is this?: Qanoq akeqarpa?
  • Goodbye: Inuulluarna

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type E / Type F / Type K
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Safe to drink
Emergency
112 (all services)
SIM tip
Pick up a Tusass prepaid SIM card at the airport or local post offices, as international roaming is extremely expensive and eSIM coverage is limited.

Etiquette

Tipping is not customary or expected in Greenland, as service charges are already included in restaurant bills and taxi fares.

Airports in Greenland