Money and payments
Cards and cash
With improvements to the infrastructure over the past few decades, the number of merchants accepting credit cards or debit cards is increasing, although many still do not.
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Americas · North AmericaOutline guideAutonomous territory of Denmark
Photo: Thomas Leth-Olsen, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Greenland (Greenlandic: Kalaallit Nunaat; Danish: Grønland) is the world's largest non-continental island, in the Arctic far north-east of North America. For thousands of years this icy landmass has been inhabited by Arctic peoples. In the 10th century, it was settled by Vikings (or at least a small part of it was), and to this day it is part of the Danish Realm.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Greenland.
Cards and cash
With improvements to the infrastructure over the past few decades, the number of merchants accepting credit cards or debit cards is increasing, although many still do not.
Greenlandic
The official language, Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), is that of the more populated western coast. The eastern dialect is slightly different.
SIM cards with data can be purchased from Tusass but they are not cheap: a prepaid SIM costs DKK 250 for 3 GB of data for 1 week, or DKK 500 for 20 GB of data for 2 weeks.
Mobile networks
The very long days in the summer can lead to problems getting sufficient sleep and associated health issues.
Although Greenlanders used to be commonly known as "Eskimos", the term is today considered to be a racist slur and should never be used.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the capital
settlement in the sparsely populated eastern Greenland
known for research facilities and the former US Bluie West Eight base; comparably mild weather, while the glacier is in easy reach; good site for viewing the northern lights.
one of the largest towns in Eastern Greenland
one of the world's northernmost civilian settlements
second largest city
the largest city in Eastern Greenland
unique wildlife, the largest bird cliff (Apparsuit)
Places in Greenland on the World Heritage List.
Ilulissat Icefjord
Listed 2004
Kujataa
Listed 2017
Aasivissuit–Nipisat
Listed 2018
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Nicknamed "Sineriak Bananeqarfik" (Banana Coast) by the locals, this is the most easily accessed part of Greenland and the one subject to the least extreme temperatures. Surprisingly, farming is common in the lower parts of the region, especially around Igaliku. Dirt roads connect the farms, and go into canyons which are within sight of snow-covered mountains and glaciers.
Location of the capital Nuuk (Godthåb), a "city" with more than 17,000 people. Much of the population of Greenland lives in this region - Nuuk alone has more than twice the population of southern Greenland. The major airport, Kangerlussuaq, is in this region.
Eastern Greenland has significantly fewer people than the west. The only notable towns in this region are Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit. However, the area is easily accessible on tours from Iceland, and has excellent scenery.
Much of Northern Greenland is occupied by the Northeast Greenland National Park. It is extremely remote, much like the East, but is colder. The northernmost land on Earth is in this region of Greenland.
Public transport and paid services in Greenland.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Greenland.
Finding apps for Greenland…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Nuuk · International · GOH
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Nuuk
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | -6° | -6° | -5° | -2° | 2° | 6° | 8° | 8° | 5° | 1° | -2° | -4° |
| Avg. low | -9° | -10° | -9° | -5° | -1° | 3° | 5° | 5° | 2° | -2° | -5° | -7° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 55 | 51 | 51 | 59 | 71 | 76 | 81 | 95 | 108 | 78 | 84 | 76 |
| Humidity | 83% | 84% | 84% | 83% | 85% | 89% | 89% | 90% | 86% | 82% | 81% | 83% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$80
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$215
Per person, per day
Luxury
$560
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $40 | $120 | $325 |
| Food and drink | $20 | $50 | $115 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $70 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2021). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Updated to reflect a new separate travel advisory from the Kingdom of Denmark. Exercise increased caution in Greenland due to environmental hazards posed by extreme weather conditions and limited emergency services. Country Summary: The U.S. government s ability to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Greenland is extremely limited. Greenland s landscape includes vast stretches of territory remote from cities and settlements. The weather can be harsh, and resources to provide emergency services in areas distant from cities and large settlements, including search and rescue, are scarce. In some areas, search and rescue efforts could take several days to reach the site of an incident. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Greenland. If you decide to travel to Greenland: Obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and evacuation insurance; see our webpage for more information on insurance coverage abroad. Travel with a professional guide or organization, such as those that are a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, or, if organizing a private expedition, be self-sufficient. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler s Checklist. Understand Greenland is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland has assumed responsibility for the administration of health, education, taxation, and family and social matters (among other competencies),…
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advisory found from this source.
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Greenland.
Travel tipsGreenland night photography is a route through Southern Greenland and Eastern Greenland, focusing on the "Darkland" aesthetic: the intersection of polar twilight, ancient ice, and modern settlement lights.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyVikings redirects here. For the town in Alberta, see Viking (Alberta) The Nordic countries are remembered for the Viking Age, a period during the 9th and 10th centuries, when the Norsemen sailed the seas and rivers of…
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThis article describes old towns and other remnants in the Nordic countries from the unification of Sweden, Norway and Denmark in the 11th century, to the Industrial Revolution of the mid-19th century.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureMidnight sun is the sun being above horizon throughout the night, while polar night is when the sun stays below it even in the day. They can be experienced in the Arctic and Antarctica.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureThe Nordic countries include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. These countries have cold (or at least cool) winters, attracting travelers who want to practice winter sport or experience a real winter…
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsDenmark, Norway and Sweden are constitutional monarchies.
Wikivoyage
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