Greenland (North America)

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Carexcess Greenland flag
Population: 56,836 (2024 estimate)
Currency: Danish krone
Geographic: 72 N 40 W

Useful information and history:

Though not a country, Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is the world's largest island that is not a continent, with about 80% of it being covered by ice (despite its name), making it a key area for climate research. While Greenland has its own parliament and government for domestic affairs, Denmark oversees its foreign policy and defence, and despite what many Greenlanders claim, the country is not a sovereign state.

It's capital, Nuuk, is located in southwestern coast of Greenland, at the mouth of the Nuup Kangerlua fjord. With around 19,000 living in Nuuk (about one-third of the total population), the city blends traditional Inuit culture with modern Scandinavian influences. Home to museums, art galleries, the Greenlandic parliament: Inatsisartut, and the University of Greenland: Ilisimatusarfik.

Time difference:

UTC: -4 to +0, daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October (excluding northeast Greenland).

Natural Hazards:

Landslides, avalanches, rockfalls, and tsunamis.

Fines:

There is little public information specifically on Greenland's driving fines (along with other types of fines), but if a fine is given, it will likely be based on Danish regulations, where fines vary by the severity of the offence, and may include monetary penalties, licence suspension, and points onto a driver's licence for serious violations. For tourist, there is a law governing tourism activities in selected rural areas. Fines (plus other penalties) can occur when:

  • Providing tourism services (e.g., polar bear sightseeing) without the required licences/permissions
  • Violating conditions of licences/concessions
  • Operating in restricted zones without authority or going against permitted guides
  • Giving false or misleading information to authorities/failing to comply with official orders
  • Removing natural resources (stones, metals, etc.) without permission
  • Staying overnight in commercial accommodations; 30kr (~£3.51) per night
Additional Information:

The official language of Greenland is Greenlandic, but Danish and English are also spoken.

Motor information to keep in mind:

Driving is on the right-hand side in Greenland. The minimum driving age is 17, but the minimum age to rent a car is generally 21, although some car rental companies may have higher ages or impose a young renter fee for drivers under 25. Car rental is available in main towns like Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, but rental costs are high. Even though Greenland accept English and Danish licences, UK drivers are recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) due to the country being outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

Greenland has very few roads connecting towns, which makes many isolated communities inaccessible by road. Because of this, most driving occurs only within or around towns, or on tundra/remote seasonal paths, which may have additional restrictions. And be ready for snow, ice, slippery roads; ensure the rental car has winter tyres and etc. Drive slowly, and always have your headlights on (even during daylight).

Fuel:

Petrol and diesel are available in towns and cities in Greenland, but they are relatively expensive compared to many countries.

Speed Limits:

  • Towns/residential areas: 40 km/h (~25 mph); may be higher
  • Rural/Unbuilt Areas: Up to 60 km/h (~37 mph) where indicated by signs

Drinking & Driving:

The legal limit is 0.05%.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts are mandatory for driver and passengers.

Passengers/Children:

Children under 12 or under 135cm tall must be in appropriate child seats or boosters in back seat.

Items/Documents Required when Driving:
  • Valid driving licence
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if required
  • Documentation for the vehicle
  • Proof of insurance
  • First aid kit
  • Warning triangle
  • High‑visibility vest
  • Spare bulbs/fuses
  • GPS/emergency location device/mobile phone with coverage
  • Winter tyres

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