Before I start this story I want to tell you guys that I am working on the videos for my channel. I finally am back in my normal routine so I will be able to settle and get these videos out for you guys. It's just been hectic and I've been trying to get back to a routine that is not only healthy but also gets things done. I have a budget to do and research to accomplish along with my many jobs that I am juggling so, it been a whirlwind of craziness since I have been home but I am ready to get those videos out for you all to see. Just be patient with me. I promise they are on the way. 

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While I was in Iceland I learned something that would have been nice to know at the beginning of my trip, not towards the end. I went to this little cafe and it easily became one of my favorite places to eat. It was small, cozy, and had wonderful food. They didn't care if you sat there and drank coffee all morning while you read a book. All they cared about was that you had everything you needed. They also had some amazing food and even though Iceland is expensive I think this place made the food worth the amount you were spending. 

Sitting in this little shop having coffee I went through about four different kinds of cups and each one was so freaking cute. I loved the design and I just had to bring one home. I didn't need the entire collection, just one to remember this trip and shop by. So I decided to walk to the strip and see what the shops around had to offer. 

I stopped into a few places until I ran into this store that was mostly based on kitchen appliances mixed with some clothing. They had towels, cups, shirts, dresses, some pants, and of course some calendars. As I looked around I finally came to this one spot in the shop and low and behold, there they were. Almost every cup I used in the cafe was sitting in front of me. I was so excited. I carefully selected the Black and white one from the shelf, got a towel and went to the counter. As she rang me up she asked me if I wanted the cups because of the cafe that was around the corner. When I told her that she was exactly right she smiled big and told me the amount I owed. 

Once I swiped the card she then told me that I should try the tax return. Confused but interested I stared at her. She prints this long receipt signs the end and then stamps it. She hands me the receipt and gives me a pamphlet to explain where I needed to go to turn them in at the airport and then proceeds to say goodbye to me. 

Staring at the receipt I exit the building and turn around. In the corner of the window it says * tax-free* and then I understood. 

In Iceland, the taxes are crazy high and if you are a tourist and catch on to the tax-free option then you can get back the money you spent on taxes. Totally baffled that this was kept from me I started collecting receipts from the places I visited. When you get to the aiport you have to drop off the recepts before you can check in so I did exactly that. If you fill them out correctly then they quickly wave you through and you go on your way. In about three weeks' time Iceland will return the taxes to whichever card you choose to put on the receipt. 

Nobody said a word to me about it so when I learned that there was even an option I was ready to take it up. Any money that gets returned to me is a plus. Of course, you have to spend a certain amount to get that tax return form but it is so worth it. In taxes, I will probably receive a good $50-$100 back. Of course, we will see when I get the money back from them but that is just a guess as to what I will receive. 

So if you ever go to Iceland make sure to get those receipts so you can get some money back. Iceland is super expensive to visit so I am more than sure that the money you get back would be worth it. it.