Picture Iceland: its majestic glaciers, mysterious caves, black sand beaches, and Northern Lights. It’s a massive country where you can lose yourself in remote beauty, almost forgetting Internet even exists.
And while its more thrilling to wing it when venturing this land, buying a SIM card is one thing worth compromising on.
It’s especially useful in the semi-emergency situations, when you need to call the hospital, police, taxis, etc for the little things that go wrong. Your mum worries too, buddy!
While the temptation to disconnect and immerse yourself fully in Iceland’s wonders is strong, having a SIM card ensures your journey remains both exciting and secure. On the flip side, you wouldn’t want high roaming charges or sluggish overseas data plans ruin your trip.
To help you get the best bang for your buck, I compiled a list of the best SIM cards in Iceland, along with a few handy tips you may wish to keep in mind when choosing your network operator. So, let’s check them out.
Image: Ankita Kumar
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Why Buy a SIM Card For Iceland?
We all rely on our phones, especially when it comes to exploring somewhere new. But when visiting Iceland, it’s essential to have a good signal in order to get around and stay safe in the vast wildernesses.
Your current SIM card may or may not work in Iceland, or worse it might suddenly cut off without warning if you run out of your overseas data allowance.
While the Wi-Fi can be ok in places like Reykjavik, anyone heading anywhere off the beaten path should invest in a tourist SIM card for Iceland.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Buying a SIM Card For Iceland – Things To Consider
Getting the best SIM card for travel can be a minefield. Will there be enough data? Do you need calls and texts, or is data fine for you if you use apps like WhatsApp? And how do you know which provider to go with?
In this article, we will break down all of these questions and more to help you decide on the best SIM card in Iceland.
Price
Of course, the first thing you will need to look at when buying a SIM card is the price. Is it value for money? And will it save you cash in the long run?
The answer nine times out of ten is a resounding yes when it comes to buying a SIM card abroad. But it’s not necessarily the cheapest deal that’s best.
It’s important to check the whole package to make sure you get what you need, and that you won’t get stung later on with an expensive top-up or add-on.
Data
It’s important to have an idea of how much data you will need.
Check with your home provider to see how much data you usually get through in a day, then add around 30% to account for traveling.
When we are away, we tend to rely on our phones much more for things like maps, and keeping in touch with friends and relatives back home.
Coverage
Iceland has three main mobile internet providers:
- Vodafone
- Siminn
- Nova
All of these mobile providers offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists, but Nova has the best 5G coverage in Iceland.
Image: Ankita Kumar
Iceland is uninhabited in many places. If you are planning to do an Icelandic road trip around the ring road it’s important to check out where you will have coverage.
Although Reykjavik is well connected, many more remote areas in Iceland have poor data coverage. Every country has blind spots, and Iceland with all of its volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains is no exception.
So it’s important to get a SIM card that covers most of the area you are visiting. After all, it’s pointless having rafts of data if you can’t actually use it.
Bureaucracy
Sometimes getting a SIM card in Europe can be downright complicated. Luckily most countries within the EU don’t have this issue, and as long as you have your passport, getting a SIM card for Iceland is easy.
Note that not all providers cover the rest of the EU though. While in many European countries, you can use your SIM card freely anywhere, some limit data, calls, or messages to just the country you are purchasing it from. Always check if this is something that you want.
Expiration
All SIM cards have an expiry date. Many tourist packages come in 7, 14, or 30-day bundles so you must get the right one for your trip.
Imagine being halfway around the Icelandic Ring Road and discovering that you’ve lost connectivity!
Another thing worth considering if you are backpacking Europe is an EU-wide SIM card. Or, if you are returning to Iceland can you keep your SIM card active for longer?
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!Where To Buy a SIM Card For Iceland
Buying a SIM card in Iceland is fairly straightforward. You can get one in the airport before you set off but you can also pick them up if you have your own transportation.
For real peace of mind, get it sorted before you even leave home.
Image: Ankita Kumar
eSIM
Travel eSIMs are revolutionary when it comes to using your phone abroad.
No more needing to stress about finding that one airport kiosk, or accidentally misplacing your contract SIM card when you take it out of your phone. Simply download it to your phone and switch providers once you arrive. It can’t get easier than that.
Some older phones aren’t compatible though so make sure your device is eSIM-compatible and that your phone is network unlocked – as with using any foreign SIM card.
In The Airport
You can buy a SIM card In Iceland as soon as you land at Keflavik Airport. There is only really one way to enter Iceland, so the airport is well set up for visitors.
You will find a green convenience store as you exit the Arrival door (to your right). It’s easy to miss but this is the only kiosk in Keflavik Airport where you can get a SIM card.
You have the full range of options at this store with prepaid SIM cards from Vodafone, Siminn, and Nova.
Prices are the same as getting a local SIM card in Reykjavik (see below), and it’s a lot more convenient, so it’s a good option if you have time after your flight.
At a Store
There are no mobile phone stores in Reykjavik itself as they are all located a little way outside of the city. This can make it less convenient, and a bit of a hassle to buy your Iceland SIM card this way.
If you do have a car, you can choose to visit one of the three main providers;
- Vodafone offers a SIM card for Iceland tourists including 1 GB of data and 3 GB for data sharing. It also has unlimited calls and sms, plus you can top up online. This SIM card lasts for 30 days and costs 1,790 ISK.
- Nova offers a tourist SIM card with 2 GB of data. It also has unlimited calls and sms in Iceland, plus this SIM card will work throughout the EU too. It’s slightly dearer with a cost of 1,990 ISK.
- Siminn offers a tourist SIM card for Iceland with 10 GB of data. It also works throughout Europe along with 50 minutes of EU calls, but the 50 SMS are only valid in Iceland. The credit lasts for 31 days and can be topped up as many times as you want. This plan will cost 2,900 ISK.
Many of the shop workers will speak English, and offer help in getting your SIM card set up. You may need to have your passport with you to buy a SIM card in Iceland.
Gas stations
If you missed getting a SIM card at Reykjavik Airport you can find the tourist packages at several gas stations – great if you’ve hired a car.
You can get all of the same deals that are at the airport or the phone stores so it can be a good way of finding a last-minute SIM card if you are in Iceland already.
Online
You can go for an eSIM, an international or local SIM, but if you really want a stress-free holiday, the best way to buy a SIM card for Iceland is online. That way you have plenty of time to sort through the best options, do your research and end up with a great deal.
Icelandic mobile providers have complicated websites that are difficult to negotiate and charge high rates for foreign postage. But, you can buy an EU-wide roaming SIM card from sites like Amazon.
To save you time, we have sorted through some of the best options when it comes to ordering a SIM card for Iceland.
Best Iceland SIM Card Providers
Our list includes some of the best international SIM card providers that you can use anywhere. There are fantastic eSIMs and a Europe Sim card that you can order online before you travel.
OneSim
OneSim is a Boston-based SIM provider who have been specialising in traveler-friendly international SIM packages for some time now. It have a different array of International SIM Cards that will work in many different countries including Iceland.
This is a great option for regular travelers who visit several countries or simply make repeat visits to the same country.
If your phone is e-SIM compatible, then check out the OneSimCard eSIM World package. That way, you can find out more about e-SIMs and how they work.
OneSimCard eSIM World
- Offers coverage in 150+ countries with free incoming calls received on an EU number in most of them.
- SIM + Data Packages from $13.00.
- No expiration date.
If your phone is NOT e-SIM card ready, then stick with plastic and check out their Europe & More Package which will work all across Europe.
OneSim Universal
- Offers coverage in Greece + European countries.
- SIM + Data Packages from $29.99.
- No expiration date.
Airalo eSIM
Download the Airalo app, choose your destination and package, and then install your eSIM. Once you get to your destination you can activate your eSIM. Simple as that!
Of course, you will need to make sure that your phone is eSIM compatible and network unlocked.
I highly recommend Airalo for its exceptional flexibility and diverse range of packages available for top-up, ensuring you have complete control over your options. It uses the Nova network in Iceland, so you can be sure that you are going to get good coverage.
You can make use of your hotspot and don’t need to remove your normal SIM card, simply swap providers when you land through your phone.
- Airalo eSIM package for Iceland
- From $4.50
- 1GB to 20 GB data only
- Between 7 to 30 days
Nomad eSI
Nomad is a major eSIM marketplace that connects global travelers with affordable data plans anywhere in the world. They have no contract, no hidden fees, and no unexpected roaming charges.
You can apply online and get your eSIM straight away, you then have 30 days to activate your plan. You can use other devices too as data sharing and the hotspot functionality is supported by all Nomad eSIMs.
Top-ups are available while your plan is still active, just use the app. It’s a data-only SIM card, so no calls or texts. The Nomad eSIM also uses the Nova network in Iceland.
SIM card packages start from 1 GB, with packages up to 20 GB of data.
- Nomad eSIM package for Iceland
- $27
- 15GB data only
- 30 days
Orange Holiday SIM Card
For those with an older phone who want a physical SIM card (standard/micro/nano), get an Orange Holiday SIM card delivered to your home country.
Make sure to order with enough time before you leave. Once it arrives no setup is required, plus you can use it in over 30 European destinations including Iceland.
You get 8 GB of data and can share your plan with data tethering and a WiFi hotspot. The SIM card comes with 30 minutes of international calls and 200 texts from Europe to the rest of the world.
Top up your allowance anytime online through the Orange website. If you need more data there is a 20 GB SIM card available too.
- Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM
- $42.80
- 8 GB
- 14 days
What Is The Best SIM Card in Iceland For Tourists?
| Package | Price (basic sim) | Top Ups Allowed? | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| OneSimCard eSim World | $13.00 | Y | NA |
| OneSim Universal | $29.99 | Y | NA |
| Airalo eSim | $4.50 | Y | 7 to 30 days |
| Nomad eSim | $6.00 | Y | 7 to 30 days |
| Orange Holiday Sim Card | $42.80 | Y | 14 days |
Final Thoughts on Getting a SIM Card For Iceland
Iceland is such an amazing country to explore. The black sand landscapes and glacier hikes are out of this world. Make sure you make the most of your trip here with one of these fantastic SIM card deals.
We hope that you’ve found this guide to getting a SIM card in Iceland useful. Let us know how you get on in the comments. We love hearing your travel stories, especially if we’ve helped you to save money on your trip!
Image: Ankita Kumar
- ALWAYS sort out your backpacker’s insurance before your trip. You hope you don’t need it, but it’s not worth the risk.
- Gear up for your trip with our guide of the best travel eSIM.
- Or, take a look at the best SIM cards for travel and get ready for instant connectivity.
- Capture every cherished moment with a high-quality travel camera.
- Heading off into the mountains and looking to keep connected? You should check out the range of Satellite phones available.
- Need data for your work sesh? Have a look at our guide to travel routers for some more heavy-duty options.
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