SIM Cards and eSIMs in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide

 Where to Buy SIM Cards in Iceland

Photo from tomekwalecki.

It's really easy to find a physical SIM card or modern eSIM for your trip to Iceland, and some of the best places to do so are Nova, Vodafone, or Siminn, the three major phone companies in Iceland.

They provide simple kits tailored to meet the varying needs of travelers. Ordering and topping up online is also straightforward.

You can conveniently buy a SIM card online, but you can also get one upon arrival. It's possible to buy SIM cards at Keflavik Airport, but if you prefer to hurry to your airport transfer and start the journey to your hotel in Iceland, you can easily find your SIM card elsewhere. They're available at convenience stores and gas stations, so you won't have any issues getting connected.

• Learn about all the Best Attractions by the Ring Road of Iceland

If you want an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card, it's even easier. An eSIM, or "embedded SIM," is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without the need for a physical SIM card. To get an eSIM in Iceland, first, ensure your smartphone is eSIM compatible and unlocked. Most newer smartphone models support eSIM technology, which can be confirmed in your phone's settings under "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."

Once you've purchased an eSIM plan online, you'll typically receive a QR code. Scanning this code with your device will activate the eSIM, instantly connecting you to the local network. While eSIMs might not provide a local phone number as a physical SIM card would, they are ideal if your primary need is data usage, but consider this if you expect to receive international calls or text messages.

• Learn more about Airports in Iceland
• See also: Airport Transfers Between Keflavik and Reykjavik: The Complete Guide

Staying Connected With Wifi in Iceland

If the idea of dealing with eSIM or SIM cards in Iceland doesn't appeal to you, there are alternative options to consider. One convenient choice is to utilize a Wi-Fi hotspot, often provided by rental car companies. You can easily find an affordable rental car equipped with Wi-Fi! This option allows you to connect multiple devices and access the internet while on the go, making it especially useful for those who rely on apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to stay connected.

You could also explore international roaming packages offered by your home mobile provider. However, depending on your location, this can be expensive. It's worth checking with your carrier to see if they offer affordable roaming rates specifically for Iceland.

If you plan to venture into remote areas like the Highlands, it will be more reliable to opt for a local SIM card, regardless of either option. Make sure to consider your itinerary in Iceland when choosing your way of staying connected.

• Compare rental car options on Iceland's largest travel marketplace
• See more: Finding Your Way in Iceland | Car Rental & Road Information
• Check out the Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Iceland

What to Know about SIM Cards in Iceland

When traveling, obtaining a local SIM card can be very practical. Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes, which require reliable GPS and internet for navigation and information, especially in remote areas. Here's all you need to know about getting a SIM card in Iceland!

Do I Need a SIM card for Iceland?

While international roaming might seem convenient, it can be surprisingly costly. It can be a valid option, but many travelers find themselves facing unexpectedly high charges upon returning home. A prepaid SIM card, on the other hand, is a cost-effective solution to stay connected without breaking the bank.

Iceland boasts excellent mobile coverage, especially in populated areas and along major travel routes like the Ring Road. Prepaid SIM cards take full advantage of this extensive network coverage, ensuring that you stay connected even in some of the more remote parts of the country.

With an Icelandic SIM card, you're less likely to experience service drop-offs that can occur with international roaming in rural or less-populated areas. That coverage matters most for live navigation, so it's worth knowing where Google Maps works in Iceland and saving offline maps for the Highlands and remote valleys where data disappears.

Furthermore, an Iceland SIM card will give you a local phone number! Whether you're reserving a table at some of the best restaurants in Reykjavik, booking fun adventure tours of Iceland, or simply buying city bus tickets in the Klappid app, a local number eliminates the hassle and extra cost of an international number. It also facilitates smoother communication with local businesses and services, enhancing your overall travel experience in Iceland.

Country Calling Codes and International Phone Calls in Iceland

Photo from Creative Commons, Wikimedia, by Maximilian Dörrbecker. Country phone codes around the world.

When you’re in Iceland and need to make international phone calls, it's important to be aware of how to correctly dial out of the country. The number is added before the phone number, allowing callers to specify the country they are trying to reach.

The Iceland country code is +354. This code is crucial for making calls to Icelandic numbers from abroad. To call an international number from Iceland, you typically start with an international access code, which is most commonly 00 or 011, followed by the country code of the country you are trying to reach.

An alternative solution is making calls through mobile apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. These services require data but typically do not incur additional charges beyond your usual data usage, making them a good option for keeping in touch with friends and family back home.

Travel Within the European Union

 If you happen to live within the European Union, you generally don't have to worry about getting a SIM card when traveling to Iceland. Thanks to the "Roam Like at Home" regulation from 2017, those living within the EU don't have to worry about their mobile phone usage when traveling to another EU country. This regulation also includes some countries within the European Economic Area, such as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein!

This means that you can use your mobile phone just as you would at home, without the need for a local SIM card. This includes accessing your usual data plan, making calls, and sending texts at no extra cost. You may opt for a local SIM anyway if you want to have a local phone number, but it's usually not a necessity.

The regulation is a significant advantage for EU residents, making travel within the region more convenient and cost-effective. Remember, though, to check with your mobile provider for any specific terms or exceptions. This way, you can fully enjoy your Icelandic adventure, staying connected with ease and without worrying about unexpected roaming charges.

Travel to Iceland from North America

If you're traveling from North America to Iceland, the situation regarding mobile phone usage is quite different from that of European Union residents. North American travelers will need to consider their options for staying connected, as there are no overarching agreements like the EU's "Roam Like at Home" regulation.

Before departing, it's a good idea to check with your home mobile provider about international roaming plans that include Iceland. Be aware that the costs can vary significantly, and it might be very expensive compared to local options.

This is why purchasing a local SIM card can be a great choice. This option provides you with access to local rates for calls, texts, and data, which are often more affordable than international roaming charges. You'll get the benefit of a local Icelandic phone number and faster data services.

Know that to use a local SIM or eSIM, your phone must be unlocked from your carrier. It is crucial to verify this with your provider before you travel, and it's an easy thing to overlook!

Carrier Locked or Unlocked Phone

Photo from pasja1000

One thing that tends to be overlooked when preparing for an international trip is checking if your phone is unlocked or locked to a specific carrier. An unlocked phone means you're free to switch out your SIM card and use different network providers as you please. You'll have no issue getting a local SIM card in Iceland or anywhere else in the world, for that matter.

However, if you've purchased a phone directly from a mobile service provider, there's a chance that your phone is locked to their network, especially within the United States of America. A locked phone won't be able to use another SIM card, limiting your options to either using your home carrier's international roaming (often expensive) or relying solely on Wi-Fi.

Before traveling, check if your phone is unlocked. This can typically be done by checking your phone's settings. If your phone is locked, contact your service provider and inquire about unlocking it, which is sometimes possible after fulfilling certain conditions set by your carrier.

Will you pick up a SIM or eSIM during a trip to Iceland? Do you prefer to stick with alternative options when you travel? Have you traveled to Iceland before? Share your thoughts and experience in the comment section below!