SIM cards and eSIM in Iceland
SIM cards and eSIM in IcelandWhich carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card No ID registration needed
- Icelandic prepaid SIMs are anonymous: no ID and no registration are needed for tourist starter packs. Don't confuse this with the kennitala, the Icelandic national ID number, which is only required for resident-style accounts and regular subscription plans, never for tourist prepaid.
- Vodafone's starter kit costs around 1,790 ISK (roughly $13) for 1 GB plus unlimited domestic calls and texts for 30 days, with top-ups up to roughly 3,490 ISK (about $25) for 100 GB. Siminn sells packs around 2,900 ISK (5 GB with texts, or a data-only 10 GB), and Nova's roughly 6,690 ISK (about $50) pack carries a huge 250 GB.
- Unusually, Keflavik Airport is the recommended place to buy: the lime-green 10/11 convenience store just to the right of the arrivals door sells Siminn, Vodafone and Nova starter packs, is open 24 hours and takes cards, and the airport's Elko electronics store stocks them too. There are no carrier stores in central Reykjavik, so the usual advice to wait and buy in town works poorly here. Siminn packs are also sold at post offices around the country and can be delivered to your accommodation.
- Mild to moderate, and less relevant than usual: airport prices run somewhat higher than city stores, but the airport is the only convenient point of sale for most arrivals and sells the same starter packs.
- Siminn sells eSIM starter packs online, including a 10 GB eSIM that can be activated from anywhere in the EEA roaming zone, so you can have local data working before you land; its unlimited eSIM must first connect to an Icelandic tower. eSIMs are available at Nova, Vodafone and Siminn phone stores but not at Keflavik Airport, which sells physical SIMs only. Since there is no registration requirement, a foreign travel eSIM's advantage here comes down to convenience and price.
Iceland is in the EEA, so EU roam-like-at-home applies to Icelandic SIMs, but providers cap the EU roaming allowance well below the domestic one (a pack can be 250 GB at home yet only 25 GB in the EU), so check the EU figure rather than the headline. Siminn credit expires 6 months after activation, service is blocked 6 months after the last top-up, and the SIM dies entirely at 12 months. Vodafone's and Nova's websites are Icelandic-only, which complicates topping up online.
Local carriers
Siminn
The former state telco, with the best coverage and speeds nationwide, including the interior and rural roads. Slightly pricier, and the network locals tend to recommend first.
Vodafone Iceland
The cheapest entry point, with a starter kit around 1,790 ISK. Its website is Icelandic-only, which matters if you plan to top up online.
Nova
The highest data caps of the three (a 250 GB pack exists) and strong in urban areas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Iceland?
Icelandic prepaid SIMs are anonymous: no ID and no registration are needed for tourist starter packs. Don't confuse this with the kennitala, the Icelandic national ID number, which is only required for resident-style accounts and regular subscription plans, never for tourist prepaid.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in Iceland?
Mild to moderate, and less relevant than usual: airport prices run somewhat higher than city stores, but the airport is the only convenient point of sale for most arrivals and sells the same starter packs.
What is the best eSIM for Iceland?
Guac eSIM covers Iceland with data plans starting from $0.58 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.