Staying connected in Iceland is more than a convenience—it’s essential for navigation, safety, and sharing the country’s dramatic landscapes. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a local prepaid SIM card or eSIM in Iceland, with updated information for 2025.
Official Websites (with Links)
- Síminn — Prepaid plans: Síminn Prepaid page vefur.siminn.is+1
- Vodafone Iceland — check Vodafone stores/website in Iceland for current prepaid/tourist offerings. eSIM.Net+1
- Nova Iceland — via Nova stores/authorized retailers. Phone Travel Wiz+1
Staying Connected in Iceland: The Basics
Iceland boasts a highly advanced telecommunications network. With 100% 4G population coverage and fiber-optic internet available to over 90% of households, you can expect reliable connectivity in most populated areas and along major travel routes like the Ring Road. The country is transitioning to newer networks, with 2G services scheduled to shut down in 2024 and 3G in 2025.
For travelers, the three main mobile network operators (MNOs) are:
- Síminn: The oldest and largest provider, known for the most extensive national coverage.
- Vodafone Iceland: A major competitor with strong nationwide coverage.
- Nova: Often the most budget-friendly option, with excellent coverage in Reykjavik and populated areas.
Important for EU/EEA Residents: Iceland is part of the European Economic Area (EEA). Thanks to the “Roam Like at Home” regulations, if your mobile plan is from an EU/EEA country, you can use your domestic allowances of calls, texts, and data in Iceland at no extra cost. For all other travelers, a local SIM or eSIM is the most cost-effective choice.
Where and How to Buy a SIM Card
Points of Purchase
- Keflavik International Airport (KEF): The most convenient option. A lime-green convenience store in the arrivals hall (open 24/7) sells starter kits from all three providers. An Elko electronics store at the airport also sells them.
- Official Carrier Stores: Located in Reykjavik, though often outside the immediate city center.
- Gas Stations & Convenience Stores: Found throughout the country and are a reliable source for top-up vouchers.
- Online Before You Travel: For eSIMs (discussed in detail later) or international SIM card providers.
What You Need
- A passport for identification is required for registration.
- An unlocked phone that supports GSM networks. Most phones from Europe, Asia, and Africa are compatible, but some from North America may use different standards (CDMA).
Network Technology and Coverage
Mobile Frequencies in Use
For your phone to work optimally, it should support Iceland’s primary frequency bands. The following table summarizes the key bands used by the major operators.
| Network Generation | Primary Frequency Bands in Iceland | Key for Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| 4G/LTE | 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2600 MHz (Band 7) | The 800MHz band offers the best coverage in rural and remote areas due to its longer range. |
| 3G/UMTS | Being phased out, with a shutdown scheduled for 2025. | Being phased out, with a shutdown scheduled for 2024. |
| 2G/GSM | 900 MHz, 1800 MHz | Being phased out, with shutdown scheduled for 2024. |
5G Availability: 5G is active in Iceland, primarily concentrated in and around the Reykjavik capital area as of 2025.
Coverage and Speed Comparison
Coverage varies significantly by provider, which is a critical factor if you plan to explore beyond the city.
| Provider | Coverage Strength | Best For | Estimated Avg. Speed (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Síminn | Most extensive, best in remote areas, highlands, and along the entire Ring Road. | Travelers on a full ring road itinerary, those visiting remote locations, and for peace of mind. | High (Leverages robust backbone) |
| Vodafone | Very good nationwide coverage, strong in towns and populated areas. | Travelers splitting time between Reykjavik and major tourist sites on the south and west coasts. | High |
| Nova | Good in Reykjavik and populated areas, but can be spotty in remote regions. | Budget-conscious travelers staying primarily in the capital region or on short tours. | Good (Fastest in 5G zones) |
At a Glance: Prepaid SIM Card Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of popular prepaid tourist plans as of early 2025. Prices are approximate in USD.
| Provider | Starter Pack/Plan | Price (USD) | Includes | EU Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Síminn | 10 GB Data Plan | ~$21 | 10 GB data in Iceland & EU, 50 min EU calls, 50 local SMS. | Yes, included |
| Vodafone | Starter Kit + 10GB Top-up | ~$36 total | Kit: 1GB data + unlimited local calls/SMS. Top-up: +10GB data. | Check at purchase |
| Nova | 20 GB Plan | ~$19 | 20GB data (10GB in EU), unlimited local calls/SMS. | Yes, included |
Síminn Prepaid Starter Packs
These are convenient, ready-to-use options for tourists. You can purchase them at Keflavík Airport (in the arrivals hall), official Síminn stores, or authorized retailers like 10-11 convenience stores and N1 gas stations.
*Check the provider’s list for eligible countries for international minutes.
Síminn Data-Only Packages (Mobile Internet)
If you only need data for a tablet, hotspot device, or secondary phone, these mobile internet packages are a good choice.
Key Features & How to Choose
- Top-Up Flexibility: You can add more data to any plan anytime via the Síminn website or their official app.
- EU Roaming: Most plans include data that can be used across the European Economic Area (EEA) at no extra cost, which is great for multi-country trips.
- Coverage: Síminn is known for having the most extensive network coverage in Iceland, which is crucial if you plan to travel to remote areas or drive the Ring Road.
For Social Media: While Síminn does not offer dedicated social media packages, their standard data allowances (like the 10GB or 20GB tourist SIMs) are generally sufficient for sharing photos and updates. The Unlimited Starter Pack is the best option if you plan on very heavy, unrestricted use of social media, video calling, or streaming.
Vodafone Feature Packages (Voice & Data)
These are complete prepaid plans that include data, local calls, and SMS for a fixed validity period.
Vodafone Data Add-Ons (For Social Media & General Use)
These are data-only top-up packages you can add to your Starter Pack or existing plan. Vodafone does not offer specialized, discounted packages for social media apps. You would use your standard data allowance for all online activities.
| Data Allowance | Price (ISK) | Approx. Price (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 GB | 3,190 ISK | ~$23 | Not specified |
| 25 GB | 5,190 ISK | ~$38 | Not specified |
| 50 GB | 6,190 ISK | ~$45 | Not specified |
| Other smaller packs | 690 – 2,490 ISK | ~$5 – $18 | 30 days |
Vodafone “Unlimited Data” Options
Vodafone’s closest option to “unlimited data” is Plan L, which offers unlimited local calls and texts but includes a fixed 15 GB data allowance. For very high data usage, you would need to purchase multiple or the largest (50 GB) data add-ons.
Vodafone Data-Only Options
Vodafone’s main prepaid plans are bundled with voice and SMS. For a pure data-only option, the most direct method is to purchase a Prepaid Starter Pack and use its included data, or top it up with the data add-ons listed above. While information on a data-only SIM card is limited, third-party retailers also sell Vodafone eSIMs that are data-only. For example, a 25 GB, 28-day eSIM using the Vodafone network is available from some resellers.
Nova Prepaid Packages & Unlimited Data
Nova is known for offering generous data allowances at competitive prices, particularly for tourists. While their plans are not marketed as strictly “unlimited,” they offer some of the highest data caps among Icelandic providers. The table below details their primary tourist prepaid packages.
| Plan Name / Data Allowance | Total Data | Data for EU Roaming | Price (ISK) | Approx. Price (USD) | Main Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 GB Plan | 2 GB | 2 GB | 1,990 ISK | ~$14 | Unlimited local calls & SMS in Iceland |
| 20 GB Plan | 20 GB | 10 GB | 2,690 ISK | ~$19 | Unlimited local calls & SMS in Iceland |
| 100 GB Plan | 100 GB | 15 GB | 3,490 ISK | ~$25 | Unlimited local calls & SMS in Iceland |
| 250 GB Plan | 250 GB | 25 GB | 6,690 ISK | ~$48 | Unlimited local calls & SMS in Iceland |
Unlimited Data Note: A true unlimited data option from Nova for tourists was not found on official sites. However, third-party sellers like
roaming.companyon eBay offer a 30-Day Unlimited Data Prepaid Travel SIM using the Nova EHF network for about $33. This may require advanced purchase and shipping.
The Modern Alternative: Travel eSIMs
For many travelers, a digital eSIM is now the most convenient option. An eSIM is a digital profile downloaded to your phone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XR/XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, recent Samsung Galaxy models) support eSIM.
Why Choose an eSIM for Iceland?
- Instant Activation: Purchase and install before you depart or upon landing.
- No Registration: Avoids the in-person ID registration required for physical SIMs.
- Easy Management: Switch plans or top up directly from a provider’s app.
- Dual SIM Functionality: Keep your home number active for calls while using Icelandic data.
Recommended eSIM Providers
Based on traveler reviews and network reliability, two providers stand out:
- Ubigi: Best for larger data plans and longer stays. Uses the Síminn and Vodafone networks, offering plans from 3GB to 50GB. Reliable for remote work and streaming.
- eSIM4Travel: Best for short trips and light data use. Offers affordable plans starting at 1GB and uses the Nova and Vodafone networks.
Prices are competitive, often cheaper than airport SIM cards. For example, a 10GB Iceland-only eSIM plan can cost around $16, and a 20GB plan about $20.
Registration, Activation, and Top-Up
- Biometric/User Registration: By law, all prepaid SIM cards in Iceland must be registered. You will need to present your passport at the point of purchase. No biometric data is collected.
- Activation: The process is simple:
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone.
- Turn on the device. You will typically receive an SMS with configuration settings.
- Follow any prompts or dial the activation number provided in the kit.
- How to Check Balance/Number: Dial *101# (Síminn) or *111# (Vodafone) from your phone. Your phone number will also be printed on the SIM packaging or sent via SMS upon activation.
- Top-Up Methods: You can add credit at gas stations, convenience stores, official carrier stores, or online through the provider’s website or app. You will need a top-up voucher (pin code) or a credit card.
Conclusion and Final Recommendations
The best connectivity solution for your trip depends on your itinerary, data needs, and device.
- For Most Travelers Exploring Widely, A local eSIM from Ubigi or eSIM4Travel is the top recommendation. It offers the best balance of convenience, price, and reliable coverage on Iceland’s major networks.
- For Travelers Needing a Local Phone Number: A physical prepaid SIM from Síminn is the best choice. Its superior coverage in remote areas is invaluable for road trips and provides a local number for booking tours or restaurants.
- For Budget Travelers in Reykjavik Only: A Nova SIM card offers the most affordable plans with sufficient coverage for the capital region.
Final Checklist Before You Go:
- Confirm your phone is unlocked.
- Check your phone’s eSIM compatibility in the settings menu.
- Download offline Google Maps or Maps.me for Iceland.
- Purchase and install an eSIM a day before your flight, or have your passport ready to buy a SIM at Keflavik Airport.
By choosing the right option, you can ensure seamless connectivity to navigate Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, share your journey, and travel with greater safety and ease.