Iceland is a land of breathtaking glaciers, steaming hot springs, and mesmerizing northern lights. Whether you’re driving the iconic Ring Road, exploring black sand beaches, or scouting for puffins along the coast, staying connected to the internet is a travel essential.
From using Google Maps to plan your next stop to booking tours or keeping in touch with loved ones back home, a reliable Iceland SIM card ensures you’re always prepared. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best SIM card options in Iceland, including their features, pricing, where to buy them, and a hassle-free eSIM solution to make your stay even easier.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Iceland ?
To buy a physical SIM card for a local Icelandic provider, you’ll typically need to get it in person. Iceland’s main providers—Síminn, Vodafone, and Nova—don’t deliver SIM cards internationally. Here’s where you can find them:
1. Keflavík International Airport
You can pick up SIM cards from providers like Síminn and Vodafone right after you exit customs. Stores such as 10-11, Elko, and a lime-green convenience store offer SIM cards for tourists, making it easy to connect as soon as you land.
2. Retail Stores in Cities and Towns
In addition to the airport, you can find SIM cards at various retail stores in cities like Reykjavík and Akureyri. Major shopping malls such as Smáralind Mall in Kópavogur and Kringlan Mall in Reykjavík have SIM cards available. Smaller towns like Selfoss, Egilsstaðir, and Stykkishólmur also carry SIM cards at local post offices.
3. Partner Convenience Stores and Petrol Stations
Vodafone SIM cards are available in 10-11 stores and N1 petrol stations across Iceland, ensuring you can easily find one even in more remote locations.
4. Onboard Icelandair Flights
If you’re flying Icelandair, you can purchase a Vodafone starter pack during your flight, which allows you to connect immediately once you land in Iceland.
Though some third-party retailers like SimCorner claim to deliver SIM cards internationally, they usually come with higher prices and longer wait times. It's best to buy directly from a local provider once you’re in Iceland.
Is it Worth Getting a SIM Card in Iceland?
Yes, having data in Iceland is a must! Iceland isn’t the place you want to miss out on exploring because you're hunting for a café with decent Wi-Fi. Staying connected means you can easily use maps, make bookings, and keep in touch with loved ones. Plus, for maximum convenience, eSIMs are a great option—no swapping of physical SIM cards, just instant activation and instant connectivity.
Let’s now explore the best options for getting a SIM card in Iceland.
What is the Best SIM Card for Iceland?
Finding the best SIM card for Iceland starts with figuring out what you need. Are you seeking strong network coverage, affordable data plans, or quick top-up options? Here’s a breakdown of the top SIM card choices.
1. Síminn
Síminn is Iceland’s largest and oldest telecommunications company, with a long history of serving both locals and tourists. It offers a variety of prepaid plans for tourists to choose from:
- Top-up Plans (ISK 500-5,000): Pay-as-you-go credit for domestic calls, texts, and data, ideal for light or occasional use.
- Þrenna Prepaid Plan (ISK 2,900-3,900): Includes 10-25 GB of data, unlimited texts, and calls. Note that this plan requires an Icelandic ID number (Kennitala) to activate.
- Mobile Internet Data Plans (ISK 800-5,800): Offers data ranging from 500 MB to 50 GB for use in Iceland and across the European Economic Area (EEA), suitable for heavy data users or those traveling across Europe.
Where to Buy Síminn Cards?
- Keflavík International Airport (lime green convenience store after customs)
- Retail stores like Smáralind (Hagasmára 1, Kópavogur) and Akureyri (Strandgata 3)
- Post offices in towns like Selfoss, Vestmannaeyjar, and more
2. Vodafone
Vodafone Iceland offers extensive 4G coverage and a variety of prepaid data plans:
- Prepaid Mobile Internet Starter Kit (ISK 1,790): Includes 3 GB of data to get you started.
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Top-up Options: After the initial data is used, you can add more data with packages like:
- 10 GB: ISK 3,190 (~$23.38)
- 50 GB: ISK 6,190 (~$45.37)
- 150 GB: ISK 8,190 (~$60.04)
Where to Buy Vodafone SIM Cards?
- Keflavík Airport (10-11 store and Elko store)
- Retail locations such as Smáralind Mall and Kringlan Mall
- Online through Vodafone Iceland or third-party providers like SimOptions
3. Nova Iceland
Nova is another popular choice for visitors, offering affordable plans with both local and international connectivity. They offer flexible mobile internet packages:
- 100 MB Plan (ISK 590): Use this data in Iceland and across the EEA.
- 10 GB Plan (ISK 2,590): 5 GB usable in Iceland, 5 GB usable in the EEA.
- 250 GB Plan (ISK 7,590): Includes 22 GB for use in the EEA and the rest for use in Iceland.
Where to Buy Nova SIM Cards?
- Lágmúli and Kjarninn in Reykjavík and Selfoss
- Glerártorg Mall in Akureyri and Smáralind Mall in Kópavogur
How to Buy a SIM Card in Iceland
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Choose a Provider: Decide which provider works best for your needs based on coverage, pricing, and data allowances. If you’re heading to remote areas, Síminn may offer the best coverage.
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Select a Plan: Pick a plan that suits your needs for data, calls, and SMS. Many providers offer prepaid plans, so you can choose according to your usage and budget.
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Purchase a SIM Card: You can buy your SIM card directly at the airport, retail stores, or partner locations across the country. You can also order online through some providers.
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Install and Activate: Simply insert the SIM into your phone’s SIM slot, and it should activate automatically. If necessary, follow the instructions on the SIM card packaging to enter a PIN or activate it.
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Test Connectivity: Once activated, check that your data and calls are working. It’s essential, especially if you’re heading to remote areas.
RAPIDeSIM eSIM: The Best Choice for Your Iceland Trip
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is an all-digital mobile plan that’s easy to activate and provides continuous connectivity without needing to swap physical SIM cards. With RAPIDeSIM’s eSIM for Iceland, you’ll enjoy:
- Unlimited Data: Stay connected with unlimited internet for browsing, streaming, and navigation.
- Shared Connection: Share up to 500 MB per day with your travel companions via hotspot.
- Easy Setup: Activate your eSIM by simply scanning a QR code—no need for a SIM ejector tool or physical card.
- Global Coverage: RAPIDeSIM provides reliable network coverage across key Icelandic cities like Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Vík, powered by Orange.
- Flexible Pricing: Choose a plan that fits your stay. Plans start at $4.50 for 3 day, with options as low as $1.50 per day for 90-day plans.
eSIM for ICELANDSay goodbye to the hassle of swapping SIM cards at the airport and enjoy the convenience of uninterrupted connectivity throughout your Iceland adventure. Plus, RAPIDeSIM covers over 200 destinations, making it perfect for your future travels.
Promo Code: Get 5% OFF your RAPIDeSIM eSIM purchase with code: INTERNETEVERYWHERE25.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a physical SIM card from Síminn, Vodafone, or Nova, or opt for the modern convenience of RAPIDeSIM’s eSIM, staying connected in Iceland is crucial to making the most of your adventure. Consider your needs—data usage, coverage, and ease of purchase—and pick the best SIM card option for your trip.
With RAPIDeSIM’s eSIM, you can skip the lines and get connected the moment you land in Iceland. Ready to explore the land of fire and ice? Stay connected with RAPIDeSIM today!
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Enjoy a seamless Icelandic experience with fast, reliable mobile data!
