Getting connected in Iceland: your guide to eSIMs, wi-fi and mobile networks

15.11.2024 - 14:27 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 14, 2024 • 7 min read

Located in the frigid North Atlantic, Iceland is remote indeed – and its rugged landscapes look more like the moon than the rest of Europe.

Yet throughout this island nation, a strong wi-fi or cellular signal is never far away. Which means you can FaceTime your family from the Golden Circle, or log on to Zoom calls from quiet campgrounds tucked into scenic canyons. Count on being able to check your email from underneath the northern lights, or stream your favorite playlists while driving the Ring Road. 

Whether you need real-time directions or a remote-work setup, Iceland’s wi-fi, eSIM, and mobile networks have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about getting and staying connected in the land of fire and ice.

Your phone will most likely work in Iceland – but it might cost you. If you’re a traveler from the USA, you’ll want to check your mobile plan’s roaming rates and policies before browsing through local cellular networks.

T-Mobile and Sprint offer some subscribers free international data, but speeds may be slower. Providers including Verizon and AT&T offer international data roaming for a daily rate, or by gigabyte of data. Verizon sells a $10 daily travel pass that offers unlimited calls, texts and data. And T-Mobile sells a 10-day international data pass with 5 GB of high-speed data for $35. For context: 1 GB of data is enough for about 8 hours of streaming music, 1000 emails or 80 minutes of video streaming. If you’re on WhatsApp, it’ll get you a full 1.5 million messages (without photos or videos, that is). 

Iceland has three major cellular service providers: Síminn, Nova and Vodafone. While you can expect your mobile phone to work in cities, towns and along popular driving routes, service might be limited in more-remote parts of the country. Wi-fi hotspots are readily available for rent. These allow you to access wi-fi on your mobile device through a mobile wi-fi station.

As in most of Europe, the most affordable way to stay connected in Iceland is with a prepaid SIM card. If your phone has a slot for a physical SIM card, the best value is purchasing one upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport. You can also buy local SIM cards at gas stations, convenience stores, local shops and tourist centers. 

You will need an unlocked phone to use this option. If it calms your travel anxiety, ask the shopkeeper to help you install your new local SIM card and where to find your local number. 

If you’re traveling from continental Europe, you may not need an Icelandic SIM card, as European law allows EU residents to use their phone plans anywhere in Europe (including in Iceland, a member of the EEC and Schengen Zone if not the full EU) without additional charges. 

If you’re