Whenever you travel, it’s important to stay connected. This is especially true when taking a road trip in a place like Iceland. Mobile networks and coverage are important while driving in a place with large, remote stretches of highway and unpredictable weather. You’re probably wondering if you can use your cell phone in Iceland during your trip. Or perhaps you’d like to get a SIM card in Iceland and would like to know where to obtain one.
We’ll talk about Iceland cell phone providers as well as where to buy a SIM card in the Iceland airport.
Can I Use My Cell Phone in Iceland?
One of the first things people ask when discussing this topic is “Will my cell phone work in Iceland?”. Well, it depends. If you’re coming from Europe, it’s likely that your phone will work because European cell phones use the same system. Additionally, many countries have Europe-wide roaming plans. This means you can use your mobile phone in Iceland without any disruption to your service or any extra fees or surcharges.
Where you might run into problems are North American cell phones. Many North American cell phone providers run on a different network, which means your phone will not work abroad. The exceptions to this are T-Mobile and AT&T, which use the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) network. Those phones will likely work in Europe and in other countries around the world.
Using a Prepaid Cell Phone Iceland
If you’re unsure or use another carrier, don’t worry; there’s a simple solution. All you have to do is make sure that you have an unlocked phone and then when you arrive, get an Iceland SIM card. Buying a prepaid SIM card in Iceland is as easy as walking into a convenience store and picking up some snacks. Whether it’s an Iceland Wi-Fi SIM card or one with minutes for calling, you’ll find different packages and options available.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Iceland
Buying a SIM card in Iceland is pretty straightforward and you have a few different options. The first is to do it right at the airport after your plane lands, and we’ll go into further detail about how to do this below. The second option is to purchase your Iceland SIM card from a convenience store. But they’re not as easy to find as the one at Keflavik International Airport, which is relatively small. Third, you can buy one directly from the cell phone store.
If you choose this option, be forewarned. The Vodafone store, for example, is a bit out of the way if you’re staying in the city center. So if you had been hoping to get a Vodafone SIM card Iceland, you’ll have to make a bit of a trek or take a taxi to the shop. Lastly, some carriers will deliver straight to your hotel. If you opt for a Síminn SIM card in Iceland, for example, it will be waiting for you at your accommodation when you arrive.
Just plop it into your phone and you’re ready to go.
Where to Buy a SIM card in the Iceland Airport
If you’re looking to pick up a local SIM card in Iceland, I recommend doing it as soon as you arrive at Keflavik International Airport. It will only take you an extra 10-15 minutes and is a very easy, straightforward process. After leaving the baggage claim area with your suitcases, there’s a 10-11 supermarket close to the Dunkin Donuts. One of the cashiers will give you a SIM card to put into your phone and activate it. There are also several 10-11 stores in downtown Reykjavik if you forget to do this at the airport.
SIM Cards come in three sizes: nano, micro, or standard. When you break your Iceland SIM out of its plastic frame, make sure it’s the same size as your current Sim. Otherwise, it won’t fit correctly. And of course, if you have an iPhone, you’ll need the little paper clip to eject the phone’s SIM card holder
So now that you know where to get SIM card in Iceland, let’s talk about the different operators and who has the best Iceland cell phone coverage.
Iceland Cell Phone Carriers and Prices
Of all the carriers in Iceland, Síminn offers the largest mobile coverage network of all. Vodafone is also a popular operator, it doesn’t have as wide a coverage map as Síminn. The third option for cell phones is a Nova SIM card in Iceland.
Taking a quick look at the Síminn website, they offer two main packages. The prepaid data plan comes with 10 GB of data. This is my recommendation for a prepaid data SIM card in Iceland. The prepaid starter pack comes with 5 GB of data, 50 minutes of phone calls, and 50 text messages. You can call 55 countries around the world. Both packages cost 2.900 ISK (20€ or $23) And you have up to 30 days to use your mobile credit.
If you opt for Vodafone or Nova for your Iceland cell phone, prices will be around the same. just number that you won’t have as good of coverage, especially if you go somewhere like the Highlands.
SIM Card in Iceland: Mobile Network and Coverage
It’s quite easy to buy and use an Iceland SIM while you are traveling. The different plans and packages available mean you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs. Whether you want to make calls, send text messages, or just need data for your phone, Iceland’s mobile operators have you covered.
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