You can get an Icelandic SIM card for 990 ISK (7.05 USD) or 1990 ISK (14.15 USD) from Nova, 1790 ISK (12.70 USD) or 2000 ISK from Vodafone & 2900 ISK (14.20 & 20.60 USD) from Sínimm in their stores and from resellers, like convenience stores and grocery stores. SIM Cards are also sold at Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport (KEF).
Original publication: 28th of May 2020. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Iceland?
So, who are all these mobile operators and what options are available for you?
Iceland has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to tourists:
- Sínimm
- Nova Iceland
- Vodafone Iceland (Vodafone Ísland)
Anyone living in or visiting Iceland can buy an Icelandic SIM card without restrictions.
Where Can You Buy an Icelandic SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get an Icelandic SIM card in Sínimm, Nova & Vodafone stores. Some Icelandic airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Icelandic SIM cards:
- Sínimm: 3000 ISK
- Nova Iceland: 990 ISK & 1990 ISK
- Vodafone Iceland: 1790 ISK (data-only) & 2000 ISK (regular)
Note that SIM cards can be more expensive than those listed above when purchased at an airport.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date ISK (Icelandic Króna) to your currency (let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between ISK and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 ISK = 0.0070 USD
- 10 ISK = 0.070 USD
- 100 ISK = 0.70 USD
- 1000 ISK = 7.10 USD
- 10 000 ISK = 71.05 USD
- 100 000 ISK = 710.65 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Iceland
In recent years, (travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
As a result, the adoption of eSIM technology by mobile operators worldwide rose impressively quickly.
Currently, only Nova offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
But if you purchase an eSIM from any of these mobile operators, you must comply with Iceland's SIM card registration regulations.
Suppose you do not wish to do so for privacy reasons (for example) or want to be connected immediately without paying for an overpriced SIM card (or eSIM) sold at an Icelandic airport. In that case, you may consider getting a travel eSIM for Iceland.
In my Iceland eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Surprisingly, travel eSIMs can be cheaper than an Icelandic SIM card or eSIM in specific scenarios.
Moreover, Europe-wide and global eSIM options are also available at competitive prices (without having to deal with expensive international roaming rates).
In this Iceland SIM card buying guide (the one you are reading), I will stick to the local SIM cards and eSIM, but you can read my Iceland eSIM buying guide for more information about travel eSIMs covering the country.
But here is a quick overview already + applicable discount codes if you are interested in purchasing a travel eSIM for Iceland:
- Airalo: Nenna Mobile (Iceland only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Iceland & Europe (32 countries)
- Holafly: Iceland & Europe (32 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls
- Nomad: Iceland, Europe (30 or 35 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
Once again, check out my Iceland eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
The eSIM guide is as comprehensive as this SIM card buying guide, but it solely focuses on travel eSIMs (while the guide you are reading focuses on local SIM cards and eSIMs for prepaid users (where applicable).
Icelandic Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Sínimm, Nova Iceland & Vodafone Iceland, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
With that said, let's see what Iceland offers us.
Sínimm
Sínimm is the largest mobile operator in Iceland.
Sínimm uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 700 MHz (Band 28), 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2600 MHz (Band 7)
- 5G NR: 3500/3600 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Sínimm:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Sínimm SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Sínimm
Sínimm has the best coverage in Iceland.
Below is Sínimm's 2G coverage map:
Furthermore, we have a Sínimm 3G coverage map:
Now we have Sínimm's 4G/LTE coverage map:
At last, we have a combined Sínimm coverage map produced by Speedtest:
Coming soon – the tool is down 🙃.
SIM Card Price – Sínimm
You can get a Sínimm SIM card for 2900 ISK with 5 GB of data, 50 local/EU minutes & 50 local SMS for 31 days, or for the same price with 10 GB for 31 days in Sínimm stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Sínimm SIM cards are also sold at Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport (KEF).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Sínimm has no eSIMs – not even for postpaid customers.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Iceland, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Sínimm.
Especially if you get a Europe-wide eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported European countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Iceland eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Nenna Mobile (Iceland only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Iceland & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Iceland & Europe (32 countries) – all variants in both options include unlimited data + up to 120 Europe-wide calls – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Iceland, Europe (30 or 35 countries, depending on the variant) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Iceland eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Sínimm.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Sínimm.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Sínimm
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Sínimm
Sínimm has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Netið/Mobile Broadband (with 5G NR access).
While you also have the Þrenna (Regluleg áfylling) Prepaid Plans (data), you need to have an Icelandic Identification Number (Kennitala) to activate those plans.
I will list all the prices in ISK (Icelandic Króna).
To convert ISK to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Netið/Mobile Broadband can be activated online:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
800 ISK | 500 MB | 31 days |
1800 ISK | 1 GB | 31 days |
2800 ISK | 5 GB | 31 days |
3800 ISK | 10 GB | 31 days |
5800 ISK | 50 GB | 31 days |
EU Roaming – Sínimm
You can use your Sínimm allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Saint Martin
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
As Sínimm does not have dedicated EU/EEA roaming allowances, you can use your full allowance without restrictions in other EU/EEA member states.
APN/Internet Settings – Sínimm
- Name: Sinimm
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Nova Iceland (Ísland)
Nova uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: N/A – never had it (but uses Vodafone Iceland's 2G network)
- 3G: 2100 MHz (also uses Vodafone Iceland 3G network)
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Nova:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Nova SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Nova Iceland
Nova has extensive coverage in Iceland.
Below is Nova's 2G coverage map:
Furthermore, we have a Nova 3G coverage map:
Now we have Nova's 4G/LTE coverage map:
Then we have the Nova 4.5G map (faster speeds than regular 4G/LTE):
Additionally, we have the Nova 5G NR coverage map:
Here we have a map of Nova's 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE(+) & 5G NR networks combined:
At last, we have a combined Nova coverage map produced by Speedtest:
Coming soon – the tool is down 🙃.
SIM Card Price – Nova Iceland
You can get a Nova SIM card for 990 ISK or 1990 ISK in Nova stores and from resellers, like grocery stores, gas stations & convenience stores. Nova SIM cards are also sold at Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport (KEF).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
While Nova has eSIMs, they can only be used for select smartwatches – not smartphones.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Iceland, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Nova (in some cases).
Especially when getting a Europe-wide eSIM if you do not stay in just Iceland or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Iceland eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Nenna Mobile (Iceland only), Eurolink (39 countries in Europe) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Iceland & Europe (32 countries) – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Iceland & Europe (32 countries) – these eSIMs have unlimited data + calling feature – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Iceland, Europe (up to 35 countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Iceland eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Nova for now.
Note that Nova offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Nova Iceland
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Nova Iceland
Nova has two data-featured plans: Netáfylling/Online Filling (combo) & Data Plans.
I will list all the prices in ISK (Icelandic Króna).
To convert ISK to your currency (let's say USD) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Netáfylling (Online Filling) Freedom Plans – Nova Iceland
The Netáfylling (Online Filling) Freedom plans are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Netáfylling are available, which can be activated online:
Price | Data | EU/EEA Data | Local/EU Minutes 1 | Local/EU SMS 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2290 ISK | 2 GB | Shared with data allowance | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
3290 ISK | 10 GB | 10 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
5290 ISK | 100 GB | 16 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
7290 ISK | 250 GB | 22 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days |
1 for local use and to call/SMS other EU/EEA member states when in other EU/EEA member states and back to Iceland (NOT from Iceland to other EU/EEA member states)
Data Plans – Nova Iceland
The Data Plans are, as the name suggests, data bundles (with 5G NR access).
These Data Plans are available, which can be activated online:
Price | Data | EU/EEA Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
1990 ISK | 2 GB | 2 GB | 30 days |
2690 ISK | 20 GB | 10 GB | 30 days |
3490 ISK | 100 GB | 15 GB | 30 days |
6690 ISK | 250 GB | 25 GB | 30 days |
EU Roaming – Nova Iceland
You can use your Nova allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees:
- Åland Islands
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Canary Islands
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guadeloupe
- Guernsey
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Italy
- Jersey
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mayotte
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Réunion
- Romania
- Saint Martin
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
Be aware that, in some cases, the EU/EEA roaming allowance is lower than the domestic allowances.
APN/Internet Settings – Nova Iceland
- Name: Nova
- APN: net.nova.is
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Vodafone Iceland (Ísland)
Being redone.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Iceland
Getting a SIM card from Sínimm, Nova, or Vodafone would do you well when considering an Icelandic SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.