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How to get Iceland internet: 5 Tourist options
Mobile internet in Iceland doesn’t have to be expensive. Discover how you can get easy, cheap and unlimited internet for a worry-free vacation.
Getting mobile internet in Iceland isn’t complicated for travelers, as 4G and 5G are common along the Ring Road and even in rural areas. But which option is best for visitors?
This guide covers everything about mobile internet in Iceland, including pricing, coverage, purchase process, data speeda and plans to help tourists choose what best suits them.
Plus, we cover all about the Holafly eSIM, Iceland SIM card, international roaming, public WiFi, and pocket WiFi as our top 5 options for tourists.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Holafly eSIM for Iceland: Unlimited data in Iceland
The first option for getting internet in Iceland is an eSIM, and a great option is the Holafly eSIM for Iceland for short and long-term trips.
With Holafly, you get unlimited data with customizable plans for up to 90 days, starting at $3.90 for 1 day and dropping to as low as $1.55 daily for a 90-day trip.
Plus, you get up to 1 GB of hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, 5G coverage when available, and the only thing you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Local SIM card for Iceland
If you have a SIM-only phone, using an Iceland SIM card is an affordable way to get internet when traveling.
Travelers can buy a Símmin, Vodafone, or Nova prepaid SIM card, which can cost up to 6,990 ISK (~$55.80 USD) for a monthly unlimited data, calls, and SMS plan. Cheaper options are also available with data-only plans costing ISK 800 (~US$6.40).
However, it’s not the easiest option, as travelers need to show their passports and, if required, proof of accommodation. Plus, you can only look for official sellers or retailers after landing to complete the purchase.
Roaming in Iceland
If you have a locked phone, you won’t be able to use a local SIM or an eSIM. In that case, international roaming is your most convenient alternative to staying connected while in Iceland.
But international roaming can be expensive, with some carriers charging $12 per day for a roaming pass, which can easily add up on a week-long trip. However, this varies depending on which local carrier you’re using.
Here’s what you should know about US and UK roaming in Iceland pricing:
| Provider | Roaming passes | Pay-as-you-go |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $12 daily with unlimited data, texts, and calls | $2.05/MB, $2/minute, $0.50/text |
| T-Mobile | Free with Better Value and Experience Beyond up to 30 GB, with lower speeds afterward $10 to $50 for up to 30 days with up to 15 GB of high-speed data $0.01/MB, $0.25/minute, free texts with other T-Mobile plans | Buy roaming passes |
| Verizon | $12 daily with unlimited data, texts, and calls | $2.05/MB, $1.79/minute, $0.50/text |
| O2 UK | Free roaming on all plans | Free roaming on all plans |
| Vodafone UK | Free roaming on all plans | Free roaming on all plans |
| Three UK | Free roaming on eligible Complete and Value plans £2 daily on plans without free roaming | Free for 24 hours Monthly roaming passes range from £10 to £31.50, with up to unlimited data |
| EE UK | £2.72 to £27.50 with roaming passes on selected plans Free roaming on eligible plans | Roaming passes range from £2.50 to £10 for 1 to 7 days |
Public WiFi in Iceland
Finding public WiFi networks is pretty common in Iceland, especially in major cities like Reykjavik and Kópavogur.
Free WiFi in Iceland is found at shopping malls, such as Smáralind, public spaces like the Reykjavik City Library, and local cafe stores, like Kaffitár, making it a reliable option for those looking to save money.
But since these are free for everyone, it’s not advisable due to safety, as you can easily be phished or even hacked with these.
Pocket WiFi in Iceland
Using a pocket WiFi in Iceland is a good option for groups of travelers or remote workers who need to share internet with multiple devices.
However, most pocket WiFi plans come with limited data and usually cost around $10 per day, without extra charges like delivery, add-ons, or loss fees in worst-case scenarios.
That said, if you have an eSIM phone, you can rely on Holafly Plans, a monthly subscription plan that ranges from $49.90 to $64.90.
This subscription includes all the benefits from the travel eSIM, but depending on which plan you choose, you can get up to unlimited hotspot data and a local phone number, making it easier to work or share internet with others.
Plus, you get Always On, a lifetime benefit that gives you 1 GB of mobile data each month on 70 selected destinations, even if you’re no longer paying for an eSIM subscription.
What is the best way to get internet in Iceland?
Travelers have many options for staying connected while in Iceland, but the final choice depends on each traveler’s needs.
All in all, the final decision mostly depends on data speed, coverage, safety, price, and data packages, which is why Holafly is a strong favorite with its eSIM for Iceland or Holafly Plans, offering all these benefits at affordable rates.
But if you have a SIM-only phone, an Iceland SIM card is your go-to option. Avoid roaming and pocket WiFi services, which are the priciest options.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose which service is best for you:
| Option | Hotspot sharing | Security | Support | Unlocked phone | Physical installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM (Holafly) | Yes | Private network | 24/7 CS | Yes | No |
| Local SIM | Depends on the mobile provider | Private network | Local carrier | Yes | Yes |
| Pocket WiFi | Yes | Private network | Limited | No | Yes, with a password |
| Public WiFi | Yes | Open network | No | No | No |
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Iceland internet: Frequently asked questions
Iceland’s internet is pretty good, offering 4G/5G coverage in most urban areas and a 99% penetration nationwide.
Iceland’s first internet connection became available in 1986 and has since grown rapidly, becoming one of the best services in the world.
Travelers can find free WiFi in various places in Iceland, including cafes, public spaces, malls, and even gas stations.
Yes, travelers can use WhatsApp in Iceland with no issues.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
