Mobile internet

Will my mobile phone work in Iceland?

Explore the different options for using your mobile phone in Iceland and find out which one is best to avoid high roaming fees.

Yes, your phone will work in Iceland, but you have to ensure how you’ll connect to local networks and not break your piggy bank just to use roaming abroad.

This guide explains everything you need to know about using your mobile phone in Iceland, from the basics to why a travel eSIM is your best option for staying connected abroad.

In this article

Can I use my phone in Iceland?

Yes, you can use your phone in Iceland, but you have to check three things:

Your phone is carrier-unlocked. This will vary depending on where you’re traveling from. Phones in the United States and Australia may be carrier-locked, while those in the UK are mostly carrier-unlocked. If your phone is locked, visit a store or call your carrier and follow the steps to unlock it.
Your phone works with Iceland cell service. This shouldn’t be an issue, as Iceland’s cell service uses GSM networks, but you can double-check to avoid surprises. Apps like NetMonster and NetMonitor will work.
You have an international plan. Call it roaming or a travel eSIM, this is a must to stay connected during your trip to Iceland.

Once you cleared this, choosing a plan is your next step, with an eSIM being the best option. There are other alternatives, too, but arent’ as handy as an eSIM.

Holafly eSIM for Iceland: Unlimited data

If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, using a travel eSIM is your best option for getting high-quality service at an affordable price to visit Iceland.

That said, the eSIM for Iceland from Holafly is the best travel companion. You get unlimited data, up to 500 MB of hotspot data daily, 24/7 customer support, 5G high-speed data, and an easy activation process.

Plans start at $3.90 daily, but the longer you stay, the cheaper your international plan is. For a 10-day trip, the price is $36.90, or $3.69 daily, way lower than international roaming.

How to get cell service in Iceland

Using an eSIM to stay connected abroad should be your go-to service, but it’s not the only one available when staying connected in Iceland.

Let’s explore other services that will make your phone work in Iceland.

Roaming in Iceland

If you have a carrier-locked phone, you’ll have to rely on international roaming in Iceland to stay connected.

The way international roaming works varies from one carrier to another, so let’s examine how it operates for mobile service providers in the UK, Australia, and the US.

With roaming in Iceland, you can use your primary phone line and sometimes even your home allowance while in Iceland.

AU carriers: Only available with Optus and Vodafone AU. You can choose an international pass for $5 AUD daily or opt for pay-as-you-go plans to stay connected in Iceland.
US carriers: Available with Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. You can choose an international pass for Iceland that ranges from $5 to $50 USD, or use pay-as-you-go plans.
UK carriers: Only Three charges for roaming in Iceland, with an international pass costing £3 daily. O2, Vodafone UK, and EE offer free international roaming in Iceland with unlimited texts, calls, and up to 25 GB, according to local limits.

Physical Iceland SIM card

If you have a SIM-only phone, getting a prepaid SIM card is your best option to avoid international roaming charges when visiting Iceland.

You can choose an Iceland SIM card from three major providers: Vodafone, Nova, and Símmin.

You can find these at convenience stores like Bónus or MYCAR, gas stations, or at the airport. You can also buy a SIM card online, but only with Símmin.

When buying a local SIM card, you’ll have to show your ID or passport, a valid payment method, and, if you’re buying in a physical store, you might be asked for proof of accommodation.

Lastly, pricing for an Icelandic SIM card ranges from 2,000 ISK (~$15.80 USD) to 7,000 ISK (~$55.30 USD), depending on the plan you choose.

Pocket WiFi for Iceland

If you’re traveling with a group or need to share internet with other devices, renting a pocket WiFi might do.

However, this is an expensive option that can cost over $100 USD for a 7-day trip. Additionally, you must include delivery fees and add-ons, which can increase the total price.

Instead, you can use Holafly Plans, as it works with a virtual SIM card, and it costs $64.90 USD a month, way lower than renting a pocket WiFi for Iceland.

Plus, you get unlimited high-speed data, unlimited hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and coverage in over 170 destinations, which makes it the ideal international travel companion.

Will my mobile phone work in Iceland? The verdict

Yes, your mobile phone will work in Iceland, but you need to choose a service that best suits your needs.

Free roaming in Iceland is limited to some UK service providers, while US and AU travelers will face high roaming charges.

Renting a pocket WiFi is good when traveling in a group, but with most services offering limited data plans, you can spend more than on roaming.

Using a local SIM card also works, but only if you have a SIM-only phone, as the buying process might be exhaustive.

That said, using the Holafly eSIM for Iceland, or Holafly Plans, are your best options. Which one you choose depends on your needs.

You can purchase these before traveling, and you’ll get unlimited international data, up to unlimited hotspot, and you can avoid the additional fees that other services charge.

If you’re planning to visit other destinations, here are the guides on how to use your cell phone there:

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

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.

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