Skip to Content

SIM Cards in Iceland: The Best Prepaid Plans | 2024 Guide

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).

Buying a SIM Card in Iceland Guide (logos of Sínimm, Nova & Vodafone)

Original publication: 28th of May 2020. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.


Table of Contents

What is the Best SIM Card in Iceland?

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Iceland, I recommend going with Sínimm, Nova, or Vodafone. The speeds are comparable between three. Sínimm has the best (5G NR) network. It and Nova offer 5G NR to prepaid customers already. The latter and Vodafone have generous data allowances.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal

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)
Cellular Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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.

Buying an eSIM for Iceland Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Nomad, Alosim, Airalo & Nenna mobile)

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: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 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.

Buying an eSIM for Iceland Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Nomad, Alosim, Airalo & Nenna mobile)

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

Siminn Iceland Logo
© 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).

Sinimm Iceland SIM Cards
  • 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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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 MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (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.

Buying an eSIM for Iceland Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Nomad, Alosim, Airalo & Nenna mobile)

For now, I will continue with Sínimm.

Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Sínimm.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Sínimm

Sínimm top-up vouchers are sold in Sínimm stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Iceland.

The following (online) Sínimm top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
500 ISK6 months
1000 ISK6 months
2000 ISK6 months
3000 ISK6 months
4000 ISK6 months
5000 ISK6 months

You can recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Sínimm app (Android/iOS).

Sinimm Iceland App
© 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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

Netið/Mobile Broadband can be activated online:

PriceDataValidity
800 ISK500 MB31 days
1800 ISK1 GB31 days
2800 ISK5 GB31 days
3800 ISK10 GB31 days
5800 ISK50 GB31 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.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Nova Iceland (Ísland)

Nova Iceland Logo
© Nova Iceland

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).

Nona Iceland SIM Cards
© Nova Iceland
  • 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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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 MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (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.

Buying an eSIM for Iceland Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Nomad, Alosim, Airalo & Nenna mobile)

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).

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange

Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Nova Iceland

Nova top-up vouchers are sold in Nova stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Iceland.

The following (online) Nova top-ups are available:

Top-UpValidity
1000 ISK90 days
2000 ISK90 days
3000 ISK90 days
5000 ISK90 days
7000 ISK90 days
9000 ISK90 days

You can recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.

You can also top up and check your balance on the Nova Iceland app (Android/iOS).

Nova Iceland App
© 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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise
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:

PriceDataEU/EEA DataLocal/EU Minutes 1Local/EU SMS 1Validity
2290 ISK2 GBShared with data allowanceUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
3290 ISK10 GB10 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
5290 ISK100 GB16 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 days
7290 ISK250 GB22 GBUnlimitedUnlimited30 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)

Nova Iceland Netáfylling Plans
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:

PriceDataEU/EEA DataValidity
1990 ISK2 GB2 GB30 days
2690 ISK20 GB10 GB30 days
3490 ISK100 GB15 GB30 days
6690 ISK250 GB25 GB30 days
Nova Iceland Data Plans
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.

Support Me on Ko-Fi Orange


Vodafone Iceland (Ísland)

Vodafone Logo
© Vodafone

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.