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Iceland is routinely voted as one of the most expensive popular destinations to visit. Which is true. But staying connected doesn’t have to be expensive.
There are some insanely well priced eSIM options for Iceland, starting as low as $1.5 a day.
Since I travel for work and need to be connected 24/7 (often with high data usage), I try to test as many products I can, to find the best eSIMS at the best price.
My most recent trip to Iceland was in March 2026, traveling outside of Reykjavik and towards Höfn, and dealing with some serious yellow-level weather warnings that made it very important to stay connected.
Here’s what I would recommend.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR ICELAND
- 📲 Best eSIM: Ubigi eSIM (my top pick for convenience and stability) 10GB for 7 days for $11 – Also get 10% your plan with discount code BACHELORTRAVEL
🏨 Best hotel in Reykjavik: KEX HOSTEL – awesome location, great prices for private and shared rooms
🚌 Airport transfer: Keflavík Airport → Reykjavík Bus (Flybus) — cheapest and most straightforward way to get into the city after landing
🍽️ Food experience: Reykjavík Food Walk (guided foodie walking tour) — if you only do one tour in Reykjavik choose this one! Plus, all the food you need to try in Iceland here.
How mobile networks work in Iceland
Ever since I started properly testing eSIMs, I pay a lot more attention to how mobile networks actually work in each country.
In Iceland, there are three main providers:
- Síminn
- Sýn (formerly Vodafone Iceland)
- Nova
There are also coverage maps available online where you can compare performance across the country. In general, Síminn still has the strongest and most consistent coverage, while Sýn is very close behind. Nova has improved a lot in recent years, especially with 5G, but is still more concentrated around populated areas.
But here’s the important part:
👉 In Iceland, coverage depends more on geography than provider.
You’ll have:
- strong signal in Reykjavik
- good coverage along most of the Ring Road
- weaker or no signal in the Highlands and remote fjords
Even if you are using an eSIM, you’re still connecting to one of these local networks, so it helps to check that information in advance.
Iceland Pick: Ubigi eSIM Review
For my recent trip to Iceland, I went with Ubigi as my eSIM provider.
The first thing I care about is how easy it is to get it working.
With Ubigi, setup was simple:
- scan the QR code
- install before departure
- switch it on when you land
The other good thing about it, is that you set up once and just keep it on your phone for next time.
In terms of performance, it worked exactly as needed: fast and no issues in most of the central areas, but less signal in remote areas.
But that happens to everyone – all the local bus drivers, people and friends on other data plans will experience the same.
This is more of an Iceland issue, than a provider issue and something to keep in mind.
How much data do you need?
I opt for unlimited data plans when it makes sense, but with that said, sometimes you are better off with 10GB or even less.
In my recent 2 and a half week to Australia, I used my data super aggressively, just to check how much I would need if I’m constantly on my phone. The total came to 20GB.
What that tells me is that the 10GB for 7 days in Iceland is more than enough for most people.
All hotels have good WiFi connection there, so it won’t be an issue if you need to stream, upload, or do heavy work while in a hotel.
The Ubigi 10GB for 7 days plan is also insanely well priced at just $11!
Top-ups and running out of data (important)
One feature I didn’t think I’d care about, but actually really matters:
With Ubigi, you can top up directly through the app — even if your data has run out.
This means that if you have a 10GB plan and you eat through your data halfway through, in the middle of nowhere… you can just go to the app (without WiFi) and top up!
How did I come to find this super important?
I had a physical sim in New Zealand last year, and run out of data while on a cruise in Milford Sound.
I absolutely needed internet for work, so I had to activate roaming charges through my carrier… just for 20 seconds!
The total of that was…. $65!
It taught me to either not have limited data plans, or to have a way to purchase top ups without the internet if needed.
eSIM compatibility
I think a lot of people overcomplicated the compatibility of their phone to an eSIM.
The fastest trick is to dial *#06# on your phone (like you are calling a number) and watch what happens.
If you see a pop up screen with an EID number, you are good to go!
It only takes 10 seconds to check, so you know.
What makes Ubigi different from most travel eSIMs?
When I first installed Ubigi, I was surprised to see the Ubigi name at the top of my phone. I was expecting to see “Vodafone” or some other company.
After checking it out, I realized that Ubigi doesn’t simply resell third-party plans. Instead, it connects directly to local mobile networks through direct partnerships.
This direct setup is a big plus for travelers, as it helps keep prices competitive while delivering a more stable and reliable connection overall.
Do you need internet in Iceland?
Yes, 100%. Even if you are not an adventurous traveler and you plan to stay in the city and walk around, you want a way to check weather conditions.
If you are still planning your itinerary for Iceland make sure to check out this guide on my favorite 30+ favorite things to do in Iceland.
Things to remember
Battery drain
One thing I’ve noticed and have confirmed is that battery diiiies… when your phone overworks. This is true for Iceland because of the weather (super cold – then super warm) as well as the fact that your phone works harder to connect to nearby towers.
This means you’ll notice your phone battery drain much faster than usual, and you want to pack at least one good powerbank and some backup cables. My long-term go-to powerbank company is Anker. I only buy from them.
If the bus or rental car has a plug/adapter, you want to make sure to use it between drives.
👉 Also, here is a quick packing list reminder that is specific to Iceland.
Physical SIM card
There are some destinations where I would push for having an actual local number but Iceland is not one of these cases. Most activity providers or restaurants have WhatsApp or prefer email communication anyway. So having a local number is less of an advantage plus, you’ll have to deal with changing your sim card.
Data is far more important than having a local phone number here.
Safety and connectivity
Iceland is one of the most safety focused countries you’ll ever visit. Just check out the two main websites you need for navigating road conditions:
You religiously will check these everyday during your trip.
There is also an official safety app called 112 Iceland that is good to have downloaded to your phone before your trip.
Here is a list of all the apps I recommend to have on your phone before an Iceland trip.
In case of an emergency, 112 will:
- send your GPS location
- contact emergency services
It is set to work regardless of whether you have a physical sim or an eSIM. Plus, it works for emergency services, even without a data plan.
Iceland eSIM and SIM Comparison
| Provider | Plan | Validity | Calls / SMS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubigi | 10 GB | 7 days | Data only | $11 |
| Airalo | 10 GB | 7 days | Data only | $18.50 |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 7 days | Data only | $27.30 |
| Síminn | 10 GB + 50 mins + 50 SMS | 30 days | Phone + Data | 2,900 ISK ($21-$24) |
If you just want the quick comparison, Ubigi is the easiest value pick here.
At $11 for 10GB over 7 days, it is significantly cheaper than Airalo’s 10GB Iceland plan at $18.50, and much cheaper than Holafly’s 7-day unlimited plan at $27.30. If you really want a physical SIM and a local number, Síminn’s starter pack is still a decent local option, but for most travelers I genuinely don’t think it’s necessary.
Since I get to try a lot of different eSIM companies, Ubigi is sometimes viewed as the more expensive option. But that is not true for Iceland. In addition to the 10GB / 7‑day plan at $11, Ubigi also offers an unlimited data plan for 7 days at $19, which is still cheaper than Holafly’s unlimited option.
I’ve now tested Ubigi across three countries, and in Iceland twice in very different conditions, and it has been excellent every time with no setup or connectivity issues on my end.
Ubigi App: Do you actually need it?
One thing that put me off in the beginning was the app.
I don’t know why, but I don’t love being forced to download an app just to use a service — especially when I’m traveling and trying to keep things simple.
That said, after actually using it, I changed my mind a bit.
The app itself won’t win any design awards. It’s pretty basic and not the most polished interface you’ll see.
But:
- it’s fast
- it works without issues
- and it does exactly what you need it to do
You can:
- check your data usage
- top up your plan
- manage your connection
And the big one:
👉 you can top up directly through the app even if your data has run out
That’s huge in a place like Iceland where you might not have WiFi nearby.
Also worth knowing: you don’t actually have to download the app
You can do everything through the web portal as well. The app just makes it faster and easier when you’re on the move.
Ready to book? Top Iceland recommendations
📲 Best eSIM for Iceland: Easiest option is Ubigi — reliable across the country and super easy to set up before landing. Check full review here.
🚌 Airport transfer: Book the Keflavík Airport → Reykjavík bus (Flybus) — cheapest and easiest way into the city after landing. Here are all the options and why I chose this one.
🏨 City hotel option: I’d stay somewhere central in Reykjavík for the first day or 2-3 days if you want to see everything. I love KEX Hostel out of all the hotels I’ve tried. Super interesting design, social space, amazing location.
🎟️ Top Iceland activities:
There are so many good activities and tours to do in Iceland. Here are some of my favorites:
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour
- Reykjavik: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings
- Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull
- Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour (I have had this tour cancelled on me a few times due to weather, but I will get it next time.)
🚗 Car rental: If you’re doing the Ring Road, compare prices on DiscoverCars — this is what gives you the most flexibility
🗺️ Must-have apps: Download/bookmark road.is and Vedur (Iceland weather) before your trip — you’ll use them daily
🛟 For something important: Install the 112 Iceland app — it can send your GPS location directly to emergency services if needed
👚Packing list: Some things to not forget to bring on your trip
