Internet in Iceland: which eSIM to choose in 2026

In Iceland, you need mobile internet from the very first minute. Navigation at a lava field, the northern lights forecast, booking a night's stay in Vik all require a stable connection. With a SIM card from the EU, Iceland is covered by home rates under the Roam like at Home rule. With a card from Switzerland or another non-EU country, roaming will quickly eat through your budget.

The solution is simple. A travel eSIM is installed on your phone before you even fly out, and as soon as the plane lands in Keflavik, you are already online. No lines at the SIM card counter and no surprises on your roaming bill.

Below we compared the plans from Jetpac, SimOptions, Holafly, Airalo, and aloSIM, added prices from the local operators Síminn, Vodafone, and Nova, and broke down how to activate an eSIM in under a minute. All prices were checked in 09/2026.

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My recommendations: the best eSIMs for Iceland

💡 In short:

• Check your phone: it must be unlocked and support eSIM.
• For a long trip, get Orange Holiday Europe: 100 GB and calls for $55.90.
• For a short vacation, a small SimOptions package is enough: 10 GB for $12.90 for 30 days.
• Prices and plans: 09/2026, checked on the SimOptions and Jetpac websites

Before buying, check two things. Your phone must be unlocked for any carrier, and the device itself must support eSIM. If either condition is not met, the card will not work.

Orange Holiday Europe: 100 GB and calls for $55.90

• 100 GB of internet across Europe
• 5G support
• Unlimited calls and SMS within Europe
• 120 minutes of international calls
• 1000 international SMS
• Valid for 31 days
• $0.56 per gigabyte

This is one of the few eSIMs in this roundup that also gives you a phone number. The number is French, starting with +33, and the card works in 39 European countries. Unlimited calls and SMS within Europe are included in the plan, plus 120 minutes outside the EU. The plan is valid for 31 days and includes free roaming across Europe (as of 09/2026, SimOptions plans).

Jetpac: 30 GB for $29.99

• 30 GB of internet without calls on promo for $29.99
• First 3 GB per day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps
• 5G support
• Valid for 30 days
• About $1 per gigabyte at the promo price

Jetpac's 10 GB for $13 package for Iceland is no longer available. The provider now sells 20 GB for $40, 30 GB on promo for $29.99, 40 GB on promo for $34.99, and unlimited for 30 days for $65.99, on 4G and 5G networks (as of 09/2026, Jetpac plans).

You install the Jetpac card in advance, but it only activates when it first connects to a network in Iceland. The day count starts from that moment. You need to install the eSIM within a year of purchase.

An added bonus: with packages of 3 GB or more, the provider promises access to WhatsApp and Google Maps, and tethering is not restricted (as of 09/2026, Jetpac terms). Perks like airport lounge access during flight delays should be checked in Jetpac's terms before purchasing.

Comparing eSIMs for Iceland

Tourist eSIMs for Iceland are sold in two ways: online from an international provider or at a local carrier store after you arrive. Online is more convenient because you install the eSIM in advance and don't waste time at the airport. Local carriers give you a local number and calls, but you usually get less data for the same money.

First, take a look at the summary table. It shows the price range and which providers include calls. All plans below were checked in 09/2026.

Compare plans by price per gigabyte. Online providers list prices in dollars, while local carriers use Icelandic króna, so looking at the raw numbers can be misleading. Divide the price by the data allowance and the picture becomes clear. For small data amounts, SimOptions has the cheapest gigabyte, while unlimited plans and local carrier options only win out on longer trips.

The second important column is calls. Almost all tourist eSIMs are data-only. If you need to call a hotel or campsite, look for plans with calls or get a local carrier eSIM.

Jetpac

© Giles Laurent · CC BY-SAPhoto: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Jetpac's lineup for Iceland has gotten shorter, and it no longer includes small packages. Rates as of 09/2026: 20 GB for 30 days for $40, 30 GB for $29.99, and 40 GB for $34.99 on promo, unlimited for 30 days for $65.99 on promo (as of 09/2026, Jetpac price list). Promo prices change, so check them before paying.

All plans are data-only, meaning calls and SMS are not supported. The card works on 4G and 5G. One thing to note is that the countdown starts not at installation, but at the first network connection. You can install the eSIM at home, but it won't start counting down until you arrive in Iceland.

Jetpac currently has no 1-10 GB packages for Iceland, so for a 3-4 day trip a small package from another provider is a better deal. Jetpac makes sense for a long trip with heavy data use.

Jetpac rates are valid in 30 European countries, so the card will be useful after Iceland too. The Nova network covers almost the entire country, including the Ring Road. If you're driving the Ring Road, you'll have internet on most sections of the route.

SimOptions

SimOptions sells two groups of plans. Cheap data-only cards work only in Iceland: 1 GB for 7 days for $4.50, 3 GB for $5.90, 5 GB for $6.90, 10 GB for $12.90, 20 GB for $24.90, 30 GB for $31.90, and 50 GB for $49.90 (as of 09/2026, SimOptions prices). All of these come without a number, calls, or SMS.

The second group is more expensive, but these are full international eSIMs. Bouygues Telecom: 15 GB for $15.90, 20 GB with unlimited calls for $23.90, 30 GB for $32.90, 60 GB for $39.90, and 120 GB for $55.90. Orange Holiday Europe: 20 GB for $28.90, 50 GB for $49.90, and 100 GB for $55.90. All three Orange plans include unlimited calls and SMS plus international minutes.

All SimOptions eSIMs are valid for a year, but the clock starts only at the first network connection. You install the card at home, and the days don't start counting until you land. This is convenient if you're booking your trip in advance.

Holafly

If you only need internet with no limits, look at Holafly. This provider sells exclusively unlimited plans for Iceland. Prices as of 09/2026: 3 days for $11.90, 5 days for $20.50, 7 days for $27.50, 10 days for $36.50, 15 days for $50.50, and 30 days for $73.90 (as of 09/2026, Holafly rates).

Plans are data-only, no number, calls and SMS are not supported. It works on Nova and Sýn networks with 5G, 4G, and LTE. You can tether internet to other devices up to 1 GB per day.

The main thing to know about the word "unlimited." These cards are subject to a Fair Use Policy. Holafly's terms state directly: if necessary, the operator may reduce speed. The provider doesn't specify the threshold for this reduction, so you'll only find out the actual speed on the ground.

Airalo

© Jakub Hałun · CC BYPhoto: Jakub Hałun, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders, and it almost never lets anyone down in terms of reliability. Its Iceland lineup has changed recently: Airalo now sells unlimited packages priced in euros. Rates as of 09/2026: 3 days for €10, 5 days for €16.50, 7 days for €24, 10 days for €30.50, 15 days for €43, and 30 days for €61.50 (as of 09/2026, Airalo).

Airalo plans are sold under the Nenna Mobile brand and run on the Nova network. It's 4G and LTE only, no 5G with Airalo. Calls and SMS are not supported, and the card doesn't give you a phone number.

You need to install the Airalo eSIM within a month of purchase. The countdown starts at the first network connection. If you like a proven brand and are willing to give up 5G, this plan won't let you down.

Airalo also offers a free app for managing your card. Through it, you can see your remaining data and extend your plan. If you run out of gigabytes mid-trip, you can top up in a couple of minutes right from the app, without reinstalling.

AloSIM

© Bernd Thaller from Graz, Austria · CC BYPhoto: Bernd Thaller from Graz, Austria, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

aloSIM is not a newcomer to the eSIM world, but a provider with established reviews and tests. Iceland rates as of 09/2026: 1 GB for 7 days for $4.50, 2 GB for 15 days for $6.50, 3 GB for 30 days for $8, 5 GB for $12, 10 GB for $19.50, and 20 GB for $32 (as of 09/2026, aloSIM).

There are also duration-based packages: from 3 days for $11.50 to 15 days for $49 and 30 days for $72.50 (as of 09/2026, aloSIM). Check the speed limits on these packages in the terms before buying.

aloSIM's real advantage is something else. The provider gives you an international phone number through a separate Hushed app. The eSIM itself runs on Nova and Síminn networks with 5G. If you need to make calls and receive SMS, this is a rare option among online providers.

Síminn

Besides online providers, Icelandic carriers themselves sell eSIMs. Síminn offers tourists a starter kit with a choice of two options. For 3,000 ISK you get 10 GB for 30 days in Iceland and the EEA, 50 international minutes, and 50 SMS. The same price gets you unlimited for 14 days with unlimited calls and SMS to Icelandic numbers (as of 09/2026, Síminn).

Important detail: the Síminn card activates immediately upon purchase and doesn't work outside the EEA. The unlimited plan only works within Iceland at all. So don't buy it in advance from Germany; buy it after you land, otherwise the days will burn before your trip.

For a short visit, this kit works. But compare: for comparable money, SimOptions gives you 10 GB for $12.90, and you can install the card at home. Go with Síminn if you really need a local number and calls.

Vodafone

Vodafone Iceland builds its plans around large data volumes. Packages range from tens to hundreds of gigabytes; check current prices in króna on the Vodafone website before your trip. This is a different scale from online providers.

Check whether your chosen package has a registration fee and whether calls and SMS are included. This option makes sense for a long road trip or for remote work from Iceland.

You have to install the card after you land; you can't buy it online. If you arrive at night and head straight to a campsite, this will be a problem. In that case, it's easier to go with an online provider and not depend on store hours.

Nova

Nova sells a travel eSIM with unlimited data for the period you choose and 5G support (as of 09/2026, Nova). The price in kroner depends on the duration, so check it on the website before buying.

For domestic calls and EU data terms, see the plan description: if you book hotels and campsites by phone, this matters.

You can buy a Nova eSIM online before your flight, and it only activates once you arrive in Iceland. Nova physical SIM cards are sold at ELKO in Keflavik Airport and at the carrier's stores.

Let's wrap up the comparison in short. Online providers win on convenience and price per gigabyte. Local carriers give you more data and unlimited calls, but require a store visit after arrival. For a short trip, an eSIM usually covers everything you need, while for a long road trip it's worth comparing the larger Vodafone packages.

Check three things before choosing: price per gigabyte, whether calls are included, and activation terms. That's enough to pick a card without overthinking it. If you want to see only vetted options in one list, check our summary below.

The cheapest eSIM for Iceland

If you want the lowest total cost, look at small packages. 1 GB for 7 days costs $4.50 from both SimOptions and aloSIM (as of 09/2026, SimOptions, aloSIM). Jetpac currently has no small packages like this for Iceland.

For a week-long trip, the SimOptions package is a better deal: 3 GB for 30 days at $5.90 (as of 09/2026, SimOptions). The same 3 GB from aloSIM costs $8. For a short visit, three gigabytes is usually more than enough.

Why you need an eSIM in Iceland

An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected while traveling. You set everything up online in a couple of clicks, with no store visit and no need to swap a physical card. You order, scan the QR code, follow the steps in your settings, and two minutes later you are online.

The main reason to get an eSIM is to save on roaming. A smartphone without working internet is nearly useless. Calling a taxi through an app, finding the nearest cafe, plotting a route in Google Maps, staying in touch with family, checking your banking app when paying: all of this requires a connection.

A separate benefit is that with an active eSIM you are online as soon as the plane lands. While others are looking for a SIM card kiosk, you are already calling your transfer. This saves you an hour at Keflavik and spares your nerves after a long flight.

Carriers outside their roaming zones often charge per megabyte. In that case, a couple of minutes on Instagram can cost you tens of dollars. Check your carrier's Iceland rates before you travel.

An eSIM removes this problem entirely. You pay once and get a fixed data allowance or unlimited data. After that, the price does not go up, no matter how many photos you upload.

For Icelandic conditions this matters especially. You need a connection on the road between Vik and Hofn, where there are no cafes and no Wi-Fi. Checking a lava field, a glacier, or the weather forecast is only possible online. Without a connection, you lose navigation exactly when you need it most.

This matters beyond navigation too. Online is how you book accommodation, buy lagoon tickets, and extend your car rental. Cash is almost never used in Iceland, and payment terminals at remote campsites often require phone confirmation. Without a connection, you lose access to basic services.

A separate issue is safety. The weather in Iceland changes within minutes, and roads to glaciers close without warning. You check the latest conditions on safetravel.is and in apps that need internet. Pre-saved offline maps do not always help, especially on new road sections.

Finally, an eSIM solves the work connectivity question. If you answer emails or take calls, you need stable internet at all times. A travel eSIM gives you that without roaming restrictions and without price spikes.

Calculating the real savings is simple. Take the price of your home roaming package and divide it by the data allowance. Compare the result with the eSIM price per gigabyte. In most cases the difference favors the travel eSIM, and sometimes it is several times cheaper.

Flat roaming rates from home carriers

Iceland is part of the EEA, so an EU SIM card works there under Roam like at Home rules. You pay your home rate, with no separate roaming package. Read the fine print: data is subject to a fair use policy. Many carriers give you less roaming data than you get at home.

The situation is completely different with a SIM from Switzerland or another non-EU country. Roam like at Home does not apply, and roaming in Iceland is billed separately. The price difference does not favor roaming: an eSIM for Iceland costs a few dollars.

Get an eSIM or an international prepaid card in advance. A few extra dollars give you constant connectivity instead of hunting for Wi-Fi and asking fellow travelers to share a hotspot.

Where to buy an eSIM for Iceland

Online

The easiest way to buy an eSIM for Iceland is online. There are many providers, but not all are equally reliable. We selected those that have been on the market for years: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Yesim, and others.

To order online, you only need an email address. No passport registration is required, and the eSIM is ready to install right after payment. If you want to compare plans and prices in one place, check out this selection of eSIMs for Iceland.

On arrival in Iceland

Iceland has three main mobile carriers: Vodafone, Nova, and Siminn. Their stores across the country sell tourist eSIMs. This is an option for those who prefer not to order a card in advance.

Keep two catches in mind. Stores have opening hours, and you may arrive at night. And you get less data for the same money than from online providers. We recommend installing an eSIM at home and not depending on store hours.

When to order and activate an eSIM

You can order an eSIM for Iceland at any time. Most cards must be installed within a month of purchase, and some give you up to a year. You have plenty of time.

What matters more is when exactly to activate the card. Some eSIMs start their validity period immediately after installation, while others start only when you first connect to a network. The second option is more convenient, so check this condition before paying.

We recommend installing the eSIM on the day of departure or earlier. Installation requires a stable internet connection, and home Wi-Fi is more reliable than airport Wi-Fi. Keflavik has free Wi-Fi, but stability is not guaranteed there.

Practical tip: install the card before boarding the plane. Then you will be connected right after landing, with no extra steps. This is especially convenient for night arrivals, when there is no time to hunt for Wi-Fi and fiddle with settings.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing an eSIM is easier than it seems. After payment, the provider immediately sends an email with a QR code and detailed instructions. Scanning the code starts the installation, and you go through a few steps in your settings.

The whole process takes less than a minute. The QR code contains all the information about your card, including network data. No calls to support and no additional apps.

One important condition: during installation, your phone must be connected to the internet. Otherwise you will get an error and have to repeat the installation. Make sure your Wi-Fi is stable before scanning the code.

If you order an eSIM on the same phone where you will install it, ask someone nearby to photograph the QR code. Then scan it from a second screen and start the installation. This gets around the awkwardness of having the code displayed on the device itself.

What to do if the installation fails. Most often the error is caused by poor internet or by an already installed profile from another carrier. Restart your phone, check your Wi-Fi, and repeat the scan. If the code will not scan, the provider will send a new one on request.

After installation, the card will appear in settings next to your primary SIM. Select it for mobile data and enable data roaming in its settings. This is a required step: without it, the eSIM will not connect to the network in Iceland, and you will think the card is not working.

You can compare plans and choose the right one through the eSIM selection service. After installation, check the connection in settings and make sure data is going through the new card, not your home SIM.

What to know before ordering an eSIM for Iceland

Before you pay, check a few basic things. These tips apply to any country, but in Iceland they matter especially because of poor coverage on remote stretches of road. A mistake at the ordering stage can leave you without internet exactly when you need it most.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

eSIM only works in an unlocked phone. This is the first thing to check. If the device is locked to a single carrier, the eSIM simply will not connect to a network in Iceland.

Your home carrier can unlock the phone. This is usually a paid service, so confirm the price in advance. Unlocking sometimes takes several days, so do not leave it until the last evening before your flight.

If unlocking is not possible, there are two workarounds. First: bring a portable Wi-Fi router or a second unlocked phone and use it as a hotspot. Second: get an international prepaid SIM card.

Both options work, but they are less convenient than eSIM. A router has to be carried around and charged, and a physical SIM card means swapping plastic. That is why unlocking your phone solves the problem once and for all.

You can check whether your phone is unlocked without calling your carrier. Insert a SIM card from another carrier and see if the network appears. If the phone asks for an unlock code, the device is locked. On iPhone you can see this in Settings, under General and About: there is a line showing the carrier lock status.

Some carriers unlock phones for free after the contract ends. Others charge a fixed fee. Check both options in advance, because on departure day it is too late to sort this out. The process sometimes takes several business days.

If you are buying a phone on an installment plan, the device often stays locked until the final payment. In that case eSIM will not work, even if the model supports it. Check the status before your trip so you are not left without internet.

Which smartphones support eSIM

The second requirement is that the device itself supports eSIM. If you have a phone from the last few years, you are most likely fine. All new models from major brands support this technology.

The fastest way to check: search for "does my (phone model) support eSIM". You will have the answer within a minute. You can also look in the settings, in the SIM card section: there will be an eSIM option if the device supports it.

Providers publish the full list of compatible devices on their websites. It usually includes iPhone XS and newer, plus recent Samsung, Google, and Huawei flagships. Chinese versions of smartphones often lack eSIM support, and that is a separate risk.

On Android, the path to check is: Settings, then Network and internet, then Mobile network. If there is an option called "Download eSIM" or "Add eSIM", the device is ready. On Samsung it is under Connections; on Google models the option has a different name, but the idea is the same.

If your phone does not support eSIM, there is no solution within the technology itself. In that case a physical SIM card is the option. You can order one online in advance, but eSIM is still more convenient because you do not need to swap plastic in the slot.

What to do if your phone does not support eSIM

A physical prepaid card always works. You order an international SIM card online before your trip, and it is delivered to your home address. You insert the plastic into your phone, and as soon as the plane lands, you are online.

This kind of card is also handy for onward travel. Many international plans work not only in Iceland but also in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. If you are continuing beyond Iceland, the same plastic will cover several countries.

Just check one thing: delivery times. Courier delivery sometimes takes several days, so order the card in advance. At the last minute this option will not work, and you will end up looking for a SIM at Keflavík at tourist prices.

Check coverage before you buy

Coverage matters just as much as price. In Iceland there is signal along the Ring Road and in towns, but it disappears on the highlands and near glaciers. The carriers themselves publish coverage maps, and they show exactly where to expect service.

All major networks run on 4G and LTE, while 5G is currently available mainly in Reykjavík and the surrounding area. For navigation and messaging, 4G is more than enough. If you plan to stream or work remotely, check the 5G map for your region in advance.

Compare networks along your route. Jetpac and Airalo eSIMs run on the Nova network, Holafly runs on Nova and Sýn, and aloSIM uses Nova and Síminn. Providers share the local carriers' infrastructure, so the difference in coverage between them is small.

If you are heading into the interior, download offline maps in advance. No provider guarantees service in remote areas. Offline navigation is your backup where signal disappears completely.

Can you trust these providers

All the internet providers in our selection are licensed companies and resellers. They work directly with Icelandic mobile carriers or act as their partners. This means the eSIM connects to an official network, not to homemade equipment.

The providers' own track record also matters. Airalo and SimOptions have been around for years and together handle millions of trips. Jetpac is younger but already operates in dozens of countries and quickly gained popularity thanks to its perks.

Reviews are uneven. According to public reviews, Nomad gets some complaints about connection and activation, while Holafly's quality depends on the region and network load. For critical trips, we recommend choosing a provider with a long history.

Two more providers deserve a mention. Roamless offers an eSIM with no data expiry, and Firsty gives free internet in exchange for watching ads. Both options break the usual sales model.

It is important to understand: we do not sell eSIMs and do not take any commission beyond a standard affiliate link. We only compare the terms and advise what works for Iceland. All providers have their own support teams for refunds and troubleshooting.

Before you pay, check three things. Your phone is unlocked, the device supports eSIM, and the provider offers support in a language you understand. These three points prevent most problems before your trip even starts.

Also look at the refund policy separately. If the eSIM fails to activate for some reason, some providers refund your money and others do not. This is worth finding out in advance, before you end up at the airport with no connection.

Almost all providers include written setup instructions with screenshots. If a step seems unclear, you simply write to support and get an answer. In most cases the response time is no more than a few hours.

Will I stay connected in Iceland

You can stay connected in Iceland in three ways: a local prepaid SIM card, an international prepaid card, and an eSIM. Let's look at each one so you can choose the option that works for you.

A local prepaid SIM card is a good deal if you use a lot of data. It gives you larger packages than tourist eSIMs and also includes unlimited local calls and SMS. The main inconvenience is that most local cards are sold at a carrier store after you arrive. The exception is Nova: its eSIM can be bought online before your flight.

An international prepaid card is for those whose phone does not support eSIM. You order this card online, and it is delivered to your home address before the trip. It works not only in Iceland but also in other countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Insert the plastic card, and you are online after landing.

eSIM is the third option, and it comes in two types. First: a card from an internet provider that you buy online. Second: a card from an Icelandic carrier that you get at a store after arrival. Both options give you the same result, but online is more convenient in terms of timing.

A practical note about the airport. Tourist eSIMs are not sold at Keflavik. There are only physical prepaid cards, and they are sold at tourist prices. If you want to save time and money, install your eSIM in advance.

All three options work. The only question is how much data you need and whether you are willing to wait at the airport store. For most short trips, eSIM wins because everything is sorted out before your flight.

Local cards are chosen by people who use a lot of data and want a local number. International prepaid cards are chosen by owners of phones without eSIM support. In all other cases, a tourist eSIM gets the job done cheaper and faster.

Let's say a few words about data prices in Iceland itself. Local rates are priced in kronas, and when converted they often turn out to be higher than online providers. So for a short trip, an online eSIM usually works out cheaper than a local card.

ESIM or local prepaid SIM card

Let's compare the two most popular options directly. An eSIM is set up online in a couple of clicks, and you arrive already prepared. A plastic card has to be found on the spot, and after a long flight that is an extra task.

Another advantage of eSIM is that the card is tied to your phone, not to a piece of plastic. You cannot lose it, and the SIM slot stays free. You can keep your home card active for calls and SMS.

If you are driving the Ring Road, check coverage along the entire route in advance. Some sections in the east of the country have no signal from any carrier. Downloaded offline maps and bookings are essential there.

Keflavik Airport sells tourist SIM cards, but at inflated prices. There are no tourist eSIMs there at all, only physical cards. If your flight is delayed and you arrive at night, the stores are already closed, and you are left without a connection.

Price difference

Which is cheaper: eSIM or a local card? Usually a local prepaid card is a better deal, but not in Iceland. Local rates are set at high tourist prices, so online providers often give you more data for the same money.

For comparison, let's take local carriers. Siminn sells 10 GB for 3,000 ISK (as of 09/2026, Siminn), which is about $25 at the ECB exchange rate on 09/15/2026. At SimOptions, the same 10 GB costs $12.90 (as of 09/2026, SimOptions), and you get the card online and in advance.

After a long flight, you want to go straight to your hotel, not to a store for a SIM card. So for a short trip, eSIM wins on both time and price. You pay the same money but do not spend an hour on setup.

Speed difference

There is a technical difference between a local SIM card and an eSIM. An eSIM more often works through an intermediary, a so-called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). Such an operator does not own its own towers but buys bandwidth from a major provider.

What does this mean in practice? At peak times, MVNO traffic goes last in line. When the network is congested, eSIM speeds drop more than those of a local carrier's card. In popular places in Iceland in summer, this is noticeable.

So the takeaway is simple. If you work online a lot or stream, a local card may give you more consistent speeds. If you need navigation, messaging, and photos, the difference does not matter, and eSIM remains the best choice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make calls with an eSIM for Iceland?

Only with certain plans. International eSIMs from SimOptions (Bouygues Telecom and Orange Holiday Europe) include calls and SMS. The other cards in the selection work as data-only, and any incoming or outgoing calls are unavailable on them. If you plan to make a lot of calls, get a local SIM card from an Icelandic carrier.

Does an eSIM for Iceland come with an Icelandic phone number?

Not all of them. Data-only cards have no number, and you cannot receive calls or SMS on them. Only plans with calls include a number. For example, aloSIM gives you an international number through a separate Hushed app, but that is a service of the app, not of the eSIM itself. Local carriers give you a real Icelandic number.

Can I keep my home number with an eSIM for Iceland?

Yes, and for many people this is the main reason to get an eSIM. The new card works alongside your home SIM. You can turn off data on your home SIM but keep it active for calls and SMS. That way you continue to receive one-time passcodes (OTP) for banks and apps while the eSIM provides internet.

Does an eSIM for Iceland support 5G?

In most cases, yes. As of 2026, almost all eSIMs for Iceland are 5G-ready. The exception is Airalo: this card works only on 4G and LTE. If 5G speed matters to you, check this with your chosen provider before paying.

Are there eSIMs for Iceland with unlimited internet?

Yes, but with caveats. Holafly sells only unlimited cards, and GigSky has an unlimited plan with 2.5 GB of high-speed internet per day. Almost all unlimited cards have a fair use policy, after which the speed drops to nearly unusable levels. Always read the terms before buying.

In short: what to book

The choice depends on the length of your trip and what you need. Here is a simple matrix that covers most cases.

• If you have a short 3-4 day vacation: get SimOptions 1 GB for $4.50 or 3 GB for $5.90.
• If you are going for 1-2 weeks: SimOptions 10 GB for $12.90 or Orange Holiday Europe 100 GB for $55.90 is optimal.
• If you need calls and SMS: choose Orange Holiday Europe or a local Siminn card.
• If your phone does not support eSIM: order an international prepaid SIM card in advance.

Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM before paying. Then look at current rates and compare conditions in one place: eSIM selection service for Iceland. Install the card at home, and after landing at Keflavik you will be connected.