Mobile data in Iceland: the Ring Road, the highlands and the weather
Iceland is not in the European Union, but it is in the European Economic Area, and that is what matters for roaming: the EU rule applies. What genuinely matters here is coverage, because the places you drive to are empty and the weather decides your plans.
See eSIMs for IcelandIs roaming free in Iceland?
- Plans from the EU and the EEA: yes. Iceland is in the EEA, so roam like at home applies, within your operator’s fair use limit.
- UK plans: it depends on your operator since Brexit.
- Plans from outside Europe: usually international roaming or a daily pass.
The map of roaming in Europe shows which countries are in and which are out.
eSIM for Iceland
Data on your phone the moment you land in Iceland. No account, no app, no shop.
Choose your data
For one to two weeks of maps, messaging and the odd video.
Buy up to 180 days before you fly: the plan only starts when the eSIM connects at your destination.
Write the email where we should send the QR code.
We send the QR code and your receipt here. No spam.
QR in your inbox in minutes · Full refund if we cannot issue it · Secure payment with Stripe
Will it work on my phone?
On iPhone: Settings → General → About, and scroll to EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onwards does.
On Android: Settings → About phone → Status, and look for EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Most Galaxy S20, Pixel 3 and later do.
It also has to be carrier-unlocked. If you bought it outright or your contract is over, it almost certainly is.
And if it turns out yours cannot use it, write to us and you get every cent back.
Discount code
How it works
- 1Choose and payCard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. No account.
- 2Install it at homeThe QR arrives by email. Scan it on wifi in a minute.
- 3Connect when you landTurn on data roaming for the eSIM and you are online.
Coverage: Ring Road, highlands and F-roads
Reykjavík, Akureyri and the towns along Route 1 are well covered, and most of the Ring Road has a usable signal. Inland it is different: on the F-roads, around the glaciers and in the highlands there is often nothing at all, on any network. Download offline maps, and check the road and weather sites before you set off, because they change fast.
Which eSIM works in Iceland?
An Iceland eSIM runs on the local networks, Nova (5G), Síminn (5G). Data only: your usual number stays on your own SIM, which matters here because emergency calls and accommodation calls are common.
Why a data eSIM still makes sense
Even with free EU roaming, two things push people to a separate data plan in Iceland: fair use limits are small on cheap contracts, and a trip here is heavy on maps, weather apps, photos and route planning. A data eSIM keeps that off your main line, and your own number stays reachable.
How much data for a trip to Iceland?
- 3 GB: a long weekend in Reykjavík.
- 5 GB: a week with maps, weather and photos.
- 10 GB: the Ring Road in two weeks, with video calls.
- 20 GB: a month, or sharing data with a laptop.
The data calculator gives an estimate in five questions.
Prices for Iceland
Iceland data eSIMs: 3 GB for 4,49 €, 5 GB for 6,79 €, 10 GB for 11,49 € and 20 GB for 19,99 €. The plan starts on the first connection in Iceland.
Does EU roaming work in Iceland if it is not in the EU?
Yes. Iceland is in the European Economic Area, and the EU roaming rules cover the EEA, so an EU plan works there at home prices.
Is there signal on the Ring Road?
On most of it, yes. In the highlands and on the F-roads there is often none, whatever SIM you use.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot for the car?
Yes, tethering works like any data plan, where there is coverage.
Do I need ID for a data eSIM?
No. A data eSIM bought online needs only an email address.
Get your eSIM before you fly: the QR arrives by email in minutes and the plan only starts when you connect at your destination.
See eSIMs for Iceland