Are you planning your trip to Iceland and thinking about staying connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Iceland including a comparison of the best Iceland eSIMs for 2025.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM for Iceland on the internet. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2025, including all tourist eSIM specifications.
Find out how eSIMs work, where and when to order an eSIM for Iceland, FAQ about eSIMs and more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Iceland eSIM comparison
- What is the cheapest eSIM for Iceland?
- Why buying an eSIM for traveling in Iceland
- Where to buy an eSIM for Iceland?
- When to order/activate an eSIM for Iceland?
- How to activate an eSIM
- Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Iceland
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Which smartphones support eSIM?
- Can I trust these eSIM providers?
- Can I keep my phone number from home with an Iceland eSIM?
- Can I make phone calls with an Iceland eSIM?
- Does an Iceland eSIM come with a phone number?
- Can I use 5G on an Iceland eSIM?
- Are there eSIMs for Iceland with unlimited data?
- Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Iceland?
- eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Since 2012 I am already traveling the world full time and throughout the years I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Iceland in 2025.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Iceland are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Before showing you the two best eSIMs for Iceland read the following carefully:
Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!
1. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM - 70 GB
- 70 GB data in all of Europe
- 5G ready
- Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
- 120 international minutes
- 1,000 international sms
- Valid for 28 days
- Only $0.8 USD per Gigabyte
You can buy the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM via SimOptions for $55.90 USD or via Sim Local for $53.50 USD.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the promo code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!
This eSIM comes with a phone number from France starting with +33 and is valid in 39 countries in Europe. Unlimited calls and sms within Europe are included as well as 120 international minutes.
Since the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM comes with free EU data roaming and is valid in all countries in Europe it is therefore also listed as the best sim card for traveling to Europe.
2. Jetpac eSIM for Iceland - 10 GB for $13 USD
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in all of Europe
- 5G ready
- Valid for 30 days
- $1.3 USD per Gigabyte
Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Iceland.
The Jetpac eSIMs for Iceland have amazing rates all around just $1 USD per Gigabyte and they have 8 different plans, all valid in 30 countries in Europe.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
Is Iceland one of your stops on a trip around the world then you can also look into getting an eSIM for traveling the world. There are a bunch of eSIMs that cover multiple countries, some up to 141 countries around the world.
Iceland eSIM comparison
You can also get a tourist eSIM in Iceland in phone stores of Siminn, Nova and Vodafone the mobile internet providers in Iceland.
But wouldn't it be easy to be online as soon as the plane lands and not having to deal with buying a prepaid sim card in Iceland or Reykjavík Airport?
Luckily there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell Iceland eSIMs for tourists.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Iceland from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.
The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read my tips below!
Jetpac
Jetpac quickly made name in the eSIM world by not only offering very affordable eSIM solutions, but also by adding a couple benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac. Check out our extensive Jetpac eSIM review with all pros and cons.
Check out the Jetpac eSIM plans for Iceland in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $39 USD
Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Iceland.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
The Jetpac Iceland eSIMs are valid in all of Europe and are data-only. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Jetpac eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of Nova. 5G is supported.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Iceland, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Iceland. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.
An extra advantage of using a Jetpac eSIM is that you get a free VPN subscription, 50% discount on airport lounges and Fast Track passes. And Jetpac also provides free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel to Iceland and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided.
These are all complimentary services that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Iceland eSIM.
The Traveltomtom Team wrote down all pros and cons about SimOptions in our complete SimOptions Review.
Why using SimOptions? They offer eSIMs including calling and texting in all of Europe.
SimOptions also has data-only eSIMs for Iceland:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
- 50 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD
These data-only eSIMs are only valid in Iceland. SimOptions doesn't specify on which network they operate but all eSIMs support 5G. These eSIMs do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services.
Click here to order a data-only eSIM for Iceland from SimOptions.
Much more interesting are the international eSIMs for Iceland you can order via SimOptions.
These eSIMs support incoming and outgoing calls/sms as they come with a phone number.
Bouygues Telecom
- 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $32.90 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $39.90 USD
Orange Holiday Europe
- 12 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 30 minutes international for 14 days = $28.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 70 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 28 days = $55.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for Iceland via SimOptions.
If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.
These eSIMs are valid all over Europe and they include free EU data roaming. The best thing about these eSIMs for Iceland is that they also include unlimited calling and texting.
All the SimOptions eSIMs for Iceland are valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet and the credit validity won't start only on arrival.
Airalo
Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.
Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders, but has not innovated much over the last years and prices have not changed either. But Airalo is rock solid and Traveltomtom has never faced an issue using Airalo eSIMs.
Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Iceland for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $23 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $36 USD
Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Iceland.
Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.
The Airalo plans are called Nenna Mobile and operates on the Nova 4G/LTE network in Iceland. 5G is not supported.
Data-only means that incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported and the eSIMs from Airalo do not come with a phone number.
An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network.
aloSIM
Not a new kid on the block, aloSIM has earned its stripes already in the eSIM world, but Traveltomtom didn't use aloSIM much until lately. The Traveltomtom Team tested and reviewed aloSIM and came with positive notes.
Read all about it in our extensive and honest aloSIM review.
Here are the aloSIM plans for Iceland in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $23 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $36 USD
- Unlimited data* for 15 days = $24 USD.
*Only 1.5 GB of high-speed data every day. After that your data speed will drop to 512 Kbps until the next day.
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Iceland via aloSIM.
The aloSIM plans for Iceland are an exact copy of the Airalo eSIM plans, prices are the exact same. The aloSIM eSIMs operate on the Nova and Siminn 4G/5G network.
What differentiates aloSIM from Airalo and other eSIM providers is that they offer an eSIM for Iceland including an international phone number. This phone number that comes with the eSIM is via a separate application called Hushed.
GigSky
GigSky has been around for a long time and is also recommended in my list of the best international eSIMs for traveling the world in 2025.
The Traveltomtom Team tested GigSky and was positively surprised. Check out our complete GigSky review with all pros and cons.
Here are the GigSky eSIM plans for Iceland in 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $3.99 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $9.99 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $13.99 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $22.99 USD
- Unlimited data* for 7 days = $22.99 USD
- Unlimited data* for 15 days = $32.99 USD
*2.5 GB high speed data per day then reduced data speed. High speed data resumes every 24 hours from plan activation.
Click here to order a GigSky eSIM for Iceland.
Downside of GigSky is that they do not provide much info about their eSIM plans. So it is unclear on which network they operate in Iceland, neither if they support 4G/LTE or just 3G or even 5G.
Another essential thing that is missing is what is the reduced data speed after you used the 2.5 GB per day.
Because all this essential info is all missing we are hesitant ranking GigSky higher in this Iceland eSIM comparison.
Nomad
Nomad is another trusted eSIM provider that offers eSIM plans for Iceland. The Nomad eSIMs for Iceland are rather expensive compared to other eSIM providers.
Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Iceland:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Iceland from Nomad.
All the Nomad eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The Nomad Iceland eSIMs are only valid in Iceland and operate on the 4G/5G network of Siminn and Nova.
The Nomad Iceland eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Iceland. Basically when the plane lands.
Holafly
Personally Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data that do not explicitly define what is the exact Fair Use Policy.
In fact, unlimited data eSIMs are not really unlimited, they all reduce your data speed and you only get a certain amount of high speed data per day.
Holafly is an eSIM operator that only has eSIMs with unlimited data but does NOT mention what the FUP is. They only say the following:
- Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.
These are the Holafly eSIM plans for Iceland:
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
- 15 days 'unlimited' data = $50.90 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD
The Holafly eSIMs for Iceland are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. According to the The Holafly website their eSIMs operate on the Orange network in Iceland. Interesting... because there is only Siminn, Nova and Vodafone in Iceland.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly Iceland eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Because of the undefined FUP Traveltomtom is not a fan of Holafly eSIMs but Holafly eSIMs for Iceland are also much more expensive than other eSIM providers.
Siminn
Besides all the above eSIMs providers the mobile internet providers in Iceland also offer eSIMs. In phone stores in Iceland you can also buy eSIMs for tourists.
Here are the Siminn eSIMs for tourists:
- 10 GB data in all of EU + 50 minutes in all of EU + 50 sms in Iceland = 2,900 ISK - $21 USD
- 10 GB data only in all of EU = 2,900 ISK - $21 USD
Vodafone
Here are the Vodafone Iceland eSIMs for tourists:
- 10 GB data = 3,190 ISK - $23 USD
- 25 GB data = 5,190 ISK - $37 USD
- 50 GB data = 6,190 ISK - $44 USD
- 150 GB data = 8,190 ISK - $58 USD
- 500 GB data = 10,190 ISK - $73 USD
Vodafone Iceland also charges another $13 USD for registering a sim card for tourists, but it gives you unlimited calls and sms.
Nova
Here are the Nova eSIM plans for tourists:
- 2 GB data in all of EU + unlimited calling/sms in Iceland = 1,990 ISK - $14 USD
- 20 GB data (10 GB in EU) + unlimited calling/sms in Iceland = 2.690 ISK - $19 USD
- 100 data (15 GB in EU) + unlimited calling/sms in Iceland = 3,490 ISK - $25 USD
- 250 data (25 GB in EU) + unlimited calling/sms in Iceland = 6,690 ISK - $48 USD
Check my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Iceland in 2025 for more info.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Iceland?
No other eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM plan with 1 GB data for just $1 USD. There are more eSIM plans with 1 GB data. GigSky charges $3.99 USD, SimOptions, aloSIM and Airalo charge $4.5 USD for the 1 GB data plan.
But then there is Jetpac again with an eSIM for Iceland with 3 GB data for just $5 USD.
Why buying an eSIM for traveling in Iceland
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Iceland in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Iceland without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Iceland with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Iceland, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Iceland so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Ireland, Netherlands, Peru, Nepal, Bali, South Africa, Namibia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Asia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.
Overseas data roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Iceland there is 4G/LTE available.
And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how cheap the eSIMs for Iceland are.
Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: "Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Iceland. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM for Iceland?
Online
You can buy an eSIM for Iceland on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Iceland. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers in 2025.
When buying an eSIM for Iceland through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Iceland
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Iceland: Vodafone, Nova and Siminn. You can get an eSIM for tourists in their phone stores around Iceland.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Iceland in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Iceland, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
When to order/activate an eSIM for Iceland?
You can order an eSIM for Iceland pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Iceland or before. When in Iceland you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much every international airport in Iceland has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.
My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Iceland before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM plan for Iceland you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Iceland eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Iceland eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Iceland
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply to Iceland eSIMs, but are general things you have to know before buying an eSIM.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Iceland. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Iceland or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Iceland and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIM?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Iceland.
However, you can still order a physical sim card for Iceland on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Iceland or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Iceland recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Iceland.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.
On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Iceland eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Iceland.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with an Iceland eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Iceland. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Iceland eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with an Iceland eSIM?
The international eSIMs from SimOptions: Bouygues Telecom and Orange Holiday Europe offer calling and texting.
All other eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
If you buy a prepaid eSIM in Iceland you get calling and texting included.
Does an Iceland eSIM come with a phone number?
All the eSIMs that offer calling and texting also come with a phone number.
Data-only eSIMs do not come with a phone number and can not receive calls or sms.
aloSIM has a calling service including in their eSIM, but it is via an application called Hushed, not directly on the eSIM. This calling service is complimentary when buying an aloSIM eSIM.
Can I use 5G on an Iceland eSIM?
Yes, as of 2025 most of the eSIMs for Iceland are 5G ready.
Are there eSIMs for Iceland with unlimited data?
Yes, some eSIM plans for Iceland include unlimited data. Holafly only sells eSIMs for Iceland with unlimited data.
Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? There is mostly a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy), which is sometimes already after 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down to a data speed which is completely useless.
In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it barely works!
So yes, there are eSIMs for Iceland with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.
GigSky has an 'unlimited' data eSIM but at least mentions that you get 2.5 GB data per day at high speed. That means for 7 days you have 17.5 GB data. That is a lot.
A GigSky eSIM with unlimited data for 7 days = $22.99 USD.
Holafly does not specify what the FUP is and that makes it very tricky. Is it after 1 GB or after 2 GB?
A Holafly eSIM for Iceland with unlimited data is more expensive. A Holafly eSIM with unlimited data for 7 days = $29.90 USD.
On Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait the rest of the day until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! Imagine being on a 10 hour bus ride and after 2 hours you reached the FUP...
Therefore Traveltomtom does not directly recommend eSIMs with unlimited data.
Think about it... if you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then what is the point of having an eSIM with unlimited data?
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Iceland?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Iceland, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Iceland:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards for Iceland are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Iceland prepaid sim cards offer bigger data plans than tourist eSIMs you order online and on top of that local prepaid sim cards come with unlimited local calls and sms.
The big difference is that a local Iceland prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Iceland in a phone store and NOT on the internet.
More info about the best Iceland sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Iceland in 2025.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Iceland. Some of them are great for Iceland as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Iceland you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Iceland directly online.
eSIMs
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Iceland in a mobile internet provider store
As shown in the comparison of the best eSIMs for Iceland, all of the mobile internet providers in Iceland offer eSIMs. A prepaid sim card plan can be bought as an eSIM or as a physical prepaid sim card in phone stores in Iceland.
As of January 2025 at Reykjavík Airport they do still NOT sell eSIMs at the airport, there are only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists available
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Iceland, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Iceland. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Iceland.
As soon as the plane lands, you are online!
Buying a tourist sim card at Reykjavík Airport is possible, but at tourist prices. There are no eSIMs for tourists available at Reykjavík Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards.
Price difference
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
In general local prepaid sim cards are cheaper than eSIMs but not in Iceland. Siminn prepaid sim cards for tourists are around $21 USD and you get 10 GB data. Nova prepaid sim cards are a little cheaper and you get 20 GB data for around $20 USD.
For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards in Iceland in 2025.
After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Iceland.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Iceland. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Iceland sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Iceland were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Iceland right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Iceland!