Best eSIM providers and plans in Iceland in 2026
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Heading to Iceland? Adventure awaits in a land of steaming hot springs, icy peaks, and volcanic craters – made even more magical under the winter Aurora Borealis. To capture and share every jaw-dropping moment, you’ll want the best eSIM for Iceland to stay connected with fast, reliable internet from the moment you arrive.
eSIMs are digital SIM cards that replace traditional ones while cutting costs and boosting convenience. Partnering with local carriers, they help you save on expensive roaming fees, skip hidden charges, and choose flexible data plans.
With so many eSIM options for Iceland, choosing the right one can be tricky. That’s why I tested and ranked the 5 best eSIM for Iceland services, focusing on features, prices, and coverage. Keep reading to find your perfect digital travel companion.
Top 5 eSIMs in Iceland – shortlist
- Saily – overall best eSIM for Iceland
- Airalo – Iceland eSIM with the best valued regional and global plans
- Nomad – beginner-friendly Iceland eSIM
- Jetpac – most affordable eSIM for Iceland
- aloSIM – Iceland eSIM with a local phone number
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests eSIM services using a clear and consistent process. We combine first-hand experience with expert analysis to evaluate features, performance, coverage, and pricing - so you can make confident decisions before your trip. Learn how we test eSIMs.
What to consider before choosing an eSIM plan for Iceland
The best eSIM card for Iceland is a convenient way of getting online while there. Some eSIMs offer better prices, while others have regional plans for visiting neighboring countries. Here's what you should consider to pick a suitable Iceland eSIM.
- Travel destination. Iceland is a sparsely populated country. You will find excellent internet access in Reykjavik and urban areas, but more remote places may need some improvement. Use this internet coverage map in Iceland to determine internet availability.
- Data needs. Consider how much data you'll need, which depends on your online activities. Pick a more extensive Iceland internet plan if you plan on streaming and making video calls. On the other hand, you can save a lot of money if you just use the internet casually, and you can always top-up your eSIM Iceland plan if you run out of data.
- Travel duration. Remember to verify that your plan validity period matches the travel duration. Iceland eSIMs on my list provide plans that are valid from 7 to 30 days.
- Mobile tethering. An eSIM mobile hotspot is a convenient way to share an internet connection across all your devices or with traveling companions. The further you go from Iceland's cities, the less likely you will have Iceland's WiFi services. Wherever possible, tethering will keep your group online, but keep an eye on increased data consumption.
- Price. Iceland eSIM card can save you a lot of money, especially if you are active online. Pick a plan that offers the right amount of data for the least possible price, but also consider additional features like a phone number for calls and texts and hotspot availability.
Best eSIMs for Iceland – in-depth review
Our research team and I evaluated the leading Iceland eSIMs to separate the good from the not-so-good. It boiled down to 5 eSIM providers that offer the best value, user-friendly apps, additional features, and fast speeds. Let's look at each solution in detail.
1. Saily – best overall Iceland eSIM
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $3.59 |
Saily is one of the best Iceland eSIM services with affordable prices, a user-friendly app, and flexible plans. What I like most about Saily is that it offers additional security features like a virtual location, an ad blocker, and web protection.
Plan options. Saily provides prepaid data-only plans for Iceland and allows hotspot sharing. These plans don’t include calls or texts by default, but Saily also offers an optional U.S. phone number from $0.99/month for calls, SMS, and verification codes.
Pricing. Saily's 1GB costs merely $3.59 for 7 days. There are also 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB plans with varying validity and a maximum price of $28.79. If you're a heavy user, you can take advantage of its unlimited data plans, starting at $17.09 for 5 days.
Network coverage. Although Saily doesn't disclose its Ireland cell service partners, it uses the fastest 4G and 5G networks whenever possible.
Activation process. Download Saily's app from Google Play or Apple App stores and tap Activate eSIM after you purchase a plan. It will issue easy-to-follow installation and activation steps that only take a few minutes.
Customer support. You can reach Saily 24/7 via in-app chat, submit a ticket on the website, or go through its knowledge base and FAQ sections. Learn more on our full Saily review.
2. Airalo – affordable regional and global plans for Iceland
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | LTE |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $3.50 |
Airalo is an outstanding eSIM for Iceland, especially if you plan on traveling to other European countries. From my experience, it offers one of the best-valued regional and global plans.
Plan options. Airalo eSIM provides 17 local plans and includes Iceland in the regional European and global eSIM plans. Furthermore, the global Discovery+ plan provides a +43 phone number for international calls and texts.
Pricing. Slightly cheaper than Saily, Airalo's 1GB costs $3.50. There are also 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and unlimited data plans. For example, you can get an unlimited data plan for $10.50 for 3 days.
Network coverage. Airalo works with Vodafone mobile carrier in Iceland, so you can expect fast LTE speeds across the entire country.
Activation process. You can easily activate this eSIM via a QR code sent to you by email. There are no eKYC requirements or contracts.
Customer support. Airalo’s support is available via 24/7 live chat. You can also contact them by email or read their blog, knowledge base, and FAQ sections. You can actually read more about it in our full Airalo review.
3. Nomad – Iceland eSIM with flexible plans
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50 |
Nomad is a straightforward Iceland eSIM that cooperates with more than a few local mobile carriers, giving you freedom of choice.
Plan options. There are 10 prepaid and data-only plans to choose from, with add-on data availability and mobile hotspot support. Iceland is also included in the regional and global plans.
Pricing. The cheapest plan costs $4.50/GB for 7 days. There are also 3GB, 5G, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, and unlimited data plans. If you need an unlimited data plan, you can get one from $11.00 for 3 days.
Network coverage. Nomad eSIM cooperates with Vodafone and Siminn mobile carriers in Iceland, so you can expect lightning-fast 5G speeds.
Activation process. Nomad doesn't ask for eKYC information and lets you quickly activate the plan via a QR code.
Customer support. This eSIM has a 24/7 in-app live chat, an online ticketing system, a blog, and a troubleshooting section. You can read more about it in our in-depth Nomad review.
4. Jetpac – cheapest eSIM for Iceland
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $1.00 |
If you're on a budget, Jetpac can help you save with its starting plan for newcomers for only $1.00/GB, valid for 4 days.
Plan options. Jetpac offers 10 local plans for Iceland, ranging from 1GB to unlimited data. There are also regional plans, including this destination.
Pricing. The cheapest plan costs only $1.00/GB for 4 days, while unlimited data plans start from $26.99 for 7 days.
Network coverage. Jetpac eSIM works with Vodafone mobile carrier in Iceland, which offers an excellent 5G network in metropolitan areas.
Activation process. This eSIM doesn't require eKYC information and can be activated via QR code, making the setup particularly easy.
Customer support. The only way to contact Jetpac is via the online ticketing system, as it doesn't offer 24/7 live chat support. Although there's online self-help material, I recommend something other than this service for beginners. Read more about this provider in our full Jetpac review.
5. aloSIM – Iceland eSIM with calls and texts included
| Rating: | |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50 |
aloSIM eSIM is a smart choice for travelers in Iceland who require a phone number for calls and SMS but are good with installing a separate app for that.
Plan options. aloSIM Iceland plans are prepaid and data-only, but it partners with a Hushed app for international calls. The provider also includes Iceland in its Europe bundle that covers 35 countries.
Pricing. aloSIM's plans start from $4.50/GB for 7 days, which isn't the cheapest plan on my list. There are also 2GB, 2GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB plans, but no unlimited data options for heavy users.
Network coverage. This eSIM for Iceland works with two mobile carriers, Landsiminn and Nova. This means fast LTE and 5G speeds, depending on your location.
Activation process. With no eKYC requirements and activation via QR code, no one should have any trouble setting this eSIM up.
Customer support. aloSIM customer support includes an online blog and guides, and you can contact them via email or 24/7 live chat. You can learn more in our full aloSIM review.
Compare the best eSIM providers in Iceland
To compile this best eSIM for Iceland list, we thoroughly tested the most popular eSIMs and compared their features. We have organized the results in the table below.
| Brand | Plan duration | Mobile hotspot | Unlimited data | App | GB per plan | Support | Price | Trustpilot | Rating |
| Saily | 7 to 30 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, unlimited data | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledge base | $3.59 to $64.79 | 4.7 | |
| Airalo | 3 to 30 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, unlimited data | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledge base, blog | $3.50 to $63.50 | 3.9 | |
| Nomad | 3 to 30 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB, unlimited data | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledge base, blog | $4.50 to $45.00 | 4.3 | |
| Jetpac | 4 to 30 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, unlimited data | Email, online knowledge base, blog | $1.00 to $40.00 | 4.8 | |
| aloSIM | 7 to 30 days | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB | 24/7 live chat, email, online knowledge base, blog | $4.50 to $32.00 | 4.1 |
How to activate an eSIM
We ensured the Iceland eSIM cards on this list have a straightforward setup process with helpful instructions. However, because the setup differs per provider, it can still get slightly confusing for newcomers. Here are 3 quick ways how you can activate an eSIM card:
- Scan a QR code. Most eSIM will send a QR code to your email after purchasing a plan. Simply turn on your device camera and scan the QR code. The eSIM app will then give you instructions to install and activate it on your smartphone.
- Enter details manually. I recommend this method only for users who are tech-savvy and have used an eSIM before. You have to get an SM-DP+ address and the activation code from your eSIM service provider. Then, you will have to go to your smartphone's settings and manually input these details. I recommend checking your eSIMs website for instructions on how to do it.
- In-app activation. Download the eSIM from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Launch it, choose a destination plan, and finalize the purchase. Go to the bought plan and look for the activation button. After you tap it, the app will issue further installation and activation instructions, which should take no longer than a few minutes.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Compared to physical SIM cards, eSIMs are relatively new technology incompatible with older smartphones. There's an unwritten rule that if your smartphone was released before 2018, then most likely it does not support eSIMs. To check whether your device works with this technology visit our eSIM compatibility checker article.
Which iPhones support eSIMs?
iPhones are all about innovation, so it's no surprise many are compatible with eSIMs. What's more, the iPhone 15 US and beyond series doesn't even have a physical card slot and only relies on eSIMs. However, older models like the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7 and 8 are incompatible. The iPhone XR and later models support eSIMs, and you can learn more about it in our eSIM activation on iPhone guide.
Which Samsung phones support eSIMs?
Samsung eSIM compatibility is easy to verify, and other Android brands should follow similar logic. Go to your Samsung's settings and locate the Connections option, then navigate to Sim Manager and tap on it. If you see there is an Add eSIM option then you can use it on your device. If you have a Samsung S20 or a newer model, you shouldn't worry about eSIM compatibility.
What are the upsides of using an eSIM in Iceland?
The main Iceland eSIM selling point is the reduction of expensive roaming charges because who likes to overpay on a holiday? However, I should point out that European travelers enjoy free data roaming with their native SIM cards. The non-EU tourists visiting Iceland or other European countries should grab one of the best eSIMs for Iceland on this list to save money. If you still need convincing, here are a couple more good reasons:
- Flexible. With an eSIM, you can switch between mobile network providers without swapping a physical SIM card. This is particularly convenient in Ireland with numerous remote areas with limited internet coverage.
- Handy. You can set up your Iceland eSIM before you depart to get online the moment you arrive there. What's more, you can avoid searching for a local SIM vendor and start enjoying your voyage without delay.
- Secure. Because eSIMs are embedded into your smartphone's motherboard, there's no risk of losing it, unlike a physical SIM card.
- Compact. eSIMs are much smaller than traditional SIMs, so your smartphone can have a smoother design or room for better measurements, like a longer battery life.
- Nature-friendly. Plastic SIM cards and their containers are not biodegradable. An eSIM is a digital solution, so it doesn't use this harmful material, and its manufacturing process leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
What are the downsides of using an eSIM in Iceland?
Iceland's eSIM plan benefits are apparent, but they are not limitless. eSIMs have a few setbacks that could motivate you to keep using a traditional SIM card tied to your native mobile carrier. Here's what you should be aware of before purchasing an eSIM card for Iceland:
- Free roaming for Europeans. Citizens of the European Union have free roaming within its borders, rendering eSIM services futile.
- Higher upfront fees. Most eSIMs offer prepaid plans, which means you have to pay the whole sum in advance. It may seem quite a lot compared to a monthly mobile plan subscription, but the higher cost quickly evaporates once you take roaming charges into account. Generally, if you plan on using more than a few gigabytes of data abroad, the eSIM is a more affordable choice.
- Installation can be tricky. Even with in-app instructions, installing an eSIM may be challenging if it requires tweaking the smartphone's settings manually. I recommend following the instructions carefully and looking for a more elaborate guide on the eSIMs website if you need more help.
- Compatibility problems. As mentioned previously, most smartphones released before 2018 do not have the required eSIM chip to support this technology, and there's no way of upgrading it. Smartphones that are not eSIM compatible must resort to traditional SIM cards.
How can I make calls with eSIM in Iceland
Most Iceland eSIMs focus on speedy internet access and offer data-only plans. But there are still ways to make an international call using one. Here are three methods you should try out:
- Make sure your eSIM provider supports calls and texts. Some eSIMs include a phone number for calls and SMS, although at an extra charge. Take a look at Airalo and aloSIM services on this list that offer this feature.
- Use your regular SIM card. European Union citizens visiting Iceland can freely use their existing SIM card to make calls because they enjoy free roaming within the Union borders. Non-Eu visitors should keep in mind that international calls via their native mobile carrier are usually very costly, and they should look at the solution below.
- Try using VoIP apps for calls over the internet. I strongly recommend trying out VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice. These apps use mobile data, and their data consumption is relatively low, 0.3 megabytes per second on average.
Final thoughts
For most travelers, choosing an eSIM for Iceland is the smarter, more convenient alternative to a physical SIM card. It’s typically cheaper, easier to set up, and saves you from hunting down a local store after landing.
From my experience, Saily offers the best value due to its affordable prices, broad coverage, fast speeds, and additional security features. However, all five options I reviewed have unique strengths, so pick the one that fits your travel needs.
FAQ
Can I keep my domestic phone number with an Iceland eSIM card?
Yes, you can keep your domestic phone number while using an Iceland eSIM card. Although you can dial and accept calls, remember that using your domestic phone number while abroad applies to expense roaming charges. Instead, you can use VoIP apps that use mobile data to save money.
Does my phone support an eSIM card for Iceland?
Most smartphones developed before 2018 doesn't support eSIM cards. If you need clarification on whether yours does, I recommend visiting our eSIM compatibility check article.
What happens after I buy an eSIM plan?
Most eSIM service providers, like Saily, use a QR code activation. After you buy an eSIM plan, it will send you a QR code to your email. Use your smartphone's camera to scan it and it will initiate the eSIM installation process.
Can I install my eSIM before I travel to Iceland?
Yes, it's highly recommended to install an eSIM before you leave home. eSIM installation and activation processes require an internet connection, which might not be available once you land in Iceland. Instead, set it up while you are still at home and activate it shortly before you depart.
