Iceland Travel & eSIM Guide 2025: Attractions and Tips
Iceland, a land where glaciers coexist with volcanoes and the northern lights adorn the night sky, stands as a dream destination for globetrotters. To fully immerse in its wonders, be it navigating the Golden Circle, sharing snapshots of the Blue Lagoon, or pursuing the auroras, having reliable internet is key. Traditional roaming plans often come with a hefty price tag, and physical SIM cards mean enduring long airport queues. This is where eSIMs shine. They offer convenience, cost – effectiveness, and seamless connectivity throughout your Icelandic escapade. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of exploring Iceland and selecting the perfect eSIM for your journey.
Iceland Attractions
Iceland’s attractions are a harmonious blend of natural splendor and remote allure. Connectivity not only aids in navigation but also in sharing precious moments and staying connected:
Golden Circle
This renowned route encompasses Þingvellir National Park, the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, Gullfoss Waterfall, a powerful cascade, and Strokkur Geyser, which erupts approximately every 10 minutes. A stable data connection enables you to follow turn – by – turn directions between these sites and look up interesting facts about each location, enriching your overall experience.
Blue Lagoon
The iconic milky – blue geothermal spa, just a short drive from Keflavík Airport, is an absolute must – visit. With a reliable internet connection, you can check last – minute booking updates, share pictures of the warm waters against the backdrop of black lava, or even coordinate with fellow travelers who might be joining you later.
Reynisfjara Beach
Famed for its black sand and basalt columns, this coastal gem is a photographer’s paradise. A working connection allows you to check tide times to avoid potentially dangerous shoreline conditions or discover nearby hidden treasures to explore after your visit.
Northern Lights Viewing
Apps that predict aurora activity, such as AuroraWatch UK, rely on real – time data. A consistent connection enables you to check forecasts on the go, ensuring you don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing green and purple lights that illuminate Iceland’s winter skies.
Iceland Telecoms
When selecting an eSIM, the underlying telecom network is crucial as it determines the quality of connectivity. Here are the key providers in Iceland, focusing on network coverage and signal strength:
Síminn
Síminn offers 3G/4G/5G signals. Its coverage extends across urban areas like Reykjavík and Akureyri, major routes such as the Golden Circle and the South Coast, and most populated regions. The signal strength within its covered areas is robust, ensuring a seamless connectivity experience for daily usage.
Vodafone Iceland
Vodafone Iceland provides 3G/4G signals. Its coverage reaches rural areas, including parts of the Ring Road, and mid – sized towns like Akureyri. The signal strength in rural zones is consistent, making it a suitable choice for travelers exploring beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
Nova
Nova offers 4G coverage predominantly in key tourist areas like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the South Coast, as well as the Golden Circle, and populated regions. The signal strength is reliable for basic needs such as using maps, messaging, and photo sharing within its coverage zones.
Buy Iceland eSIM
Purchasing an Iceland eSIM is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online before your trip, eliminating the need to wait in airport queues. Here is a detailed step – by – step guide, with a spotlight on Volarsky’s user – friendly Iceland eSIM (available at https://volarsky.com/product/iceland – esim/):
Check Device Compatibility
- Step 1: Open your phone’s Settings, then navigate to “Cellular” (or “Mobile Data” on some devices). If you spot an “Add eSIM” option, your device is compatible.
- Step 2: Dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears automatically, your device supports eSIM. For greater certainty, you can also refer to Volarsky’s official phone compatibility list on their website.Note: Your phone must be unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) to use the eSIM.
Visit Volarsky’s eSIM Page
Head over to https://volarsky.com/product/iceland – esim/ to explore Iceland eSIM plans. Volarsky partners with Síminn, a trusted network in Iceland, ensuring reliable connectivity.
Choose Your Plan
Select a plan based on your trip duration and data requirements. Volarsky offers a range of options, from budget – friendly small data packs to unlimited data plans. Adjust the quantity if traveling in a group and add the plan to your cart.
Complete Payment
Check out using PayPal for a secure and convenient transaction. Immediately after payment, you will receive an email containing a QR code for your eSIM—no need to wait for physical delivery.
Install the eSIM
Before or during your trip (you’ll need Wi – Fi for installation), open your phone’s Settings → “Cellular” → “Add eSIM” → “Use QR Code”, and then scan the QR code from Volarsky’s email.
Activate on Arrival
Once you touch down in Iceland, go to Settings → “Cellular”, select the Volarsky eSIM, turn on “Cellular Data” and “Data Roaming”, and the eSIM will automatically connect to the local Síminn network.
Iceland eSIM Costs
Volarsky’s Iceland eSIM plans feature transparent pricing, with options to suit different budgets and trip lengths. Here is a breakdown of the available plans (prices and details sourced from https://volarsky.com/product/iceland – esim/):
| Plan Type | Data Allowance | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Data Pack | Limited data | Starting from $1.99 | Ideal for short trips or occasional navigation |
| Mid – Range Plans | Varied data | $10 – $50 | Suitable for daily use, including maps, photos, and messaging |
| Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $50 – $215.99 | Perfect for heavy users, such as those streaming or using hotspot |
Iceland Travel Safety
While eSIMs enhance convenience, ensuring safety in Iceland requires prior preparation, especially in remote areas:
Physical Security
In case your phone gets lost or stolen, remotely disable your eSIM through Volarsky’s customer service to prevent unauthorized use.
Weather & Terrain
Iceland’s weather is highly unpredictable. Download offline maps via apps like Google Maps before venturing into rural areas. Even with a reliable eSIM, coverage may be patchy in deserts, high mountains, or small islands.
eSIM Coverage & Speed
Volarsky’s Iceland eSIM utilizes the Síminn network, ensuring connectivity across most of Iceland. Here’s what you can anticipate:
Coverage Area
The eSIM functions across all of Iceland, including urban centers like Reykjavík and Akureyri, major tourist routes such as the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Ring Road, and popular attractions like the Blue Lagoon and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. For remote areas like deserts, mountains, or islands, contact Volarsky’s customer service in advance for detailed coverage information.
Internet Speeds
You can expect 3G/4G/5G speeds, depending on your location. In cities like Reykjavík, 5G speeds are common, making it ideal for video calls or streaming short clips. Along rural routes, such as the Ring Road, 4G is the norm, sufficient for tasks like using maps, messaging, and photo sharing. In more remote locations, 3G is available, which is adequate for basic communication.
Fair Use Note
Similar to most carriers, Síminn enforces a fair use policy. If you consume an excessive amount of data in a short period, for example, through continuous streaming, your speed may be temporarily throttled to ensure other users have a reliable service. This is not a defect of Volarsky’s eSIM.
Final Travel Tips
- Dual SIM Setup: Keep your home SIM card enabled for calls to avoid missing important messages and use the Volarsky eSIM for data.
- Battery Saving: Iceland’s cold weather (reaching – 10°C or lower in winter) can quickly drain phone batteries. Carry a portable power bank to keep your phone—and eSIM—operational.
- Plan Activation: Volarsky’s eSIM validity commences only when you connect to the Icelandic network. Delay activation until you arrive in Iceland to maximize the plan’s duration.
With Volarsky’s Iceland eSIM, you can focus on exploring Iceland, whether it’s chasing waterfalls, watching the northern lights, or driving along the Ring Road, without fretting about connectivity. It offers a simple and affordable way to stay connected in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.