How to Buy a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for Tourists: Where and Price

Find out where to buy, how much it costs, and your options for a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). 

SIM card at Keflavík International Airport

To stay connected during your Iceland trip, you’ll need a reliable SIM card. This guide will help you purchase a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport. You’ll learn where to buy, the best SIM plans, their prices, and other options.

Highlights

  • Purchase an Iceland SIM card at a convenience store.
  • Iceland eSIM also offers affordable and flexible data plans.
  • Choose a plan that suits your data usage and duration of stay.
  • Tourists may need to present passports for identification purposes.

I. How to Get a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)?

At Keflavík International Airport (KEF), obtaining a SIM card is simple and offers a number of choices: 

  • Purchase online in advance and pick it up at the airport: Purchase your SIM card online in advance of your journey and pick it up at the airport when you get there. 
  • Buy Upon Arrival: If you prefer to wait until you land, you can purchase a SIM card at various kiosks and shops located within the airport.
  • Purchase an eSIM (if your phone is compatible): This digital option is for tech-savvy tourists because it can be activated without a physical SIM card, guaranteeing immediate connectivity.

II. Where to Buy a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)?

Prepaid SIM cards may only be purchased at this convenience store at Reykjavik Airport. Tourists can purchase prepaid SIM cards from Orange, Siminn, and Nova at the convenience store. 

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) map
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) map

Reykjavik Airport is the most convenient location in Iceland to purchase a prepaid sim card. There is a lime green convenience store to your right as soon as you enter the arrivals door. The convenience store accepts credit cards and is open twenty-four hours a day. Tourists can also purchase prepaid sim cards from an Elko store at Reykjavik Airport.

Convenient store that sell SIM card
Convenient store that sell SIM card

1. Buy Vodafone SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

You can buy a Vodafone SIM card at 10-11 Keflavik Airport. 

  • Location: This shop is located in the arrival hall of the airport 
  • Opening hours: 24 hours a day
  • Price: They sell Vodafone Prepaid 4G/5G Internet Starter Kit, costing ISK 1,790 (13 USD) for 3GB data at Keflavík International Airport. 

2. Buy Nova SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Nova offers flexible options that cater to both short visits and longer stays. Nova SIM cards are typically available at convenience stores in the arrivals area. Look for signs or ask airport staff to point you to the right location.

  • Price: Nova offers a variety of tourist-friendly packages ranging from $15 – $35
  • Opening hour: Most shops, especially those in the arrivals area, operate 24/7 
Nova Sim card
Nova Sim card

3. Buy Siminn SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Siminn’s initial point of contact upon arrival in Iceland is at the Keflavik airport. They can be found behind the baggage claim area at the duty-free store.

  • Opening hour: 24/7
  • Price: pay around 3000 ISK for a basic plan with 10GB of data, 50 minutes of international calls, and 50 SMS.

III. Do SIM card shops at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)open after midnight? 

Yes. SIM card shops at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) are accessible after midnight. Specifically, the convenience store in the arrivals hall, which sells prepaid SIM cards for Siminn, Orange, and Nova, is open 24/7. This allows travelers arriving on late-night or early-morning flights to purchase a SIM card as soon as they land.

Note: It's important to note that while you can buy physical SIM cards at the airport at any time, official provider stores (like dedicated Siminn outlets) are not available within the airport itself. Therefore, eSIMs or more specialized services might require a visit to stores in Reykjavik city during their regular business hours.

IV. Keflavík International Airport (KEF) SIM card Price ?

At Keflavík International Airport (KEF), tourist SIM card prices generally range from ISK 2,000 to ISK 5,000 (around USD 15-35). These packages from local providers like Síminn and Nova typically include a range of data options and some may include minutes or texts.

Vodafone

  • Starter kit: Prepaid 4G/5G Internet – ISK 1,790 (~USD 13) for 3 GB of data, limited-time plan for occasional internet use.

Síminn 

  • Basic Package: ISK 2,000 (~USD 15) for around 1 GB of data, valid for a few days—suitable for light internet use.
  • Tourist Package: ISK 3,500 (~USD 25) includes 5-10 GB of data, valid for 7 days—ideal for moderate usage with social media and navigation.
  • Extended Package: ISK 5,000 (~USD 35) offers 10-20 GB, valid for 30 days—perfect for travelers with higher data needs during a longer stay.

Nova 

  • Small Data Package: ISK 2,000 (~USD 15) for 2-3 GB of data, valid for 7 days.
  • Standard Package: ISK 3,500 (~USD 25) includes 10 GB, valid for 14 days—suitable for more active usage like streaming and video calls.
  • Unlimited Package: ISK 5,000 (~USD 35) for unlimited data, valid for 30 days—best for extended stays with high data requirements.

Note: Each provider’s packages vary in data and duration, allowing tourists to choose based on their usage and stay length. For short visits or minimal data needs, the basic packages are affordable, while extended packages are available for travelers needing more data flexibility. 

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

To buy a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), tourists will typically need an unlocked phone, a passport for registration, and a payment method (cash or card). This process can feel complicated, as some travelers may not prefer sharing personal details like passport information.

For a simpler option, consider buying an international SIM card online before departure or using an eSIM, which skips the need for a passport. To use an eSIM, travelers need an eSIM-compatible device, which can be activated digitally without the need to show identification at the airport.

VI. eSIM at Keflavík International Airport – Alternative to Iceland SIM Card

Consider purchasing a convenient and affordable Iceland eSIM from a trusted retailer like Gigago.
Consider purchasing a convenient and affordable Iceland eSIM from a trusted retailer like Gigago.

Iceland SIM card now is a little bit outdated after the growth of eSIM technology. Most of the newest cell phones nowadays support eSIM. You can conveniently purchase an eSIM for your Iceland trip online before your arrival or at Keflavík International Airport. 

Iceland mobile operators usually sell eSIM on their official website and offline store. However, tourists are recommended purchasing a travel eSIM through a trusted eSIM retailer like Gigago. This simplifies the process because you don’t have to queue for a SIM card or show off your passport and ID for verification.

Gigago Iceland eSIM provides affordable and flexible data plans tailored for travelers. Plans are around $3.00$95.90 , with multiple choices from 500MB per day to Unlimited data connection. With just $3.00 you will have 500MB everyday for 3 days in a row.

VII. FAQ about SIM card at Keflavík International Airport

Can I buy a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport?

Yes. You can purchase SIM cards from convenience stores located within the airport. 

Can I purchase an eSIM at Keflavík International Airport?

Yes. While physical SIM cards are readily available, eSIMs might be less common at the airport. However, you can easily purchase an eSIM online with Keflavík International Airport free wifi. 

Is 4G/5G coverage available in Iceland?

Yes. Iceland has excellent 4G and 5G coverage, especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a SIM card at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is convenient for tourists looking to stay connected in Iceland. SIM cards are available at various stores within the airport, including convenience stores and kiosks near the arrivals area, often open during flight hours.  The setup is easy, and eSIM options are also available for compatible devices. This ensures tourists can stay connected during their trip.