Iceland Síminn SIM card & eSIM: What you need to know

Having internet access is crucial for travel in Iceland. This guide provides comprehensive instructions for tourists on how to get Síminn SIM card & eSIM in Iceland.

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information about obtaining and using Síminn SIM card & eSIM, including steps for purchasing, activating, and recharging them. It also highlights the convenience and advantages of Síminn Iceland’s eSIM plans as a modern alternative to traditional physical SIM cards.

I. Overview about Síminn Iceland – What you need to know

Síminn is the largest and oldest telecommunications service provider in Iceland. Síminn hf. (Icelandic for “The Telephone”), previously known as Landssíminn (“The National Telephone”) and even earlier as Póstur og Sími (“Post and Telephone”), is Iceland’s primary telecommunications provider. It is also known as Iceland Telecom Ltd.

  • Founded: 1906; 118 years ago (as Landssími Íslands)
  • Products: Síminn SIM card & eSIM, Fixed line, Mobile, Internet, xDSL, GPON, IPnetwork, Television, Streaming media
  • Coverage: Síminn’s mobile network covers over 99% of the Icelandic population. They have a widespread 4G/LTE network and are continuing to deploy 5G. 
  • Rank in Iceland: Síminn is the leading network in Iceland in terms of subscribers and coverage. They compete with other networks such as Nova and Vodafone Iceland. In 2018, Síminn was the largest mobile carrier in Iceland with a market share of 34.5%.
  • Customer support: online chat, call center, walk-in

II. Síminn Coverage in Iceland 

Síminn SIM card & eSIM Coverage in Iceland
Síminn SIM card & eSIM Coverage in Iceland

Siminn Fiber is an internet service provider which operates in Iceland. Currently it ranks 5 from 17 providers in Iceland.

  • Síminn has strong coverage in urban centers such as Reykjavík, Akureyri, and other major towns. 4G and 5G networks are available in these regions, offering high-speed mobile data.
  • Síminn has invested in providing coverage along major roads and highways, especially Route 1 (Ring Road), which circles Iceland. 

III. Síminn Speed in Iceland 

Síminn SIM card & eSIM Speed in Iceland
Síminn SIM card & eSIM Speed in Iceland

Síminn has the lowest standard deviation for both download and upload speeds, suggesting more consistent performance. According to speed benchmark of Iceland report 2024, here is key point:

  • Download Speed: 99.69 Mbps +/- 1.99 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: 16.62 Mbps +/- 0.45 Mbps

Note: Síminn appears to be a solid choice for internet service in Iceland, offering reliable speeds and consistent performance.

IV. Types of Síminn Iceland SIM Card Options for Tourists

Síminn provides three connectivity options for visitors to Iceland: roaming through their existing provider, renting a pocket WiFi device, or purchasing a local Síminn SIM card & eSIM. While Síminn offers eSIMs, it’s important to ensure your phone supports this technology before purchasing.

Here’s a table comparing the pros and cons of roaming, pocket WiFi, Iceland Síminn SIM card & eSIM:

FeatureRoamingPocket WiFiSíminn SIM CardSíminn eSIM
Pros– Convenient (uses existing number)
– No setup needed (usually)
– Can connect multiple devices
– Good for groups/families
– Can have better coverage in some areas
– Often most cost-effective for data
– Local number
– Potentially better call rates within Iceland
– Convenient (no physical SIM)
– Easy to switch plans
– Can keep existing SIM active
Cons– Can be VERY expensive for data
– Potential for unexpected charges
– May have limited data allowance
– Extra device to carry and charge
– Can be lost or damaged
– Rental fees and potential deposit required
– Need to purchase and activate
– Potential language barrier at purchase
– Device must be eSIM compatible
– Initial setup can be tricky for some

To sum up, Síminn SIM card & eSIM provide the best combination of affordability, usability, and availability for most travelers to Iceland.

V. Top Síminn Iceland SIM cards for Tourists & Prices

Síminn offers several prepaid SIM card options for tourists, providing affordable data, call, and text packages for various lengths of stay. Here’s a breakdown of Síminn’s top tourist SIM cards and their prices:

Síminn Tourist SIM – 10-Day Package

  • Data: 10 GB
  • Validity: 10 days
  • Price: Approximately ISK 2,900 (around USD 20)
  • Included: Unlimited local calls and texts within Iceland
  • Best for: Short stays with moderate data needs, covering essentials like navigation, social media, and web browsing.

Síminn Tourist SIM – 30-Day Package

  • Data: 20 GB
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Price: Approximately ISK 4,900 (around USD 35)
  • Included: Unlimited local calls and texts
  • Best for: Longer trips or visitors needing more data for daily browsing, GPS, and social media updates.

Síminn Tourist SIM – High Data Package

  • Data: 50 GB
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Price: Approximately ISK 7,900 (around USD 56)
  • Included: Unlimited local calls and texts
  • Best for: Heavy data users relying on mobile data for streaming, work, or frequent GPS usage in Iceland’s vast landscapes.

VI. Where to buy Síminn Iceland SIM cards for tourists?

Tourists can buy Síminn SIM cards for Iceland directly at Keflavík International Airport, from Síminn stores in Reykjavík and other major cities, or at authorized retailers across the country. Additionally, you can purchase a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your accommodation.  

1. Buy Síminn SIM at Iceland airports

Visit the convenience store in Reykjavik Airport to buy a Síminn SIM card
Visit the convenience store in Reykjavik Airport to buy a Síminn SIM card

You can buy a Síminn SIM card at Keflavík International Airport, the main gateway to Iceland, upon arrival. The SIM cards are available at Síminn kiosks or in duty-free shops located in the arrivals area. This is a convenient option for immediate connectivity. 

You’ll need to present your passport for registration, and you can choose from various tourist-friendly data plans. The SIM card is typically activated on the spot, so you can start using it right away.

Note: Some network providers do not sell eSIMs directly to tourists and only offer them through authorized agents. It’s important to check with the provider or confirm availability before traveling. For a more general option, consider purchasing a physical SIM card at the airport or through other retail outlets. 

2. Buy Síminn SIM in Iceland city center

Síminn SIM card & eSIM in Iceland city centers (like Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Kópavogur) are generally cheaper than Iceland airport SIM cards. 

Where to Buy

  • Síminn Official Stores: These are the most reliable places to buy Síminn SIM card & eSIM 
  • Convenience Stores: Some convenience stores, like 10-11, might sell Síminn SIM card & eSIM 

To find the nearest Síminn store or retailer, you can use Google Maps and search for “Síminn” or “Síminn store”. Here is some address you can refer to:

  • Síminn Reykjavik: Ármúli 25, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
  • Síminn Akureyri: Strandgata 3, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
  • Síminn Kópavogur: Hagasmári 1, 201 Kópavogur, Iceland

Buying a Síminn SIM card & eSIM at official stores often requires registering personal information, which can be a lengthy and complex process for tourists. You can choose other options like buying Iceland eSIM from retailers online.

3. Buy Síminn SIM online before departure

Buying a Siminn SIM card online prior to your Iceland journey is a proactive and convenient option for visitors. This ensures that travelers have access to connectivity right when you reach Iceland. 

You can look for online stores or platforms selling tourist SIM cards for Síminn SIM cards such as Síminn official website. Typically, online retailers will ask for essential information, such as your shipping details for the SIM card. 

Warning: Make sure the SIM card will arrive on time before your departure date.

VII. A Better Alternative to Síminn SIM cards – Iceland eSIM

Check out Gigago's eSIM plans for Iceland to simplify your travel experience
Check out Gigago’s eSIM plans for Iceland to simplify your travel experience

Travelers coming to Iceland can now easily remain connected through the eSIM provided by Gigago. This digital solution completely removes the need to stand in line to purchase and set up a physical sim card.

Gigago has affordable Gigago Iceland eSIM plans with prices starting from for three days with 500MB of data to purchase every day. More data options are available at . Bypass all the challenges posed by regular tourist SIM cards and experience uninterrupted service.

VIII. How to top up your Síminn Iceland SIM

1. Online Top-Up Síminn SIM card & eSIM

  • Visit the Síminn official website
  • Navigate to the “Prepaid” or “Top-Up” section.
  • Enter your phone number associated with the Síminn SIM card.
  • Select the desired top-up amount or plan.
  • Complete the payment using a credit or debit card.

2. Buying Top-Up Vouchers

  • Purchase a Síminn top-up voucher from a retail store, gas station, or Síminn store in Iceland.
  • Follow the direction on the voucher to activate the top-up.

IX. FAQ about Síminn SIM card & eSIM 

Where Can I Buy a Síminn SIM card u0026amp; eSIM?

You can buy Síminn SIM card u0026amp; eSIM at Síminn stores in Iceland, at Keflavík International Airport or online via Síminn’s official website or third-party retailers like Gigago.

Is the Síminn SIM card u0026amp; eSIM Compatible with My Phone?

Síminn SIM card u0026amp; eSIM are compatible with most unlocked devices. Also you should check again if your device supports the network frequencies used in Iceland. For travelers who tend to buy Síminn eSIM, check if your phone supports eSIM technology firsthand.

Why Should I Choose a Síminn SIM card u0026amp; eSIM when travelling to Iceland?

Síminn SIM card u0026amp; eSIM have extensive network coverage across Iceland, including rural and remote areas with high-speed 4G and 5G options.

X. Conclusion 

In summary, Síminn SIM card & eSIM options offer tourists in Iceland a reliable and flexible solution for staying connected. With various prepaid plans to suit short or extended stays, Síminn’s SIM cards provide ample data, unlimited local calls, and text options, all at competitive prices. These cards are easy to purchase at Keflavík Airport, Síminn stores, or online for added convenience.