If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, one thing you’ll definitely need is reliable mobile data.
Whether you’re navigating the Ring Road, checking weather warnings, searching for the nearest fuel station or trying to find the perfect waterfall, having internet access makes travelling around Iceland so much easier.
After several trips to Iceland, we’ve stopped relying on expensive roaming or airport SIM cards. Instead, we now use Saily eSIM, and it’s become one of the first things we sort out before every trip.
Here’s why we think it’s the best eSIM for Iceland.
Why You Need Mobile Data in Iceland
Although Iceland is a relatively small country, you’ll probably rely on your phone much more than you expect.
We constantly use ours for:
- Google Maps
- Weather forecasts
- Road conditions
- Fuel stations
- Booking attractions
- Finding campsites
- Checking Northern Lights forecasts
- Translating Icelandic signs
- Keeping in touch with family
Trying to do all of that without mobile data would be difficult.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone.
Instead of swapping your physical SIM card, you simply install an eSIM through an app, choose a data plan and you’re ready to go. Saily offers prepaid data plans in more than 200 destinations, including Iceland, and you can install your eSIM before you travel so it’s ready to connect when you arrive.
Why We Use Saily
We’ve tried different ways of staying connected abroad, but Saily has become our favourite for a few simple reasons.
It Works As Soon As You Land
One of the biggest advantages is that you can install your eSIM before you travel.
When you arrive in Iceland, your plan connects automatically to a local network, so you don’t need to queue at the airport looking for a SIM card.
It’s Easy to Set Up
Setting up Saily only takes a few minutes.
Simply:
- Download the Saily app.
- Choose your Iceland data plan.
- Install the eSIM.
- Travel to Iceland.
- Connect automatically when you arrive.
There’s no need to swap SIM cards or visit a mobile phone shop.
Perfect for Iceland Road Trips
If you’re driving around Iceland, having mobile data quickly becomes essential.
We regularly use it to:
- Check road closures.
- Monitor weather conditions.
- Find nearby petrol stations.
- Navigate unfamiliar roads.
- Book attractions.
- Search for cafés and supermarkets.
Having internet access gives you much more flexibility throughout your trip.
No Expensive Roaming Charges
International roaming can be expensive depending on your mobile provider.
Using a travel eSIM means you know exactly what you’re paying before you leave home, helping you avoid unexpected bills.
Built-In Privacy Features
One feature that makes Saily stand out is that it includes optional tools such as ad blocking, web protection and a virtual location feature, helping make browsing more private while travelling.
Will Saily Work on Your Phone?
Most modern smartphones support eSIM technology, including many recent:
- iPhones
- Samsung Galaxy devices
- Google Pixel phones
- Other flagship Android phones
If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking whether your device supports eSIM before you travel.
How Much Data Do You Need?
This depends on how you travel.
1 GB
Perfect for:
- Weekend trips
- Google Maps
- Messaging
- Light browsing
5–10 GB
Ideal for most visitors.
Enough for:
- Navigation
- Social media
- Uploading photos
- General browsing
20 GB+
Great if you:
- Upload lots of videos
- Work remotely
- Stream music regularly
- Spend two weeks or more in Iceland
Our Experience
Every time we travel around Iceland, mobile data becomes one of the most important parts of our trip.
From checking the weather before driving to finding hidden waterfalls and monitoring Northern Lights forecasts, we’re constantly using our phones.
During one winter trip, our rental car battery failed just outside Reykjavík. Having mobile data meant we could contact the rental company, pay for roadside assistance online and stay updated while we waited.
It’s one of those things you don’t fully appreciate until you really need it.
Get 10% Off Saily
We’ve partnered with Saily because it’s the service we genuinely use ourselves.
If you’d like to try it for your Iceland adventure, you can save 10% using our affiliate link below.
📱 Get your Saily eSIM and save 10%:
https://go.saily.site/aff_c?offer_id=101&aff_id=15717
Planning an Iceland Road Trip?
If you’re exploring beyond Reykjavík, you’ll also need a reliable vehicle.
We’ve always had excellent experiences with Blue Car Rental.
🚗 Hire your car here:
https://www.bluecarrental.is/?affiliate=IcelandicAdventure
Or, if you’re planning the ultimate Ring Road adventure, we highly recommend travelling by campervan.
We explored Iceland with CampEasy, and it completely changed the way we travelled.
Book through our link and you’ll also receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.
🚐 Book your CampEasy campervan here:
https://campeasy.com/?tap_a=107011-a856e5&tap_s=8902128-1989f0
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install my eSIM before I travel?
Yes. In fact, we’d recommend doing exactly that so everything is ready before you fly. Installing the eSIM doesn’t immediately start your plan—it activates when it connects in your destination (or after the provider’s activation window if unused).
Can I keep my normal phone number?
Yes.
Your normal SIM card can usually remain in your phone while using your eSIM for mobile data, depending on your device settings.
Does Saily include calls and texts?
Saily is primarily a data-only eSIM, so most travellers use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger or iMessage for communication while abroad.
Final Thoughts
For us, using an eSIM is now an essential part of planning any Iceland trip.
It’s quick to set up, easy to use and means you’re connected from the moment you land—whether you’re navigating Reykjavík, driving the Ring Road or chasing the Northern Lights.
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable way to stay connected without worrying about roaming charges, Saily is our recommendation.
We never travel to Iceland without it—and we wouldn’t want to.
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