Originally Posted by
sokolov
tl;dr: What are the best mobile SIM options for tourists in Iceland?
Hello,
a friend (non-tech-savvy senior) will soon spend six weeks in Iceland. She asked me for advice on cell phone service. Neither of us speaks Icelandic. The roaming offer from her Canadian provider is daylight robbery. Unfortunately, her phone does not accept eSIMs, and she is just getting used to that new phone.
I tried to check the Icelandic operator's websites, but have not come far, as the information available in English is either not up to date or very limited. The AI chat things are ridiculously useless.
I have found three operators: Simmin, Nova, and Sýn (former Vodafone). Are there any others, maybe MVNOs?
Simmin has a 3,000 kroná SIM card that is valid for 30 days an includes 50 text messages and 50 minutes of calls (including to Canada, which may be useful to her). As I understand it, it is more expensive to buy additional data or add money for (expensive) SMS and minutes, so the best is probably to buy another such starter package after 30 days (or earlier if her 10 GB run out).
Sỳn has something called Risafrelsi 10GB at 2.990 kroná, which also includes 10 GB and unlimited minutes and SMS. However, the info is provided not only in Icelandic only, but also very limited. I was unable to determine if the unlimited minutes and SMS include those to Canada. Also I don't know if that package includes the SIM card, if you can reload it, and if it is available to tourists (or if you need an Icelandic ID number). Furthermore, the automated translation is giving me conflicting information depending on the target language (in German, unlimited minutes and SMS are "dependant on the system", whereas in Englisch thay are "regardless of the system", whatever a "system" is in this case.)
On the Nova website I have seen at least with some priceplans that an Iceland ID number is required, which my friend won't have.
Do I understand correctly that incoming calls and texts are always free?
What package should my senior friend, who will spend 6 weeks in Iceland, pick?
Thank you!
I have used Vodafone (didnt know their name had changed to Syn).
It was very simple to get and people keen to help tourists. Didnt use it for international calls but I recall the unlimited minutes/SMS only apply within Europe(EEA).