Iceland – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Iceland, and what are the number formats for major expat destinations?

Iceland uses no area codes of any kind, and every standard telephone number runs to exactly seven digits. The country’s international dialling code is +354. This gives Iceland one of the more straightforward numbering systems in Europe — unlike countries such as Germany or the Netherlands, where callers must first know the appropriate regional city prefix, reaching any Icelandic number from anywhere in the world simply requires dialling +354 and then the seven-digit subscriber number.

A standard Icelandic phone number takes the form +354 XXX XXXX, giving a total of seven digits after the country code. There is no trunk or leading zero to discard when dialling from overseas — the subscriber number is the full seven digits, used exactly as they appear.

As a general guide, mobile numbers typically begin with 6, 7, or 8, while landline numbers tend to open with 5 (for Reykjavík) or 4 (for the rest of the country). This pattern can offer a rough indication of whether you are ringing a fixed or mobile line, though it is not an absolute rule. The introduction of telephone number portability means that landline numbers may now be used in different parts of the country, and mobile numbers originally allocated to one carrier may have since moved to another.

To reach Iceland from overseas, enter your international exit code (usually 00, or simply + on a mobile handset), then 354, then the seven-digit local number without any additional prefix. For instance, a Reykjavík landline might appear as +354 512 3456. Domestic toll-free numbers in Iceland use the prefix 800, but these are not reachable from outside the country in the same way as ordinary numbers — if you need to contact such a service from abroad, ask the organisation concerned for an internationally accessible alternative. To place a call from Iceland to another country, dial 00 followed by the relevant country code and number.

Who are the major landline providers in Iceland, and how can you contact them?

Iceland’s telecommunications sector is well-developed and competitive, with a range of wholesale and retail operators active across the market. Within the fixed-line segment, Síminn holds the dominant position, while Sýn (formerly Vodafone Iceland) and Nova each offer their own fixed-line VoIP products to residential and business customers.

Traditional analogue PSTN and ISDN telephone services were progressively decommissioned between 2020 and 2024, replaced entirely by VoIP solutions. This means that every landline connection in Iceland now runs over internet infrastructure — principally fibre — rather than the legacy copper telephone network. By 2024, Iceland’s entire telecoms infrastructure had been fully digitalised, with fibre available to 93% of households and all fixed-line voice services operating on VoIP technology.

The principal landline providers and their contact details are listed below:

• Síminn — Iceland’s oldest and largest telecoms operator, providing mobile (4G/5G), fixed-line VoIP, broadband, IPTV, streaming, and television production services. Website: www.siminn.is. Customer service: +354 550 6000. Physical stores can be found in Reykjavík and in major towns throughout the country.
• Sýn (formerly Vodafone Iceland) — Síminn’s largest competitor, the company rebranded as Sýn in 2024. Website: www.syn.is. Customer service: +354 599 9000.
• Nova — Alongside its mobile network, Nova provides fixed broadband and VoIP landline services to home and business customers. Website: www.nova.is. Customer service: +354 519 1000.

Fixed-line packages from all three providers are typically structured as bundles combining a VoIP phone line with fibre broadband, and optionally a television service. Pricing varies according to connection speed and bundle content, and tariffs are updated periodically — always consult each provider’s website for the most current figures. Iceland’s telecoms regulator, Fjarskiptastofa (the Post and Telecom Administration), publishes market data and consumer guidance on its website and acts as the escalation body for unresolved complaints against providers.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Iceland, and how can you contact them?

Three networks serve the Icelandic mobile market: Síminn, Sýn (formerly Vodafone Iceland), and Nova. All three offer both prepaid and postpaid subscription options for residents. Iceland’s mobile networks are built on the GSM standard, and 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services are all available across the country.

The following table shows the market share distribution among operators as of 2023, providing a useful sense of each carrier’s scale:

In 2023, Síminn led the market with 36.5% of all mobile subscriptions, ahead of Nova at 31.9% and Sýn at 26.5%. Plans and pricing evolve frequently, so it is worth checking each carrier’s official website for the latest offers before making a decision.

When it comes to network reach, Síminn offers the broadest coverage across Iceland, making it the most reliable choice for anyone spending time outside major population centres. Nova tends to be the most competitively priced option for data-heavy usage and performs well in urban environments. As a rough guide: Síminn is the costliest but provides the most comprehensive rural and remote coverage; Sýn sits in the middle — competitively priced and perfectly adequate for those who stay mostly in populated areas; and Nova is the most affordable option, best suited to those who remain largely within the Greater Reykjavík area.

Very remote locations — particularly in the interior Highlands — may have limited or no mobile signal regardless of which network you use. In populated areas, along the Ring Road, and in all major towns and tourist routes, however, mobile reception is generally excellent. For the most accurate picture of coverage in a specific area, consult the interactive coverage maps on each provider’s website.

Síminn runs a 5G/4G network that extends to more than 99% of Iceland’s population. Nova was the pioneer in Icelandic mobile connectivity, becoming the first operator to launch 4G in 2013 and the first to roll out 5G in 2020. Urban areas across Iceland now benefit from 5G coverage.

How do I get a landline connected in Iceland?

Arranging a landline in Iceland today means ordering a VoIP telephone service, almost invariably sold as part of a bundled broadband package. With Iceland’s telecoms infrastructure fully digitalised and predominantly fibre-based as of 2024, all fixed-line voice services now run over internet connections rather than traditional copper circuits. The overall process closely resembles signing up for a broadband and phone bundle in other European countries.

1. Verify availability at your address. Visit the website of your preferred provider — Síminn, Sýn, or Nova — and use their online coverage or address checker to confirm that fibre or broadband service is offered at your property. Iceland began rolling out fibre to the home in 2004, and by 2022 it had reached 90% of the population, so availability is high across most residential areas.
2. Select a provider and package. Browse bundled options — broadband plus VoIP landline, with or without a television component — on each provider’s website. All three operators display current pricing online. Costs differ considerably depending on connection speed and what the bundle includes, so compare carefully before committing.
3. Submit your application online or in person. Applications can be made through a provider’s website or at one of their retail stores. You will typically need to present valid proof of identity (a passport or national ID card) along with your Icelandic residential address. If you have already been issued a kennitala (Iceland’s ten-digit personal identification number), bringing this along will make the sign-up process noticeably faster. Both renters and homeowners are generally treated alike, though tenants should check whether the landlord already has an existing broadband contract that could simply be transferred into your name.
4. Book an installation appointment. If a fibre connection has not previously been terminated inside the property, an engineer visit will be required. Standard installation lead times are usually between a few working days and two weeks; new-build homes or properties in remote rural locations may take longer.
5. Activate your VoIP number. Once the broadband service is up and running, your provider will bring the VoIP landline number live. You will either be allocated a new number or, if switching from another provider, you may request a transfer (port) of your existing number.

In April 2024, Míla announced a full copper shutdown by 2028, encompassing DSL services as well, which will complete Iceland’s transition to entirely fibre-based fixed-line infrastructure. If your current address is served by copper DSL, be aware that this will be replaced within the coming years. For the latest requirements and timescales, contact your chosen provider directly or refer to guidance published by Fjarskiptastofa.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Iceland?

Picking up a mobile SIM card in Iceland is a simple task that can be completed as soon as you arrive. All three of the country’s main networks — Síminn, Sýn (Vodafone), and Nova — sell prepaid SIM cards through their own stores, at Keflavík Airport, and at most petrol stations and convenience shops around the country. Online purchase is also available.

Prepaid SIMs are the most accessible route for newcomers and those who have not yet established permanent residency. As of 2024, prepaid SIM starter packs in Iceland range from around ISK 2,000 (approximately $15 USD) to ISK 6,000 (approximately $45). To give a specific example, Síminn’s Síminn Freedom starter pack is priced at ISK 3,000 and includes 50 domestic and international minutes, 50 domestic SMS messages, and 10 GB of data. Always verify current plan details and pricing on the relevant provider’s website, as offerings are updated regularly.

It is worth noting that certain Síminn plans — for instance the Þrenna Prepaid Plan — require an Icelandic kennitala to activate. Standard tourist starter packs, however, do not carry this requirement and are therefore accessible to both new arrivals and short-stay visitors. You will in all cases need a valid passport or identity document to purchase a SIM. Make sure your handset is unlocked before attempting to use a local SIM, and allow between 15 minutes and an hour for the registration process to be completed.

Postpaid (contract) plans are better suited to those settling in Iceland for the longer term. These arrangements involve a contractual commitment — typically one to two years — and include a credit check. Under a postpaid model, you are billed for usage after the fact, generally at the end or beginning of each month. Plans cover a wide range of data, call, and text allowances. To take out a postpaid contract, you will ordinarily need an Icelandic kennitala, a confirmed local address, and a valid identity document. The process parallels signing up for a contract in most other European countries, with the kennitala being the key additional requirement specific to Iceland.

eSIMs are growing in availability. Síminn’s Freedom starter pack can be purchased and activated online as an eSIM. International eSIM providers such as Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly also offer Iceland-compatible data eSIMs that can be set up before you depart for the country, giving you immediate connectivity upon landing — a practical solution for the initial days after arrival. Physical SIM cards remain more widespread in Iceland, but eSIM support is steadily expanding. Verify that your device is both unlocked and eSIM-compatible before making a purchase.

Because Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area, EU roaming regulations apply there. The “roam like at home” framework, which abolished intra-European roaming charges in 2017, means that holders of a SIM from any EU or EEA country can generally use it in Iceland without additional roaming fees — though fair-use data thresholds may apply. Confirm the specifics with your home provider before relying on this.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Iceland?

Iceland’s payment infrastructure is thoroughly modern and primarily digital. Landline and mobile contract holders are billed on a monthly cycle, with invoices delivered by email or through each provider’s online account portal. The most common payment methods are as follows:

• Online banking (netbanki). The predominant payment method in Iceland. All major Icelandic banks enable bill payments directly through their internet banking platforms, where telecoms providers appear as listed payees. Payments can be made on demand or scheduled in advance.
• Direct debit (beingreiðsla). Authorising your bank to settle bills automatically on their due date is a reliable and convenient option. This can be configured easily through your bank’s online portal and is a particularly sensible choice for newcomers who want to avoid missing payment deadlines.
• Provider app or website. Each of the three main operators provides a mobile app and an online account area where you can view invoices and pay by card or linked bank account. Prepaid users can also top up their credit quickly and easily through these platforms.
• Card payment in-store or by phone. Visiting a provider’s physical shop or calling customer services to pay by card is an option, though it is less commonly used for routine monthly bills. It can be helpful, however, if you encounter difficulties with online banking.

Prepaid users can purchase top-up credit online, through the provider’s app, at petrol stations, and at convenience stores across Iceland. Credit on prepaid plans typically remains valid for six months following activation; after six months from the most recent top-up, service is suspended — though it can be restored by adding further credit. After twelve months of inactivity, the SIM is fully deactivated and the number is relinquished. To retain your number, it is important to keep the account active by periodically topping up or renewing a data bundle.

Late payment policies differ between providers. Most will issue at least one reminder before suspending service, but persistent late payments on a contract can attract fees and may have an adverse effect on your credit standing in Iceland. Setting up a direct debit is the simplest way to ensure bills are settled on time. Unlike in some other countries, there is no prepayment meter system for phone accounts in Iceland — the standard monthly invoicing model applies throughout.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Iceland as a newcomer?

Coverage in popular expat areas. In Reykjavík and other sizable urban centres such as Akureyri, strong signal from all three operators is essentially guaranteed. The capital region, the Reykjanes Peninsula (including the Keflavík area), Selfoss in the south, and Akureyri in the north all enjoy solid 4G and 5G reception. Signal can become unreliable around mountain ranges and glaciers, so if your work or leisure activities regularly take you into remote terrain, Síminn’s network — recognised as the most geographically extensive — is the safest bet.

Number porting. If you are already using an Icelandic number and want to switch carrier, all three operators support number portability. The porting process is initiated through the new provider, who manages the transfer on your behalf. Transitions typically take a few working days. Note that porting a foreign number to an Icelandic network is not generally possible; you will need to obtain a fresh Icelandic number upon arrival.

Keeping a foreign SIM while in Iceland. As Iceland is part of the EEA, “roam like at home” EU regulations mean that SIM cards from EU and EEA countries can be used in Iceland without incurring roaming surcharges. If you are coming from outside the EEA, international roaming rates will likely apply, making a local prepaid SIM a more cost-effective alternative. Always review your existing provider’s terms before assuming your plan will be economical in Iceland.

eSIM availability. Síminn’s Freedom starter pack is available for purchase online as an eSIM, and international providers including Airalo and Nomad offer Iceland-compatible eSIM plans. Setting up an eSIM before you travel gives you a live local number the moment you land, which is particularly useful for confirming accommodation and arranging utilities on arrival. Check that your handset is unlocked and eSIM-enabled before purchasing.

Iceland’s telephone directory convention. In the Icelandic naming tradition, surnames are patronymic — derived from the father’s first name — rather than hereditary family names. As a result, entries in the telephone directory are ordered by first name rather than surname. The national phone directory is accessible at ja.is.

Infrastructure reliability. Iceland maintains connectivity with both Europe and North America through four submarine cables, ensuring robust international data links. Service outages in towns and cities are uncommon, though remote areas may experience disruptions during periods of harsh weather. If you frequently travel through or work in the interior Highlands — where mobile coverage is sparse or absent — a satellite communicator device is a wise safety precaution.

The kennitala and phone accounts. Many account management actions — including upgrading a contract or using online self-service features — will require your kennitala, Iceland’s ten-digit personal identification number. Registering your address with the National Registry (Þjóðskrá Íslands) and obtaining your kennitala promptly after arrival will considerably smooth the process of setting up phone services, banking, and other essentials.

Emergency calls. The emergency services number in Iceland is 112, reachable from any phone — including those without a SIM card or with no remaining credit. The non-emergency police line is 444 1000. Store both numbers in your phone before venturing into or settling in rural and remote areas.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Iceland?

Generally, no. Number portability in Iceland operates within the Icelandic national numbering plan. If you want to hold on to a foreign mobile number after relocating, your best option is to keep that foreign SIM active — for example by topping it up occasionally to prevent expiry — while simultaneously taking out a local Icelandic number. Some VoIP services do allow you to maintain a virtual foreign number, but this is independent of your Icelandic mobile account. It is worth speaking to your overseas provider before you move to understand your options.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Iceland?

For a prepaid SIM, a registered local address is not normally required — presenting a valid passport or identity document is usually all that is necessary. For a postpaid contract, you will need to provide both a local address and an Icelandic kennitala (personal identification number), and the kennitala can only be obtained once you are registered at a residential address with the National Registry. It is advisable to complete your registration as soon as possible after arriving in Iceland.

Which mobile network has the best coverage outside Reykjavík?

Síminn offers the most comprehensive coverage across Iceland, particularly in areas away from major towns. Travellers who frequently drive the Ring Road or who spend time in the north and east of the country will find Síminn the most dependable choice. Nova’s strengths lie primarily in the Greater Reykjavík region, and its signal can be less consistent in rural and remote parts of the country.

Is 5G available in Iceland?

Yes, 5G coverage is available across most of Iceland’s urban areas. Nova became the first carrier to launch a 5G service in 2020, with Sýn and Síminn subsequently rolling out their own 5G networks. Síminn’s combined 5G/4G network now covers more than 99% of the country’s population. Whether 5G is accessible on prepaid plans differs by operator, so check the relevant provider’s website for current eligibility details.

Can I use my EU SIM card in Iceland without roaming charges?

Yes. Iceland’s membership of the European Economic Area means that EU “roam like at home” regulations apply, allowing SIM cards issued in any EU or EEA country to be used in Iceland without additional roaming fees. That said, many operators impose fair-use caps on data consumed while roaming, so it is worth reviewing your plan’s specific terms. Travellers arriving from outside the EEA should expect standard international roaming charges to apply, in which case purchasing a local prepaid SIM is typically more economical for any extended stay.

How do I get an eSIM for Iceland?

Síminn offers its Freedom starter pack as a remotely activatable eSIM, available for purchase online. Internationally, providers such as Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly each sell Iceland-compatible eSIM plans that can be bought and installed before your departure. Before making any purchase, confirm that your handset is both unlocked and capable of supporting an eSIM. For longer-term residents, Síminn and the other local operators can also set up eSIM-based postpaid contracts through their stores.

What is the Icelandic telecoms regulator and what can it help with?

The national telecoms regulator is Fjarskiptastofa (the Post and Telecom Administration, or PTA). Its responsibilities include overseeing market competition, setting wholesale access tariffs, and handling consumer complaints that a provider has failed to resolve satisfactorily. More information and consumer guidance are available at www.fjarskiptastofa.is. If you have a dispute with a telecoms provider that their customer service team has been unable to settle, Fjarskiptastofa is the appropriate body to contact for further assistance.

Are landlines still worth having in Iceland?

Fixed-line subscriptions in Iceland have been on a gradual decline since reaching their peak in 2001, and the majority of residents — including most expats — depend almost entirely on their mobile phones. That said, a bundled broadband and VoIP landline package may represent good value if you require dependable home internet access, since a VoIP line is frequently included in standard broadband bundles at little or no additional cost. Those who work from home or run a business may also find that having a dedicated landline number lends a more professional impression. Whether it is genuinely useful will depend on your individual circumstances; many newcomers find that a mobile connection alone covers all their needs.