Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,500–5,500 ISK | 12,000–25,000 ISK |
| Food | 2,500–4,000 ISK | 6,000–10,000 ISK |
| Transport | 3,000–5,000 ISK | 8,000–12,000 ISK |
| Activities | 0–3,000 ISK | 7,000–15,000 ISK |
| Drinks | 1,000–2,000 ISK | 3,000–5,000 ISK |
| Daily Total | 8,000–19,500 ISK | 36,000–67,000 ISK |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Iceland is in the Schengen Area — EU/EEA citizens need only an ID card. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free
- No border controls from other Schengen countries. Direct flights from Keflavík (KEF) to Europe and North America
- Keflavík Airport is 45 minutes from Reykjavík — Flybus (3,499 ISK) or Airport Direct (2,990 ISK) run every 30 minutes
Getting Around
- A rental car is essential for the Golden Circle and beyond. Book early in summer — prices start from 8,000 ISK/day for economy
- Route 1 (Ring Road) is paved and manageable in a 2WD. F-roads (highland) require a 4WD and are only open June–September
- No trains in Iceland. Strætó buses connect Reykjavík to some towns but are slow and infrequent for tourists
Connectivity
- Síminn and Vodafone offer tourist SIMs from 2,000 ISK at the airport with 5–10GB data. Coverage is good along Route 1
- Free WiFi at most accommodations, N1 fuel stations, and in Reykjavík. Signal disappears in highlands and remote fjords
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before leaving Reykjavík — signal drops are frequent outside towns
Money
- Card payment everywhere — even hot dog stands and rural farms accept contactless. You rarely need cash in Iceland
- ATMs are available at all banks. Avoid currency exchange at the airport — the rate is poor. Use a no-fee travel card instead
- Tipping is not expected in Iceland. Service charge is included in all prices. Only tip for exceptional guided tours if you wish
Weather & Packing
- Iceland weather changes every 15 minutes. Summer: 8–15°C. Winter: -5–3°C. Pack for all four seasons in one day
- Essential: waterproof outer layer, warm fleece mid-layer, thermal base layer, waterproof hiking boots, hat, and gloves
- Check vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office) and safetravel.is daily for weather warnings, road conditions, and volcanic alerts
Health & Safety
- Tap water is excellent and safe — the hot water smells of sulphur (geothermal heating) but the cold tap is pure glacier water
- Register your travel plan at safetravel.is before any backcountry trips. Mountain rescue is free but prevention is better
- Emergency number: 112. Landspítali hospital in Reykjavík. Travel insurance covering rescue and medical evacuation is essential
Cultural tips
Pool Etiquette
Shower naked before entering any Icelandic pool — this is non-negotiable and enforced. Use soap, shampoo everywhere, no swimsuit. It's completely normal and nobody looks twice.
Respect the Nature
Stay on marked paths, never drive off-road, don't stack rocks (cairns), and never step on moss — it takes decades to recover. Iceland's landscapes are fragile despite looking rugged.
Hidden People (Huldufólk)
Many Icelanders believe in elves and hidden people. Roads have been rerouted to avoid disturbing elf rocks. Don't mock this — it's a genuine cultural tradition tied to the landscape.
Icelandic Names
Icelanders use patronymic names — first names are used for everyone, even the president. There is no "Mr" or "Mrs." Phone books are sorted by first name.
Lamb & Skyr
Icelandic lamb is free-range and wild-roaming. Skyr is a thick dairy product (like Greek yogurt but technically cheese). Both are national staples — try them everywhere.
Volcanic Awareness
Iceland sits on an active volcanic zone. Check safetravel.is for eruption alerts. Recent eruptions near Grindavík closed the Blue Lagoon temporarily. Stay informed and follow all safety closures.
