Iceland Currency Guide
The currency of Iceland and how to prepare for payments — all on one page. The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK).
Currency
Icelandic Króna
ISK
Reference rate · October 31, 2026
1 USD ≈ 122 ISK
1 EUR ≈ 136 ISK
1 GBP ≈ 163 ISK
Icelandic Króna conversion table
Reference values calculated at the mid-market rate as of October 31, 2026. Banks and card issuers add their own fees to actual exchanges and card payments.
| USD | ISK |
|---|---|
| 1 USD | 122 ISK |
| 5 USD | 609 ISK |
| 10 USD | 1,218 ISK |
| 50 USD | 6,090 ISK |
| 100 USD | 12,181 ISK |
| 500 USD | 60,903 ISK |
| ISK | USD |
|---|---|
| 1,000 ISK | 8.21 USD |
| 5,000 ISK | 41.0 USD |
| 10,000 ISK | 82.1 USD |
| 50,000 ISK | 410 USD |
Payment Tips to Remember
Always pay in the local currency
If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.
Set up a travel card before you fly
Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.
Airport exchange counters: last resort
Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.
Check ATM fees on screen
Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.
Keep some small cash
Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.
Cards for Abroad
Explore the Wise multi-currency card
One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.
Learn more
Local data
Get an eSIM for Iceland before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
Check prices and availability on the booking sites.
City Guides in Iceland
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is Iceland's capital and leading city, a port city on the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great base to stay before exploring the rest of Iceland.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest city in northern Iceland, a lively hub where fishing and commerce thrive together. Its year-round ice-free harbor and relatively mild climate make for comfortable travel.
Kópavogur
Kópavogur is Iceland's second-largest city, adjoining Reykjavík to the south as part of the greater Reykjavík area. Its name and coat of arms feature a seal, giving it a quirky story of its own.
Hafnarfjörður
Hafnarfjörður is a port town in southwest Iceland, close enough to Reykjavík for an easy day trip. Its lakes and mountains offer a peaceful natural setting to unwind.
Keflavík
Keflavík is a town in southwest Iceland, home to Keflavík International Airport nearby. As the gateway to Iceland, it's often the first stop for travelers arriving in the country.