World by City

Iceland Iceland Currency Guide

The currency of Iceland and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Icelandic Króna

ISK

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

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.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

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.