Things To Know Before You Go To Iceland

Hi, I'm Brittany from The Venture Seekers, and if you're heading to Iceland soon, here's my go-to survival kit of tips to make your trip smoother, safer, and way more fun.

Internet & Connectivity

• Airalo eSIM – We used Airalo (use code BRITTA8487) and loved how simple and affordable it was for staying connected.

• Portable Wi-Fi – Available through most car rentals for ~$10–$12/day. Reddit and Facebook groups rave about these for road trips.

• Backup Plan – Consider a local eSIM or SIM from Síminn or Nova—especially helpful in more remote areas.

Public Restrooms (aka WC)

• "WC" stands for "Wash Closet" -you'll see this often on signage.

• Not all public restrooms are free. Be ready to pay a small fee (often ~200 ISK) or plan stops at gas stations or cafés that offer free access with a purchase.

• Our travel guide does list some public restrooms

Driving in Iceland

• Right side of the road

• Ring Road (Highway 1): This iconic loop connects the country, but side roads to the North or Highlands may be tolls or require 4WD. So decide what type of adventure you hope to do to accommodate what type of vehicle you will need.

• No pulling off road: Always stop in designated pull-offs—off-roading damages nature and is heavily fined.

• Speed limits & traps: Iceland enforces them strictly—don’t exceed limits or you’ll get pinged.

• You will also notice Iceland has many roundabouts. The inner lane (the left lane) has the right of way when exiting. If you are in the outer lane (right lane), you MUST yield to cars in the inner lane trying to exit. (This is opposite of what some drivers from the U.S. are used to.

• Car Rental: We have used Blue Car Rental every single trip and have been very pleased. For 5% off your rental use THIS LINK

Must-Have Apps

• Parka – For parking meters in Reykjavík and other cities

• road.is – Live road and weather conditions

• Vedur.is – Iceland’s official weather site (super accurate)

• Aurora Forecast – Northern Lights tracking

• SafeTravel.is – Emergency alerts and road closures

• Gasvaktin – Find the cheapest fuel nearby

• Currency Converter – To keep tabs on the Icelandic Króna

• Maps.me or Offline Google Maps – Crucial for navigating no-service areas

• Our Iceland Travel Guide – Full of clickable links to our favorite adventures, hot springs, and hidden gems.

Payments & Language

• Mostly cashless: Cards are accepted everywhere, even at self-service gas pumps—but you must have a PIN on your card  .

• ISK = Icelandic Króna: Always shows up as ISK. No need to bring USD/EUR—they won’t be accepted.

• No tipping required: A service charge is already included in bills  .

• Everyone speaks English—so ordering, chatting, navigating is effortless.

Weather & Clothing

• Iceland’s weather changes in a flash—sunshine one minute, sideways rain the next.
  Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and windproof gear.

  Didn’t bring the right stuff? Shop at:

  • 66°North or Icewear – Local outdoor brands

  • Bonus – Budget store for hats, gloves, and socks

  Bring rain gear for wet waterfall hikes like Seljalandsfoss or Gljúfrabúi!

Tap Water = Safe & Delicious

• Icelandic tap water is some of the cleanest in the world.

• No need to buy bottled—just bring a refillable bottle!

• Hot water will smell like sulfur- this is safe and okay.

Waterfalls Galore

• Over 10,000 waterfalls! We feature both the iconic ones and hidden gems in our guide—so bring a waterproof phone case and clothing!

Gas Stations & Food

Gas stations are your unexpected best friend on a road trip.

• Try Icelandic hot dogs (made with lamb)—you’ll find them everywhere.

• Soup & sandwiches are common and surprisingly good.

• Look for N1, Orkan, Olís, or OB. Some are automated, so:

  -Use a card with a PIN

  -Pre-authorize 10,000–20,000 ISK (charged only for what you pump)

Grocery Shopping

• Bonus is our favorite budget grocery chain—super affordable.

• Bring your own bags—otherwise you’ll pay for them at checkout.

  PRO TIP: Pack Protein-Packed Snacks

  • Most restaurants in Iceland don’t open until around 10:00 AM, so breakfast can easily get delayed depending on where you’re staying. It’s a good idea to book accommodations that include breakfast, or prep something ahead of time at your Airbnb. And don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks—especially if you’re heading straight out on an early morning adventure.

Respect Culture & Nature

• Shower before entering hot springs – It’s not optional. It’s a sign of respect.

• Leave no trace – Icelanders take nature conservation seriously.

• Learn a few phrases – “Takk” (thanks) and “Jæja” (let’s go!) go a long way.

Guest Tips & Extras

• Book everything early, especially car rentals and accommodations during summer—spots fill fast .

• 4WD for Highlands/F‑roads: Essential for gravel and river crossings  .

• Adapters needed: Iceland uses 220 V with European plug type C.

• Emergency numbers: Call 112 for immediate help.

• Offline backup: App like Maps.me + downloaded Google Maps are lifesavers in no‑service areas .

Iceland is thrilling, dramatic, and undeniably magical—but it takes a bit of prep. With connectivity strategies, driving know‑how, smart packing, and a heads‑up on food and currency, your trip will go from “Wow, that was close!” to “Wow, that was incredible.

-The Venture Seekers