7 things to know before going to Iceland
Reading Time: 3 minutes Should I bring cash to Iceland?
Icelandic Króna | $100 USD = 13747.00 ISK (2024)
I always bring cash for every country because you never know. What if your cards lock or get stolen? There was never a situation where I couldn’t use my card, but I was happy I still brought some ISK cash. I just made sure to use it before I left, and even if I didn’t use it, I knew I could exchange it when I got home.
How much will I spend on a trip to Iceland?
Iceland was not as expensive as I thought it would be. We stayed in hostels and cooked our food, and I regretted not staying longer in the country! Watch the Episode here.
Average Daily Cost Per Person: low end $92 | high end $491
How much I spent for 3 days: $1097 – including flight one way flight
Should I get a travel credit card?
I recommend applying for a Travel credit card with a 15-18 months 0% APR. I have two, one from Capital One and the other from Bank of America. I have had no issues with them and no yearly fee! I even used my points from my Capital One to pay for a portion of my flight to Iceland!
What airport should I fly to?
Iceland has two airports: Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland’s international airport, and the Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV). You will fly into Keflavik Airport (KEF).
Ma I’m Fine Pro Tip
Download the extension Travel Arrow to compare Google Flights with Skyscanner and other third-party sites, then book directly with that airline.
Do I need a Visa to visit Iceland?
U.S. citizens may enter Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. U.S. Embassy in Iceland
Is Iceland LGBTQ+ Friendly?
Rated 92/100 on the LGBTQ+ Equality Index.
Where should I rent my car?
Website: Auto Europe
The car company that I used: Payless
Type: Hyundai 120 Automatic (make sure to purchase an automatic unless you are comfortable driving a stick. I accidentally booked the wrong one the first time)
Car Insurance: I did not get car insurance because my Capitol One Credit Card covered me. If you’re uncomfortable with that, I recommend purchasing insurance.
Ma I’m Fine Pro trip
Check prices a few days to a week before leaving and see if prices have dropped. I originally paid $335.05 and rebooked 1.5 weeks for $174.35. Score! I was proud of that one. You can do this with accommodations as well!
What should I know about Driving, Gas Stations, & Parking in Iceland?
Driving
⚪️ We went in September and had good driving conditions; it only rained once. Iceland can have wild weather, so be careful, and if you’re going to be in harsh weather, I recommend renting a 4-wheel drive car.
⚪️ Right side of the road
⚪️ Speed cameras
⚪️ Drive with lights on at all times
⚪️ Slow down when passing on gravel roads
Gas Stations
⚪️ Need a card with a pin for gas stations (the zip code you put in for your credit card is not considered a pin). Bank Of America CC comes with a pin!
⚪️ Get gas in Iceland early and often! With that said, I saw gas stations pretty often. But once you pass Vik they become less frequent. Gas station map
⚪️ Iceland gas stations offer fresh food and groceries
⚪️ Many gas stations in Iceland offer free self-service car wash stations
⚪️ Gas is going to be expensive as fuck $80-$100
Parking
⚪️ We had no issues paying with our card at the spots we went to. I always make sure to have some cash on me, but all the places we went to had a machine or QR code for us to scan.
additional Resources
I want you to feel completely prepared when adventuring to Iceland and any other trip you think of taking.
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