Is it better to use cash or card in Iceland?

Most locals only use card payments instead of cash, and you likely won't run into any small businesses in any of the small Icelandic towns that only take cash, no matter how small your purchase is. Again, for the most convenience, opt to bring your credit and debit cards with you to Iceland and pay that way.



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Cards are commonly used in Iceland even for quite small transactions. However, if you intend to visit isolated villages, or stay in rural farmhouse accommodation in Iceland, it's a good idea to carry enough cash to tide you over. ATMs – Hraðbanki in Icelandic, or Cashpoints, are easily found in cities and towns.

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It is always best to pay using Icelandic króna or using your credit or debit card where possible. As with travelling in any location, we'd recommend always carrying your credit or debit card in addition to an adequate amount of local currency in cash.

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No, you don't need any cash in Iceland. And yes, you can pay everywhere by debit or credit card. Note that some places (such as unmanned petrol stations) only accept credit cards with a 4-digit pin.

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Water bottle Before the tourism industry boomed, locals would never buy bottled water, “because clean water is free in Iceland and can be found in lakes, waterfalls, and rivers”. When traveling in Iceland, bring a bottle and fill it up from taps and, clean rivers and waterfalls.

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Banks With No Foreign Transaction Debit Card or ATM Fees Capital One's 360 products, including its checking account, charge no additional fees when you use your debit card abroad. The Schwab Bank Investor Checking account charges no foreign transaction fees and offers unlimited ATM fee rebates.

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