Roaming outside the EU with a plan from Iceland

The short answer

Outside the EEA, prices for calls and data can be much higher than at home, so check your provider's rates before you travel. You also pay for calls you receive abroad, and calls that end in your voicemail count as received calls.

Outside the EU and EEA, roaming can be very expensive, especially mobile data. Protections such as a spending limit and warning messages exist in some places; what applies with a plan from Iceland is below.

Official source: fjarskiptastofa.is · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Iceland

The details

Since 1 October 2025 Icelandic providers must offer roam-like-at-home in the UK, under the same fair use rules as in the EEA. This does not cover permanent roaming. (island.is)
Outside the EEA too, data roaming has a default spending limit close to but not above EUR 50 a month excluding VAT, unless you chose another limit. You get a warning at 80% of it. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
If the network abroad does not allow real-time tracking, the limit cannot apply, and you must be told so by a free SMS when you arrive. (eur-lex.europa.eu)

Fjarskiptastofa

Iceland's telecom regulator. It takes complaints from consumers who think a provider breaks its duties under the telecom rules, tries to settle the dispute quickly and otherwise decides it.

📞 +354 510 1500 🔗 fjarskiptastofa.is

Official source: island.is · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Check the prices before you goLook up your operator’s rates for the country you are visiting, or buy a travel add-on.
Keep the spending limit onIf your operator offers a data spending limit, leave it on. It stops data use before the bill runs away.
Switch off data roaming when you do not need itApps update in the background. Use Wi‑Fi and switch off data roaming in your phone’s settings.
Consider a local SIM or eSIMFor longer trips, a local or travel SIM is often much cheaper.

📇 Who to contact

FjarskiptastofaIceland's telecom regulator. It takes complaints from consumers who think a provider breaks its duties under the telecom rules, tries to settle the dispute quickly and otherwise decides it.📞 +354 510 1500 🔗 www.fjarskiptastofa.is

Fjarskiptastofa (kvartanir neytenda)Settles disputes between customers and providersWhen the provider has not solved your complaint📞 +354 510 1500 🔗 www.fjarskiptastofa.is/fjarskiptastofa/tolfraedi-og-gagnasafn/rafraenar-umsoknir-og-tilkynningar/kvortun-fra-neytendum-til-fjarskiptastofu

❓ Questions

What happens when I reach the spending limit?

Where a limit applies, data stops or you are asked whether you want to continue. You decide whether to go on.

Do ships and planes count as abroad?

Networks on ships and planes often run via satellite, are not covered by the usual roaming rules and can be very expensive.

Can I dispute a huge roaming bill?

Yes. Complain to the operator first, then go to the dispute body if you cannot agree.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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✈️ Travelling outside the EU with a plan from Iceland: how do I avoid a huge roaming bill?