Money & Currency
Icelandic Króna (ISK)
The Icelandic Króna is the smallest currency in the world by circulation. Current rate (2025/2026): 1€ ≈ 150 ISK. The Króna fluctuates significantly — before the financial crisis in 2008, it was 1€ = 90 ISK, then it fell to 1€ = 190 ISK.
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 ISK. Notes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 ISK.
Cashless — Iceland's Paradise
Iceland is practically a cashless society. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere — even at hot dog stands, campsites, and the most remote gas stations. You hardly need cash!
- Credit card with PIN: Mandatory! Many gas stations are unmanned and only accept cards with a 4-digit PIN
- Contactless payment (NFC): Widespread, including Apple Pay and Google Pay
- ATMs: In all cities and larger towns. Not in the highlands!
- Exchanging currency: Unnecessary — just pay by card in ISK. Your bank will automatically convert
💡 Tipp
Use a credit card without foreign transaction fees (e.g., DKB, N26, Revolut, Wise). Remember the 4-digit PIN — without a PIN, you can't refuel at unmanned gas stations in the highlands! In the worst case, you could be stranded with an empty tank. Some gas stations also accept debit cards (V-Pay/Maestro), but don't rely on it.
