Any Iceland Cash/Card Tips

[PaulyB]

Hello. I am wondering if anyone has some hands-on, recent experience in Iceland.

I have heard it is a card-focused country which is fine except I seem to be completely unable to get a travel card with Iceland Krona. At least in Australia, they don't exist. This means that every time I tap and swipe I will pay bonus fees for international transactions.

Does anyone have any experience of a card I could use that enables me to use local currency? I have tried all the main ones I know. Wise/Airwallex/Qantas Money/Australia Post!...

Also, we would like to have some cash which, again we can't get here. Is there a good place around Reykjavík?

Thanks!

 

[kpc]

I was in Iceland in September last year for 2 weeks. You do not need cash in Iceland...everyone/ everywhere takes credit card (Visa, MC esp.) incl guides, toilets, petrol stations, hotels, parking metres etc, etc. You can take some Euro cash if it makes you feel better / safer but you won't need it.

Just have a Fx free credit card eg Bankwest, 28 degrees etc

 

[jastel]

Went about 5 years ago...never used a card at all.
It was the first time I've seen a toilet take a credit card but it took cash as well.
Wait till you see the prices there...you'll be too scared to spend anything anyway!

I went from London, think I got the cash there somewhere.
Same deal when I went to Russia and other Eastern European countries, hard to get the currency here...easy to get over there.

You might pay fees using CC, you might lose on a cash conversion...who cares...you are probably talking a few coffees when you are spending $10000.

just enjoy it, it is a great place.

 

[k_sheep]

Agree with the others - it's entirely card based. Just use a credit card.

 

[kpc]

Just some costs (Sept last year): eg petrol $3.50 a litre, main dish at average restaurant around $60 -80 for 2 with no alcohol! Will be more now! Hot tip: load up on duty free wine and beer (and snacks, food etc) at duty free supermarket at Kef on arrival for the trip (check duty free allowance which is quite generous)....I would have a glass or 2 of wine in hotel room before dinner and then another glass on return to avoid paying for alcohol at restaurant / bar where it costs an arm and leg! Be aware of drink drive rules though as very strict in Iceland!

 

[Cynicor]

This means that every time I tap and swipe I will pay bonus fees for international transactions.

Most importantly, this is wrong.
Just use a credit OR debit/savings card with no foreign exchange fees. It’s a common misconception that only travel cards with the set foreign currency can be used overseas in this way.

There a heaps of cards on the market that incur 0 fees for foreign tap or charges, using your own money or credit.

For savings/debit- UBank, Bankwest, ing, mac bank all have accounts that will work.
For credit- 28 degrees, anz, Bankwest, coles MC all have cards too.
Plus others I have missed for both categories

 

[Lat34]

Just some costs (Sept last year): eg petrol $3.50 a litre, main dish at average restaurant around $60 -80 for 2 with no alcohol! Will be more now! Hot tip: load up on duty free wine and beer (and snacks, food etc) at duty free supermarket at Kef on arrival for the trip (check duty free allowance which is quite generous)....I would have a glass or 2 of wine in hotel room before dinner and then another glass on return to avoid paying for alcohol at restaurant / bar where it costs an arm and leg! Be aware of drink drive rules though as very strict iin Iceland!

Gulp! Heard costs were eye-watering so thanks for recent experiences, much appreciated. We are in adavanced planning stages now for visit this time next year following Into The Midnight Sun cruise on Viking Venus.
Any other intel gratefully accepted

 

[PaulyB]

Hello and thanks for the info. It is indeed insightful and useful. Love the duty-free tip!