Don’t Forget to Buy Icelandic Króna (ISK) Before Travelling to Iceland
To make the most of your trip to Iceland, we recommend exchanging some local currency before you travel. Iceland’s official currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK).
As exchange rates between the euro and the Icelandic króna can fluctuate, it is worth checking the EUR to ISK exchange rate carefully to ensure you receive the best possible deal.
Planning a travel budget in advance is also important, as it will help you estimate how many euros you need to exchange before your departure.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Budget
Tipping is not mandatory in Iceland, but it is always appreciated if you wish to reward good service. If you plan to leave tips during your stay, it is advisable to carry some Icelandic króna in cash.
On average, travellers spend between 13,000 and 21,600 ISK per person per day in Iceland.
Typical Dining Costs
- 1,000–2,500 ISK – Fast-food meal
- 2,500–3,500 ISK – Daily special at a café or bistro
- 5,000–9,000 ISK – Traditional meal in a restaurant
16,000 ISK
Average cost of one night's accommodation in Iceland
2,500 ISK
Average meal budget per person per day
Useful Information
Typical Prices in Iceland
440 ISK
Bus ticket
300 ISK
Cup of coffee
3,344–5,574 ISK
Reykjavík City Card
280 ISK
Icelandic hot dog
200–460 ISK per kilometre
Taxi fare
0–2,000 ISK
Admission to the National Museum of Iceland
Suggestions for Your Trip to Iceland
- Understanding Iceland’s Seasons: When planning your trip, it is useful to understand Iceland’s climate. During summer, average temperatures are around 10°C, occasionally reaching 15°C on warmer days. Winter lasts roughly from October to March, with temperatures often close to 0°C and significantly colder in remote regions of the country.
- Natural Wonders: For nature lovers, Iceland offers some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. Highlights include:
- The Golden Circle
- Lake Mývatn
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- The Westfjords
- Whale Watching: Would you like to experience whale watching from an eco-friendly boat? Some of Iceland’s best whale-watching destinations include:
- Akureyri
- Dalvík
- Reykjavík
- Hólmavík
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
If you choose to hire a tour guide, you may wish to leave a tip as a gesture of appreciation. This is one of the situations where having some cash available can be particularly useful.
For this reason, remember to exchange euros for Icelandic króna before you travel.
- Skiing in Iceland: Winter sports enthusiasts are well catered for in Iceland. Bláfjöll, located close to Reykjavík, is the country's largest ski resort and a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.
- Iceland’s Most Beautiful Beaches: If you prefer coastal scenery, Iceland offers several remarkable beaches:
- Reynisfjara Beach
- Vík Beach
- Rauðisandur Beach
- Diamond Beach
- Stokksnes Beach
- Djúpalónssandur Beach
These dramatic landscapes provide the perfect opportunity to experience Iceland’s rugged coastline and fresh sea air.
Facts About the Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Icelandic Króna Denominations
Coins:
- 1 ISK
- 5 ISK
- 10 ISK
- 50 ISK
- 100 ISK
Banknotes:
- 500 ISK
- 1,000 ISK
- 2,000 ISK
- 5,000 ISK
- 10,000 ISK
Origin of the Name
The Icelandic króna is known locally as "íslensk króna". The word króna derives from the Latin word corona, meaning crown.
The currency symbol commonly used within Iceland is kr, although ISK is the international currency code you should look for when exchanging money.
Interesting Facts About Icelandic Banknotes
Icelandic banknotes appear in shades of blue, green, red, and purple, often incorporating multiple colours.
They feature notable Icelandic figures from the country's political, historical, cultural, and artistic heritage.
Why Buy Icelandic Króna (ISK) from Prosegur Change?
Prosegur Change and ChangeGroup are global leaders in foreign exchange, with more than 30 years of experience and over 20 exchange bureaux located in the centres of Spain’s major cities.
With access to more than 60 foreign currencies, including the Icelandic króna, we make it easy to obtain the travel money you need before your trip. For the best EUR to ISK exchange rates, plan ahead and order your currency online, where you can benefit from our most competitive rates and 0% commission.
Add our Buy-Back Guarantee and you will not need to worry about calculating the exact amount of currency to purchase. You can exchange a larger amount with confidence, knowing that upon your return, you may sell back up to 50% of the foreign currency originally purchased, provided the transaction takes place within 50 days of purchase. This additional peace of mind is available for just €6.95.
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