Currency Guide
ISK, cards and tipping in Iceland
Currency
Icelandic króna (ISK / kr)
Banknotes
500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 kr
Coins
1, 5, 10, 50, 100 kr
Approximate
1 EUR ≈ 136 ISK, 1 USD ≈ 121 ISK (Oct 2026)
Practical tips
- Iceland is nearly cashless — credit cards work everywhere, even at most restrooms.
- You don't need to exchange to ISK beforehand — your card handles it automatically.
- Tipping is not customary in Iceland — it's included in the price.
- VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is rarely accepted.
- Banks (Arion, Íslandsbanki, Landsbankinn) exchange currency, but rates are worse than card companies.
- You can claim a tax-free refund at the airport for purchases over 12,000 ISK on one receipt.