How to call Iceland | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Iceland from the United States is essential for a multitude of reasons, including business, personal, and cultural exchanges.

Known for its thriving industries such as technology, renewable energy, and tourism, Iceland presents vast opportunities for international business ventures. The country's unique cultural elements, like its rich folklore, vibrant festivals, and distinct cuisine, further underscore the importance of maintaining robust communication channels.

To foster strong business and personal relationships, it's crucial to appreciate the nuances of interacting with Icelandic society.

Guide to calling Iceland

Before dialing, ensure you're aware of the rates charged by your carrier for international calls to Iceland. You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.

1. Check the time in Iceland

Considering the time difference is important when calling Iceland. The country operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year, without daylight saving time adjustments. Depending on your specific location in the U.S., Iceland can be 4–8 hours ahead. Checking the local time ensures that your call is made at a convenient hour.

2. Dial the exit code

For international calls from the U.S., the exit code is 011, indicating you're making an international call.

3. Enter Iceland's country code

Next, dial Iceland's country code (+354) to connect your call to Iceland.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Start with 011, followed by 354, the country code for Iceland.

For a landline

Input the seven-digit local number directly after the country code. Icelandic landline numbers do not have area codes.

For example, to call a Reykjavik landline with the local number 1234567, you would dial 011-354-1234567.

For a mobile phone

Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, which is also a seven-digit sequence.

For instance, to call an Icelandic mobile number like 8123456, the correct sequence would be 011-354-8123456.

Tips for a successful call

Before calling Iceland, make sure you have a strong and stable internet connection. Test your setup beforehand, and have a backup plan in case the call drops, such as knowing whether to reconnect yourself or wait for the other party to call back.

Understanding Icelandic business culture and etiquette is crucial. Icelanders value punctuality, so ensure you are on time for your call. Greetings are typically informal; first names are often used even in business settings, but it's respectful to confirm how your contact prefers to be addressed.

Be aware of local holidays, such as National Day on June 17th and Christmas celebrations, which can significantly affect business operations. Avoid scheduling calls during these times.

English is widely spoken in Icelandic business environments, so you won't typically face language barriers. However, starting the conversation with a simple Icelandic greeting like "Halló" (hello) can create a positive impression.

When addressing Icelandic professionals, use their first names unless instructed otherwise. Formal titles like "Doctor" or "Professor" are used when appropriate, but less frequently than in other cultures.

Finally, be patient and flexible. The pace of decision-making in Iceland can differ from what you're accustomed to in the U.S. Being considerate of these cultural nuances can help build strong and respectful business relationships.

Considerations for calling Iceland

When planning to make calls to Iceland, it's essential to consider several factors that can influence the success and effectiveness of your communication. These factors include language barriers, cultural nuances, time zone differences, and call costs. Understanding these elements can help ensure smooth and respectful interactions with individuals in Iceland.

Language and culture

Icelandic is the official language of Iceland. While English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations, making an effort to learn a few basic Icelandic phrases can go a long way in showing respect and building rapport.

Common Icelandic greetings include:

• Góðan daginn
  • Good day (formal)
• Halló
  • Hello (informal)
• Sæll
  • Hello (to a male)
• Sæl
  • Hello (to a female)
• Bless
  • Goodbye

Icelandic culture is known for its egalitarianism and straightforwardness. Icelanders are generally polite and reserved, but they value direct communication and honesty. When engaging in conversations, it's important to be respectful, avoid interrupting, and listen attentively.

Time zones

Iceland observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round. This means there's no Daylight Saving Time in Iceland. When calling from the U.S., you'll need to account for the time difference, which varies depending on your location.

Here's a table outlining the time differences between Iceland and various U.S. time zones:

How much does it cost to call Iceland?

Call costs to Iceland can differ significantly based on your phone plan and the method you choose. Here's a breakdown of common options and factors to consider:

• Landlines: Traditional landline calls to Iceland can be expensive, especially if you're calling from a mobile phone. Check with your service provider for international call rates. Many providers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can reduce the cost per minute.
• Mobile phones: Calling Icelandic mobile numbers directly from your mobile phone can be even more expensive than landline calls. Again, check your carrier's rates and consider using an international calling plan or app.
• VoIP services: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Google Voice can be a cost-effective way to make calls to Iceland. These services use your internet connection to place calls, often at lower rates than traditional phone calls.
• Calling cards: Prepaid calling cards specifically designed for international calls can offer competitive rates. You can purchase these cards online or at retail stores.

By understanding the language, cultural nuances, time zone differences, and call cost considerations, you can make informed decisions and ensure effective communication when calling Iceland.

Make affordable calls to Iceland with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Iceland with confidence.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global calling, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication.

Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services.

Our elastic SIP trunking services make it easy to call nearly every country in the world. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of local phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective calling solutions with unmatched expertise.