Iceland's telephone system is entirely digital, which, along with widespread introduction of the ITT phone-modem jack, greatly facilitates computer transmissions. The country is part of the Nordic Automatic Mobile Telephone System (NMT) and the GSM global mobile phone network. Coverage for phones with NMT capability includes all but the highest remote glacial areas of Iceland; the GSM system has expanded tremendously and nearly matches the NMT range. Iceland has one of the world's highest per-capita mobile phone distributions.

Iceland's country code is 354.

Directory & Operator Assistance

Iceland has no area codes; within the country, simply dial the seven-digit number. Non-800 numbers starting with 8 often indicate cellular phones. For domestic directory assistance dial 118. Dial 115 for operator assistance with overseas calls, including directory assistance.

International Calls

You can dial direct, starting with 00 then following with the country code and local number. An international calling card is a convenient mode of payment. Avoid charging overseas calls to your hotel bills, as the surcharge can double the cost of the call.

You can dial local access codes to reach U.S. operators AT&T and Sprint.

Local Calls

Names are listed alphabetically in the telephone book by first name as a result of the patronymic system (for a last name, men add -son to their father's first name, women add -dóttir). Jobs or professions are often listed together with names and addresses.

Pay phones are usually indoors in post offices, hotels, or at transportation terminals. They accept IKr 5-, IKr 10-, or IKr 50-coins, which are placed in the slot before dialing. The dial tone is continuous. A 10-minute call between regions costs between IKr 50 and IKr 75. Card phones are becoming more common: 100-unit phone cards (IKr 500) can be purchased at all post offices and some other outlets, such as supermarkets, gas stations, and kiosks.

Long-Distance Services

Access Codes

AT& (800-9001). Sprint (800-9003). World Phone (800-9002).