Gas Stations in Iceland | 5 things you don't know!

A really important thing to know especially for Americans is the gas station pumps won't accept most American Credit Cards since US cards do not use a PIN number, so you would have to use a debit card from your bank along with your bank PIN. This was something I learned first time having to fill up on my road trip, a tricked I learned was to actually use your credit card to buy pre-paid gas cards at the stations, and pay at the pump with these cards this way you can avoid foreign transaction fees from your bank. Another tip for Americans, chances are your rental is a diesel like mine was and learned there's 2 grades, the more expensive one is for cars and the cheaper one is meant for farm equipment.

I was in Iceland last March. My wife did a lot of research and we will be back next year. We both fell in love with the country. 👍👍👍

If you are planning a trip to Iceland and you’ve never been, her Iceland planning made easy course is a must! I’m not even half way finished and I’ve learned so much

So glad you brought up the fill up option tip! We chose this option about 3 times on different cards on our trip to Iceland only to get home and see these holds. It wasn't a big deal in the long run, but initially we thought it was fraudulent activity. I actually watched this video specifically to see if you'd bring this up. This is especially good to know when you're renting a car and they want it returned with a full tank. Naturally, when asked, you choose to fill it all the way up, you know? Thank you for all your hard work on these videos! You make traveling to Iceland easy and fun!

Don’t forget to take your Costco Card to Iceland as it’s the cheapest place to fill up, just outside of Reykjavík next to IKEA. 😁👍🏻

Great video! Very accurate! One more tip is that a bunch of gas stations have self serve car wash pressure washers available (especially useful after driving through the Westfjords and other very muddy roads). And it was free!

You should've mentioned if you rent a car from Blue Car Rental, you get a little tag for free coffee at certain gas stations, and I believe a little discount on the fuel itself! There was a gas station coming out of Snaefellsnes park on the north side we went to, and the guy recommended we check out some nearby street art... it was incredibly beautiful! He was very kind and helpful.

Leaving Tuesday and will arrive in Reykjavik on Wednesday morning! So excited. Have purchased the book, watched most of the videos and plan to have a great time! All the way from Atlanta, Georgia!

The gas station in Vik, next to the Black Sand Beach, has a restaurant inside with great Beef Stew!

I just got back from my trip to Iceland. I rented a car and needed to fill the tank before returning it. OB is a gas station there that takes Apple Pay. So If you have apple pay you can use american credit cards there without pin. Also choose the 20,000 choice for your fill up so it maxes out at that price and not use the fill option.

I think in this regard, pretty much most of Europe is like this. When a gas station is on the motorway, we call it a Service Area - generally has restaurants, shops etc.

Thank you for this video.. My son and I watched this together and when you got to the part about ice cream his eyes lit up. He was very insistent we have to stop at a gas station. And for some reason you’re absolutely right. The soft serve is really good here. Thank you for all the tips\videos. We’ve been paying close attention and greatly appreciate your help!!

The fuel pumps put that large hold on your card when you want to fill up because some vehicles in Iceland have really large fuel tanks. And gas is not that cheap either. So... It makes sense to make sure you have the money before it lets you fill up. Then it releases the hold of what you don't use. It might take a few days but you get the hold back. If your ballance is not enough for a full tank, you have the many price options there. They are just lower amounts of hold. Let's say 10000 isk option. If you only put gas for 7000, you get 3000 back. So no worry, no need to "play safe". The real problem with self service pumps and cards is that some international cards don't work with them. And you might get stuck in those pump only places. Shops/coffe shops/restaurants in gas stations are a common thing all across Europe and beyond. Because woever stops for gas might and will very often buy food for the drive or other things. Nobody is shopping for groceries at gas stations except in those very small villages where is "all in one shop". Or to get tobacco products. Also roads with not so many pumps is common place around the world where is low traffic. It makes no point to invest in a gas station in the middle of nowhere only to have 10 customers a day. Hotdogs, yes. They are like a cult. A delicious one.

Hello! We have an upcoming trip to Iceland in a few weeks and we ALL HAVE WATCH YOUR VIDEOS!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIPS!!!

Love your videos! We are heading to Iceland in June as a mom/daughter trip. I'm hooked on watching all your videos as we are driving the Ring Road and cannot wait! Tou have a fun way of putting the information out there that is easy to digest! Thank you!

Absolutely love your videos. My daughter will be graduating high school this year and for her graduation present we told her we would take her anywhere in the world for one week and she chose Iceland so thanks again I’m probably going to watch every single one of your videos before we leave because what I’ve seen so far it’s been very helpful keep them coming

This is super helpful, I’m going back in May and renting a car for the first time.

I wish this video came out 3 days ago. Before I hit that fill button and had a $250 hold plus the $55 in gas

Pre-authorizing your card at a gas pump in the US also places a hold / check amount on your card, to ensure that you have a specified amount available within the card that you're using to fill up. Typically, the amount is set by the card brands. I would assume that the hold would stay on your card for longer, depending upon how the processor finalizes the card payment. In the US this happens very quickly, but I would assume it takes longer for the bank in Iceland to process the card. It is a risk limiting function of dispenser card readers (DCRs). I now want some gas station hot dogs and icecream. Most people would shy away from this but I am excited to try it when I visit.

Another pleasant surprise was excellent quality pastries on the Golden Circle. It was like a patisserie in Paris!