See the hot springs and waterfalls during the shoulder season by splitting the $2,800 cost into manageable monthly chunks.
VoAtlas editorial
Updated
· 3 min read
Typical cost$2,800before anything else
Across the 0% window$155.56/mo18 months, no interest
How we got that:
$2,800 spread evenly across the
18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card.
Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.
Iceland is best when it is quiet. You want the waterfalls and hot springs without the mid-summer crowds or the peak-season price tags. Heading there in late spring or late autumn gives you enough daylight to explore and a better chance at seeing the northern lights without the extreme winter cold.
A typical trip for two costs about $2,800 once you factor in the 4x4 rental and guesthouses. We can look at how to break that total down so you aren't hit with one massive bill right before you fly.
Keep in mind this isn't a gift. If you still have a balance after the 18 months are up, the standard variable interest rate will apply to the remaining amount.
The steps
01
Target the shoulder season
Book your flights for May or September. You avoid the expensive July rush but still get enough light to drive the Ring Road. This timing usually knocks hundreds off the total cost.
02
Secure a 4x4 rental
You need a sturdy car to reach the best trailheads and lagoons. These sell out months in advance during any season. Book early to lock in a lower rate and ensure you don't get stuck with a tiny sedan.
03
Use the eighteen month window
Put the $2,800 cost on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you pay $155.56 every month, you'll have the trip paid off just as the window closes.
04
Map out guesthouses
Skip the big hotels in Reykjavik and stay in rural guesthouses or farm stays. They are cheaper and put you closer to the southern waterfalls. Most include a kitchen so you can save on expensive dinners out.
05
Stock up at local markets
Food is one of the biggest hidden costs in Iceland. Hit the Bonus or Netto supermarkets as soon as you land. Buying your own snacks and coffee can save you $50 a day per person.
06
Check the card terms before you commit
Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.
Late autumn and early spring are your best bets. You get lower airfares and better car rental deals while avoiding the harshest winter weather.
Do I need cash in Iceland?
Hardly ever. Cards are the standard for everything from hot dog stands to remote parking meters in the highlands.
Is a $2,800 budget realistic?
It covers a solid week with a rental car, fuel, and decent lodging. You won't be living in luxury suites, but you'll see everything on your list comfortably.
How does the interest-free period work?
The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. It's a tool to spread out a big purchase like this trip without extra costs, provided you pay it off in time.
