Buying bottled water in Iceland is one of the most unnecessary expenses you can incur. Icelandic tap water is not just safe; it is sourced directly from glacial springs and naturally filtered through volcanic rock for decades. It is consistently ranked among the purest and most delicious waters in the world. In fact, the water sold in plastic bottles at local supermarkets is usually the exact same water you get from the tap for free.

Every restaurant, café, and bar in Iceland is happy to provide tap water at no cost. You will often see large carafes and glasses set out for self-service -help yourself. Paying $4–$5 for a plastic bottle is considered a "tourist tax" that locals find baffling.

The "Wiz" Pro-Tip: Iceland’s hot and cold water comes from different sources. The hot water is often geothermal and can have a distinct sulfur (rotten egg) smell. While safe, it’s not pleasant to drink. When filling your bottle, always let the cold tap run for a few seconds until it is "ice cold" to ensure you are getting fresh spring water rather than residual geothermal water from the pipes.