Norway, known for its dramatic fjords, Arctic wonders, and sleek Scandinavian cities, offers a seamless and modern travel experience—especially when it comes to money. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Oslo, hiking in the Lofoten Islands, or chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, understanding how payments work is essential. Norway is one of the most cashless countries in the world, with nearly universal acceptance of cards and mobile payments—even for small purchases and public transport. While cash is rarely needed, this guide outlines all you should know about cash use and ATMs in Norway, including withdrawal fees, limits, exchange rates, and where cash might still come in handy—ensuring you’re well-prepared and fee-savvy throughout your journey.
Where to find ATMs in Norway?
Urban Areas: Cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger have good ATM coverage (Minibanker in Norwegian), particularly around transport hubs, shopping streets, and bank branches. Banks such as DNB, Nordea, and SpareBank 1 offer ATM locators to help users find cash machines nearby.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations such as the Geirangerfjord, Tromsø, and Flåm have ATMs located at ferry terminals, hotels, or tourist information centers. However, cash is often not essential at these locations due to Norway’s high card acceptance.
Rural Areas: In less populated areas and far northern regions, ATMs can be sparse. If you anticipate needing cash—for example in national parks or remote hiking areas—it’s wise to withdraw money in towns or cities before departing.
Best ATMs to use in Norway for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Norway are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Nordea,
- Sparebank 1, and
- Handelsbanken.
- There is also Nokas, an independent ATM operator, that now operates ATMs of many local banks including of DNB.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Norway, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in NOK).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and pay an extra fee for this.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in NOK’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Norway?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Norway.
Types of cards accepted at ATMs
ATMs commonly all major types of cards – Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus. Cards like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners cards, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
ATM operations
Opening hours: Most ATMs (Minibanker) in Norway are available 24/7, particularly those in public areas such as outside banks, malls, airports, and petrol stations. ATMs inside bank branches may only be accessible during weekday opening hours (typically 9:00–15:00).
What are ATMs called: ATMs in Norway are typically labeled as “Minibank” or “Minibanker”, and these signs are often visible at street level.
Language options at ATMs: ATMs in Norway primarily present Norwegian and English as language options. Use Google Translate camera if you need translations of these languages.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Norway?
ATMs in Norway usually dispense cash only in Norwegian Kroner (NOK). A handful of ATMs may offer the option of withdrawing Euros or Dollars.
ATM withdrawal limits in Norway
ATMs in Norway have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of kr 2,000 to kr 10,000 (Norwegian Krone). This also depends on the amount of cash available in an ATM at the time of withdrawal.
ATM Fees in Norway
There are some fee-free ATMs in Norway. Some Bank ATMs in Norway charge kr 10 to kr 75 60 per transaction while some bank and independently operated ATMs do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, you have some options of fee-free ATMs in Norway (All figures in Norwegian Krone).
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Norway. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Norway
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Norway?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Norway. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100+ countries including Norway.
Safety at ATMs
Norway is known for its low crime rate, making it a safe destination for travelers. Incidents of ATM-related crimes are rare. In general, use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Norway takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, its possible. Some Bank ATMs in Norway charge kr 10 to kr 75 60 per transaction while some bank and independently operated ATMs do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, you have some options of fee-free ATMs in Norway (All figures in Norwegian Krone).
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs
Norway has a limited presence of Bitcoin ATMs. As of now, there is only one Bitcoin ATM in the country, located in Oslo. This machine was reintroduced after a six-year absence and is operated by NBX and Blockbridge.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Norway
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, there are no Citibank ATMs.
Barclays: No ATMs in Norway.
HSBC: No ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, there are no Standard Chartered ATMs in Norway.
