Norway’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from the dramatic fjords to the ethereal Northern Lights, are matched by its efficient, largely cashless economy. Whether you’re exploring Oslo’s contemporary architecture, cruising through Geirangerfjord, or chasing the aurora in Tromsø, understanding Norway’s payment systems enhances your travel experience. This guide offers all the essential information—what currency to bring, optimal methods for accessing and using money in Norway (Norwegian Krone – NOK), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll adeptly manage your finances, avoiding unnecessary fees while embracing Norway’s natural wonders.
How to pay in Norway – cash or card?
In Norway, card payments are the predominant method of transaction, with a significant decline in cash usage over recent years. Most establishments prefer card payments.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: While urban centers may offer card payment options, some buses and local transport services still accept cash.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at traditional markets and street stalls may accept cash, though card acceptance is widespread.
Small Businesses: Some small or family-run shops and eateries might accept cash transactions, but this is becoming less common.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, while electronic payment facilities are common, carrying some cash can be useful.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Most dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets commonly accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Norway
Norwegian Krone (NOK) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Norway. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some businesses may accept Euros, the exchange rate is often not favorable. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in NOK to avoid losing money.
US Dollars or British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Norway
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Norway. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Norway
POS at establishments in Norway readily accept Visa and Mastercards. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Norway
If you’re withdrawing money in Norway from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Norway
Bringing a small amount of Norwegian Krone (NOK) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Norway are often poor, and some foreign banks may not stock NOK.
Withdrawing NOK from ATMs in Norway is the most convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange money in Norway at banks or authorized exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is recommended. Norway is a highly cashless society, and most places accept credit and debit cards, even for small transactions. However, if bringing EUR, USD, or GBP, they can be exchanged in Norway at banks or exchange bureaus for fair rates. Paying in NOK ensures the best value, as foreign currency is generally not accepted.
Where to withdraw money in Norway
You can withdraw money in Norway at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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.
Where to exchange currency in Norway
You can exchange currency in Norway at licensed exchange bureaus.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Norway, currency exchange offices are less common than in some other European countries due to the country’s strong shift toward cashless transactions. However, you can still find exchange services—typically referred to as “Valutaveksling”—in major cities, airports, and near tourist attractions. Notable providers include Forex Bank and Western Union, particularly in Oslo Central Station and Oslo Airport (Gardermoen). Still, the most cost-effective and convenient way to get Norwegian Krone (NOK) is often by using local ATMs with a bank card.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Norway.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Norway safe?
Carrying cash in Norway is generally safe due to the country’s low crime rate. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas like train stations, public transportation, and tourist attractions.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Norway
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
