Add organization

Do I need cash in Norway, or can I pay by card everywhere?

Cards, cash, how much to bring and the customs limit.

Answered at: Checked at:

Short answer

You can pay by card almost everywhere in Norway, and cash was used for only 3% of in-store payments in Norges Bank's 2026 survey. Visit Norway still suggests carrying a bit of cash for small purchases. Staffed shops must accept cash up to NOK 20,000, and amounts over NOK 25,000 in cash must be declared to customs.

Mini-guide to everyday payments a payment card tapping a terminal, a phone with a simple payment icon and one krone coin

Why

  1. Visit Norway says debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and many places also take Google Pay and Apple Pay.
  2. In Norges Bank's spring 2026 survey, payment cards made up 59% of point-of-sale payments, mobile phone payments 37% and cash 3%.
  3. Since 1 October 2024, businesses selling to consumers must accept cash for amounts up to NOK 20,000, but not from vending machines or in unstaffed premises.

Details

Foreign currency is rarely accepted, so any cash you carry should be in Norwegian kroner. Cash machines are found in towns, and most rural areas have at least one place where you can withdraw money. No one has to accept more than 25 coins of each denomination in one payment.

Tip

A small sum in kroner covers occasional small purchases. If you carry more than NOK 25,000 in cash into or out of Norway, declare it before you travel, or Norwegian Customs can fine you 20% of the amount.

What may differ

Vipps, a popular way to pay small sellers and friends, requires BankID, a Norwegian phone number and an account in a Norwegian bank, so most tourists cannot use it.

Common misconception

Norway is completely cashless.

What actually happens

Few people pay in cash, but notes and coins are still legal tender, and staffed shops must accept them for amounts up to NOK 20,000.

People also ask

  • Is Norway a cashless country?
  • How much cash should I bring to Norway as a tourist?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Norges Bank and Norwegian Customs before you travel.

Mini-guide to everyday payments
Help