Should I exchange money before I travel to Norway?
Cards, cash, ATMs and where to get kroner.
Short answer
You do not need to exchange money before travelling to Norway, as debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere and ATMs dispense kroner in towns and cities. Foreign currency is rarely accepted, so for cash you need kroner. Oslo Airport has an exchange office in the arrivals hall, open 06:00–22:00 every day.
Why
- Visit Norway says debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and many places also take Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Cash machines are found in towns and cities, and most rural areas have at least one place where you can withdraw money.
- Norges Bank's exchange rates are mid-rates meant only as an indication and are not binding on banks, so the rate you get at home or in Norway will differ.
Details
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards, far fewer places take Amex or Diners, and post offices and some supermarkets do not accept foreign credit cards. The Loomis exchange office at Oslo Airport serves passengers flying to or from abroad and asks for a passport or national ID card. FOREX Bank has exchange shops in cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim.
Tip
Keep a little cash for small purchases, and when a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose kroner: DNB advises its own customers abroad that paying in the local currency gives a better price.
What may differ
If you land at Oslo Airport late in the evening, the exchange office closes at 22:00, but there are ATMs in the arrivals hall.
People also ask
- Where can I get Norwegian kroner before my trip?
- Is it cheaper to exchange money at home or in Norway?
Sources
- Visit Norway: Currency and pricesChecked at:
- Avinor: Bank and currency at Oslo AirportChecked at:
- Norges Bank: Exchange ratesChecked at:
- DNB: Travel adviceChecked at:
- FOREX Bank: Find a shopChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Opening hours and conditions can change, so check Avinor and your bank before you travel.
Currency in Norway: cards, cash and ATMsRelated questions
-
How do I find the IBAN for my Norwegian bank account?
You find the IBAN for your Norwegian account in your bank's online bank or app under the account details, and also on your account statement.
-
Why did my hotel or car rental company block money on my card in Norway?
Hotels and car rental companies reserve money on your card as security, and the reservation is released once the final amount is settled.
-
How do I pay a Norwegian invoice with a KID number from abroad?
To pay a Norwegian invoice from abroad, make an international transfer to the payee's IBAN and BIC and enter the KID number as the payment reference.
-
Do Norwegian banks charge an annual fee for debit cards?
Yes, banks such as DNB charge an annual fee for an adult debit card, currently NOK 295 a year, while cards for children and young people are free.