💳 Mini-guide to everyday payments: cards, contactless, cash, tips

💳 Cards and contactless: how to pay ‘everywhere’

🍽️ In cafes, shops and services

• The main method is card (debit/credit) and contactless from your phone/watch.
• Terminals can handle: contactless → PIN for large amounts → chip. Magnetic strips are rarely used.
• Save your receipt in your bank app — it's handy for business trips and budgeting.

🚍 Transport and tickets

• Public transport — transport apps and scan codes. On trains — buy in the app and show the QR code.
• Taxis: pay in the service app or in the car with a card/contactless.

🏠 Bills and everyday expenses

• For utilities/communications — automatic payment at the bank or in the provider's app.
• At fairs/private sellers often have mobile terminals — contactless works.

💵 Cash: where it is still needed (rarely)

🛍️ When banknotes/coins come in handy

• Small flea markets, chamber clubs, some rural kiosks.
• Deposit machines for trolleys/lockers if you don't have a card (rare).

💼 How much and how to store

• Keep 100–300 NOK in case of communication failure — at home and in your wallet.
• Need an ATM? Look for them in supermarkets/shopping centres. Withdraw more at a time to avoid paying commission several times.

💁‍♂️ Tips and ‘cultural expectations’ (overview)

🍷 Restaurants/cafes/bars

• Tips are not mandatory, but appropriate for excellent service.
• In a restaurant, the guideline is to round up the bill or give 5–10%. In cafes/bars, leave small change or round up on the terminal.
• The terminal will often offer to ‘add a tip’ — you can choose a percentage, an amount or 0.

🚖 Taxis, hairdressers, delivery

• Taxis — round up/add a small amount.
• Hairdressers/salons — at your discretion.
• Delivery — leave a tip in the app or when paying at the terminal.

⚠️ Malfunctions and offline mode

🔄 What to do if the terminal ‘crashes’

• Ask to repeat the payment in 1–2 minutes (sometimes the connection ‘drops’).
• Try inserting the chip instead of using contactless payment or pay with another card/device.
• No connection with the seller? Find out the account number via the link/QR code or pay in cash from your ‘pillow’.
• Do not charge again if the first transaction is pending — check your bank app.

🛠️ Mini autonomy settings

• Two cards in your wallet (or card + phone), transaction limits, offline wallet with small bills/coins.
• Photos of receipts for large purchases — in case of repeated debits/disputes with the bank.

🛡️ Payment security (briefly)

• PIN and biometrics: do not share your code, cover the keypad.
• Public Wi-Fi: do not enter card details on open networks; use a mobile network/VPN.
• Limits and notifications: enable push notifications for debits, set daily limits.
• Loss of card/phone: immediate blocking in the bank app + backup card/payment method.

📝 Memo ‘if the terminal freezes’ (insert)

• Wait 60–120 seconds and check with your bank for the payment status.
• Change method: contactless → chip → other card/device.
• Request a link/QR for payment or an invoice to pay later.
• As a last resort, use cash from your ‘emergency fund’.
• If you are charged twice, keep the receipt/screenshot and contact your bank.

✅ ‘Pay like a local’ checklist

• Card + phone/watch set up for contactless payments.
• Automatic payments for accommodation/communications are enabled.
• Cash ‘cushion’ of 100–300 NOK for emergencies.
• Limits/notifications for debits are active.
• ‘Terminal frozen’ memo saved in notes.