💳 Can you pay with a bank card everywhere in Norway: useful tips and life hacks for tourists

Norway has long been recognised as one of the most cashless countries in the world. Bank cards are accepted in almost all establishments, from small coffee shops to bus stops and markets. This is convenient, safe and allows travellers to make their financial transactions as easy as possible while travelling. However, when travelling to Norway, it is important for tourists to know a few things about cashless payments: which cards are accepted, where problems may arise and how to avoid additional fees and conversion charges. In this article, you will find answers to 10 key questions, as well as useful links to blog sections: ‘Prices and costs’, ‘Budget life hacks’, ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

❓10 FAQs about using bank cards in Norway

1. Can you pay by bank card everywhere in Norway?

In Norway, you can pay by bank card almost everywhere. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere: in shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, hotels and even on public transport. Terminals are even installed in remote locations and campsites, so tourists rarely encounter situations where cash is necessary. However, it is worth bearing in mind that in remote areas or small markets, it may not be possible to pay by card, so it is advisable to have a small amount of Norwegian kroner in cash in case of unforeseen circumstances. For more information about money and budgeting, see the section ‘Prices and costs’.

2. What bank cards are accepted in Norway?

The most common cards in Norway are Visa and MasterCard, and both of these systems are accepted almost everywhere. American Express and Diners Club cards are much less common and are not accepted in all places. Therefore, travellers are advised to use Visa or MasterCard for complete peace of mind.

It is also important to check with your bank in advance to see if there are any restrictions on international transactions and what commission is charged for using your card abroad. For tips on choosing a card for your trip, see the ‘Budget Life Hacks’ section.

3. Can I pay for public transport in Norway with a bank card?

Yes, you can pay for public transport with a bank card in almost all major cities in Norway, including Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim. Buses and trams often have special terminals for contactless payment.

In addition to paying by bank card, there are convenient mobile apps that allow you to purchase tickets at a discount. However, in small towns and remote areas, it is better to check in advance whether terminals are available and to carry a small amount of cash with you just in case. For more information on using public transport, see the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

4. Are there any card payment issues in Norway?

Card payment issues are rare in Norway, but technical problems or malfunctions are possible. This is especially true in remote areas where internet connectivity may be poor. Terminals may occasionally be out of service, so it is recommended to carry a small amount of cash for such cases.

It is also worth notifying your bank in advance of your trip to Norway to avoid your card being blocked due to suspicious transactions abroad. For more information on payment security, see the section on ‘Safety, sustainable tourism and accessibility’.

5. Do I need to have cash in Norway if I have a card?

Although bank cards are accepted almost everywhere in Norway, it is recommended to have a small amount of cash. Cash can be useful at markets, small shops, in remote areas, at campsites or in places where terminals do not work for some reason. An amount of 500–1,000 NOK would be optimal and ensure that you do not encounter any inconveniences during your trip. For more information about finances while travelling, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

6. Are there additional fees for card payments in Norway?

Norwegian establishments rarely charge additional fees for card payments. However, your bank may charge a fee for international transactions and currency conversion. This is usually 1–3% of the purchase amount. We recommend that you check with your bank in advance about the terms of payment abroad so that you can choose the most advantageous card for your trip. Special travel cards with low or no fees abroad can help you avoid additional costs. For more information on reducing costs, see the ‘Budget life hacks’ section.

7. Can I withdraw cash from my card in Norway?

Yes, you can withdraw cash from your card at all ATMs (‘Minibank’) throughout Norway. ATMs are widespread, and withdrawing cash from them is usually the most cost-effective way to exchange currency. However, remember that your bank may charge fees for withdrawing cash abroad. For tips on how to avoid overpaying when withdrawing cash, see the ‘Budget life hacks’ section.

8. Do contactless payments work in Norway?

Yes, contactless payments are very popular in Norway and are accepted almost everywhere. Most terminals support NFC, so you can easily pay for purchases with a contactless card, smartphone or smartwatch.

9. What problems can arise with a foreign card in Norway?

Sometimes foreign cards may be blocked by the bank on suspicion of fraud. To avoid such problems, inform your bank in advance about your trip to Norway and check your international transaction limits.

10. Should tourists get a special card for travelling to Norway?

This is not necessary, but it is beneficial if your card has high fees for overseas use. Special tourist cards offer minimal fees and more favourable conversion rates.

Using a bank card makes travelling in Norway as convenient and safe as possible. By knowing the nuances of payment, you can travel with confidence, avoiding unnecessary expenses and inconveniences!