📲 ‘Vipps for tourists: how to pay in Norway without a local account’

Imagine you're travelling through beautiful Norway, visiting nice cafés, museums and small shops, but then you run into a problem — they don't accept international cards here, only Vipps! Vipps is a quick mobile payment app that almost all Norwegians use. But can you use it without a local account? The good news is that you can! In this article, we'll explain how tourists can use Vipps without opening a Norwegian bank account, as well as suggest other ways to pay.

📱 Here are some useful tips for paying with Vipps if you don't have a Norwegian account:

What is Vipps and why is it popular?

Vipps is the most popular mobile app for transferring and paying for things in Norway. More than 4 million people (almost the entire country!) use it every day to pay their bills, buy things, share expenses and even send small amounts of money to friends. Vipps is especially useful in small shops, cafes, markets and events where you cannot usually pay with cash and international cards may not work. The app is simple and convenient. It has become the standard for mobile payments throughout Norway, even replacing cash in many places.

Can I use Vipps even if I don't have a bank account in Norway?

Vipps was originally created for people in Norway with a bank account there. But you can now use it with some foreign bank cards, like Visa or MasterCard. This means that tourists and travellers who don't have a local bank account can now also install and use Vipps. At the moment, you can only access this feature if you have a card from the EU or some other European countries. Tourists from outside Europe may need to use a different way to pay or an international bank card.

How can you sign up for Vipps if you don't have a Norwegian bank account?

Registering with Vipps is quite simple and only takes a few minutes. First, download the Vipps app from the App Store or Google Play. Then enter your phone number (international numbers are supported), personal details and link your international bank card (Visa/MasterCard). Once your details have been checked, you can pay for things you buy and services in Norway straight from your phone. The only requirement is that your bank must use 3D Secure technology to verify transactions, which most banks in Europe use.

How can I pay using Vipps in cafes and shops?

Paying with Vipps is quick and easy. You will usually find a QR code or the phone number of the restaurant at the cash register or on the table. You can then enter this into the app. You choose how much you want to pay, and then confirm the payment with your fingerprint, Face ID or PIN code. It takes just a few seconds to pay. The seller gets an immediate notification, so you can relax and enjoy your time without worrying about cash or card payments being refused. Vipps is also handy for tips: you can send the desired amount to the waiter or staff using the phone number on the receipt.

Are there any fees or restrictions when paying with Vipps?

The good news is that you don't have to pay a fee to use Vipps when you're paying in shops and cafés. Tourists can pay for things just as easily as people who live there, and they don't have to pay more. However, your bank may charge a small fee for international transactions (if you are using a foreign card). Please note that some shops might have a minimum payment amount for Vipps (usually small amounts between 10 and 50 NOK).

What should you do if your card is not supported by Vipps?

If you can't link your card to the Vipps app, don't worry! There are several easy options. Firstly, you can use most international bank cards (Visa and MasterCard) in almost all shops, restaurants and hotels in Norway. You can also use cash, but this is becoming less common. And thirdly, you can always get a prepaid card (such as Revolut or Wise), which works well with Vipps and other Norwegian payment systems.

You can use Vipps on buses and trams, and in car parks.

Vipps is used in shops and also in everyday life. You can use the app to pay for public transport like buses and trams in cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Also, most car parks and parking payment machines in the city accept Vipps. This makes life much easier for travellers, who no longer need to deal with cash or look for a place to pay with their card.

Is Vipps safe for tourists to use?

Vipps is one of the most reliable and secure ways to pay on your phone in Europe. All transactions are protected by multi-factor authentication, card details are never shared directly with the merchant, and the system itself guarantees the security of your information. Tourists only need to keep an eye on their smartphone and not share their app PIN code with anyone.

What other features does Vipps offer?

As well as regular payments, Vipps can be used to transfer money to other app users (for example, to split the bill for dinner with friends). The app lets you ask for money and sends payment reminders. You can also use Vipps to pay for tickets to museums, cinemas and various events. This means that Vipps is not just a way to pay, but an important part of getting around and enjoying life in Norway.

Where can I find help if I have problems with Vipps?

If you have any problems using Vipps (e.g. a payment doesn't go through or you have difficulties registering), please contact the app's support service. You can find it directly in the app or on the Vipps.no website. The support team is friendly, speaks English and usually fixes problems quickly.

Vipps is a really useful app for tourists in Norway as it makes life much easier for them. You can use the app for free if you link your international card, even if you don't have a Norwegian bank account. Vipps makes shopping, getting around and paying for things easy and quick.

Are you looking for more useful information for travelling in Norway? Don't miss our other practical tips on 'Prices and costs', 'Communication and internet' and 'Shopping and souvenirs'.