💰 What currency is best to take with you to Norway: money and payment tips for tourists

Choosing the right currency and payment method is an important part of a comfortable trip to any country. Norway is known for its high prices and unique approach to money, so tourists need to decide in advance what currency to take with them, how to exchange money, and whether it is possible to get by with just a bank card.

In this article, we will tell you in detail how to best organise your finances during your trip to Norway, give you tips on where to exchange currency, tell you about popular payment methods, and explain why bank cards are preferable to cash in Norway. Useful links to blog sections: ‘Prices and costs’, ‘Budget life hacks’, ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

❓10 FAQs about currency and payments in Norway

1. What currency is best to take with you to Norway?

The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK). For travelling, it is best to take a small amount of cash in kroner with you for the first few days and keep the bulk of your money on a bank card. You can also take euros or dollars, but it is better to exchange them in Norway, as the exchange rate at local exchange offices and ATMs is usually more favourable than at airports in other countries. It is important to remember that shops and restaurants rarely accept foreign currency, so you will always have to exchange cash euros or dollars for Norwegian kroner. For more information on prices and budget, see the ‘Prices and costs’ section.

2. Can I get by in Norway with just a bank card?

Yes, bank cards are accepted almost everywhere in Norway. Visa and MasterCard work almost everywhere, including small shops, public transport and street kiosks. This makes the country very convenient for tourists. Many locals rarely use cash themselves, preferring cashless payments via mobile apps or cards. However, it is worth having a small amount of cash on hand in case of emergencies — for example, in remote areas or campsites, there can sometimes be problems with terminals. For useful tips on using cards, see the ‘Budget life hacks’ section.

3. Where is the best place to exchange currency in Norway?

You will get the best exchange rate if you withdraw cash from your card at local ATMs. ATMs (‘Minibank’) are widespread in Norway and offer better rates than currency exchange offices at the airport or in the city centre. If you still need to exchange currency, we recommend using banks or reputable exchange offices rather than the airport, where the rates are often inflated. Always check the fees and exchange conditions carefully in advance. For more financial advice, see the ‘Useful tips for travellers’ section.

4. What fees do ATMs in Norway charge for cash withdrawals?

Norwegian ATMs do not usually charge additional fees, but your issuing bank may charge a fee for currency conversion or cash withdrawals abroad. It is worth checking these fees with your bank in advance.

Commissions for cash withdrawals abroad are usually around 1–3% of the amount withdrawn. To reduce costs, we recommend using cards with low or no commissions for international transactions (e.g. special travel cards). You can find out more about reducing costs in the ‘Budget life hacks’ section.

5. Do I need to leave tips in Norway in cash?

In Norway, tipping is not mandatory, as the service charge is usually included in the bill. If you enjoyed the service, you can round up the bill (for example, leave 200 NOK for a bill of 190 NOK).

This can be done either in cash or by card. Tipping is not customary in bars, but in restaurants it is appreciated and considered a nice gesture of gratitude for good service. For more information on tipping and dining tips, see the section ‘Food and dining’.

6. What is the best currency to take for public transport?

Public transport in major Norwegian cities (Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger) is fully card-accepting, so cash is rarely needed. You can pay for buses and trams by swiping your bank card at the terminal.

To save money, it is better to use mobile apps and e-tickets, which offer discounts. In small towns and rural areas, it is better to have a small amount of cash in case there are no terminals. For more information about public transport, see the section ‘Transport, roads, car rental’.

7. How much cash should I take with me to Norway?

It is worth taking around NOK 1,000–2,000 in cash for the first few days, in case of small purchases, tips or unexpected expenses. The rest of the money is best kept on a bank card. This means you don't have to worry about keeping large amounts of cash safe and makes it easier to pay for things during your trip. For tips on budgeting, see the ‘Prices and costs’ section.

8. Can I pay with mobile apps in Norway?

Yes, mobile payment apps (Vipps) are widely used in Norway, but they are only available if you have a local bank account. Tourists are better off using regular bank cards, which are accepted everywhere without restrictions.

9. Do they accept payment in euros or dollars in Norway?

Currencies other than the Norwegian krone are rarely accepted and usually only in tourist areas at unfavourable exchange rates. It is better to exchange your currency for kroner right away or use a bank card.

10. How can I avoid hidden currency conversion fees?

Use a card that charges directly in NOK without double conversion through another currency (USD or EUR). Check the terms and conditions with your bank before travelling.

By choosing the right currency and payment method, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.