Getting Norwegian Krone for Your Trip to Norway

Norway is one of the world's most cashless societies - and one of its most expensive destinations. The good news is that card acceptance is near-universal, meaning you won't need to worry about exchanging currency before your trip. The bad news is that Norway's high prices make it essential to avoid unnecessary fees and poor exchange rates.

With a meal costing £15-25, a beer £8-12, and hotels starting around £150 per night, every percentage point lost to poor exchange rates or card fees adds up quickly. This guide will help you manage your money smartly so you can focus on the fjords, northern lights, and stunning landscapes rather than worrying about costs.

The best approach for most visitors is simple: bring a fee-free debit card like Wise or Revolut, and you're set. You may complete your entire trip without handling a single Norwegian Krone note.

Best Ways to Pay in Norway

1. Fee-Free Debit Cards (Recommended)

A multi-currency debit card is the perfect solution for Norway. Cards like Wise and Revolut use the real mid-market exchange rate with minimal fees, and are accepted everywhere cards are taken - which in Norway means virtually everywhere. You can also use them for ATM withdrawals if you need any cash.

2. Credit Cards

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted. However, check your card's foreign transaction fees - many UK cards charge 2.75-3% on overseas purchases, which adds significant cost in expensive Norway. If your credit card charges fees, consider getting a fee-free alternative.

3. ATM Withdrawals

If you need cash, ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Use your fee-free card to withdraw NOK. Most ATMs are operated by major banks like DNB, Nordea, and SpareBank. Avoid Euronet ATMs which often have poor exchange rates and high fees.

4. Mobile Payments

Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in Norway. Link your fee-free card to your phone for convenient contactless payments. Norwegians use their own mobile payment app called Vipps, but this requires a Norwegian bank account.

Using Cards in Norway

Norway is arguably the world's most card-friendly country. Here's what you need to know:

Where Cards Are Accepted

• Restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Supermarkets and convenience stores
• Public transport (buses, trams, ferries)
• Taxis and ride-sharing
• Market stalls and street vendors
• Museums and attractions
• Hotels and accommodation
• Some public toilets
• Even small rural businesses

Card Tips for Norway

• Always pay in NOK: When prompted, choose Norwegian Krone, not your home currency. Paying in GBP or EUR means accepting a poor exchange rate.
• Contactless is everywhere: Tap-to-pay is the norm. You'll rarely need to enter your PIN for small purchases.
• Some places are cash-free: A growing number of Norwegian businesses don't accept cash at all - cards only.
• Keep your card secure: Fraud is low in Norway, but standard precautions apply.

ATMs in Norway

While you may not need cash at all, ATMs are available if you want some backup:

Best ATMs to Use

• DNB: Norway's largest bank with ATMs nationwide
• Nordea: Major Scandinavian bank, reliable ATMs
• SpareBank: Regional savings banks with good coverage

ATMs to Avoid

• Euronet: Independent ATMs with poor rates and high fees
• Any ATM that doesn't show fees upfront

ATM Tips

If the ATM offers to convert to your home currency, always decline and withdraw in NOK. Your card's exchange rate will be better. Most Norwegian ATMs don't charge withdrawal fees, but check if your own bank does.

Managing Costs in Expensive Norway

Norway is genuinely expensive - there's no avoiding it. But you can minimize unnecessary costs:

Save Money on Currency

• Use fee-free cards: A 3% foreign transaction fee on Norwegian prices adds up fast
• Decline DCC: Always pay in Norwegian Krone, never your home currency
• Don't exchange at airports: If you do need cash, airport rates are the worst
• Skip travel money cards: Prepaid travel cards often have poor rates and hidden fees

General Money-Saving Tips

• Self-cater: Supermarket prices are high but eating out is higher
• Use tap water: Norwegian tap water is excellent - no need to buy bottled
• Travel off-season: Prices drop significantly outside summer and ski season
• Consider camping: Norway's "allemannsretten" (right to roam) allows wild camping
• Book transport early: Train and ferry prices rise closer to departure

Tipping in Norway

Tipping is not expected in Norway, and service staff earn good wages. However, rounding up or adding 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated:

• Restaurants: Not expected, but 5-10% for great service is appreciated
• Cafes: No tipping expected
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest convenient amount
• Hotels: Not expected, porters might appreciate kr 20-50 per bag
• Tour guides: kr 50-100 if the tour was exceptional