Norway
Currency in Norway: what to use and how to exchange
Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK, kr). Plan on paying by card for almost everything and carry only 200–500 kr in cash for the rare cash-only stall or cabin. Exchange before you arrive or withdraw from an ATM, and always choose to be charged in NOK, not your home currency.
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GuideNorway
Key facts
- Currency
- Norwegian krone (NOK, written kr)
- Rough ratecheck
- About 11.5 NOK to €1 (2026 estimate)
- Card acceptance
- Almost universal, including small kiosks and taxis
- Cash needed
- Little: 200–500 kr covers most trips
- Best value
- ATM withdrawal or card payment in NOK; avoid airport kiosks
- Dynamic currency conversion
- Always decline; pay in NOK
- Tipping
- Service is included; round up or add 5–10% for good table service
Details
Norway is close to cashless. Cards and mobile wallets work on buses, ferries, museum ticket desks, supermarket self-checkouts and most market stalls. Some rural cabins, campsites and small boat operators still prefer cash, and a few take only Vipps, the local mobile payment app, which needs a Norwegian bank account — so keep a small cash reserve rather than relying on it.
If you arrive with euros or US dollars, change a small amount at the airport for immediate needs, then use ATMs for the rest. Airport and hotel exchange desks and 'no commission' street kiosks usually build their margin into a weaker rate, so compare the rate you are actually offered, not the sign. Bank branches in cities can exchange cash but often keep short opening hours and may charge a fee.
ATMs (minibank) are common in cities and towns and generally give the best combination of rate and fee for foreign cards. Your own bank's foreign transaction fee and the ATM operator's fee both apply, so withdraw larger amounts less often. If an ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency, decline — the rate is set by the machine, not your bank.
Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere; American Express less so. Contactless is standard. If a terminal asks whether to pay in NOK or your home currency, choose NOK. Keep a second card from a different network stored separately in case one is blocked.
Coins and notes run from 1 kr coins up to 1000 kr notes. Prices are usually quoted in whole kroner, and rounding is normal on cash payments. Norway is not in the eurozone and does not use the euro, even though it sits inside Europe.
| Method | Typical cost | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal (minibank) | Operator fee plus your bank's fee (2026 estimate) | Best default for cash |
| Airport or hotel exchange desk | Weaker rate built into the price | Only for a small arrival amount |
| Bank branch | Fee varies; short hours | If you already have cash to change |
| Card payment in NOK | No conversion fee from the merchant | Almost every purchase |
| Card payment in your home currency | Extra conversion margin | Never choose this |
Fees and rates change; check your own bank's terms before you travel.
Tips
- Pay in NOK whenever a terminal or ATM offers a choice.
- Withdraw larger amounts less often to cut per-withdrawal fees.
- Keep 200–500 kr in small notes for cabins, campsites and rural stalls.
- Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked.
- Carry a backup card from a different network, stored separately.
- Keep receipts if you may need to claim on travel insurance.
FAQ
Sources
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Norway?
The Norwegian krone, written NOK or kr. Norway is not in the eurozone and does not use the euro. Prices are quoted in kroner, and rounding is normal on cash payments.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Norway?
An ATM (minibank) in a city or town usually gives the best combination of rate and fee for foreign cards. Airport and hotel desks are convenient but cost more. Compare the rate you are actually offered, not the commission sign.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Norway?
Use a card for almost everything — it works on buses, ferries, museums and most stalls. Bring only 200–500 kr in cash for the rare cash-only cabin, campsite or rural stall.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialNorges Bank – Norwegian krone
- officialVisit Norway – practical information
- secondaryWikivoyage – Norway