Europe
Money, cards and tipping in Norway
NOKKrone
Money in Norway
Practically cashless Cards and phones work everywhere, even for small purchases. Shops must accept cash by law, but locals almost never use it. US$1 ≈ kr9.62 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Service is included. Rounding up or up to 10% for great restaurant service is appreciated, not expected.
- ATMs: ATMs are few; bank machines rarely add local fees. Decline dynamic currency conversion.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; Vipps needs a Norwegian bank account and BankID.
- Price level: about 91% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oslo | Practically cashless | Practically cashless; cards and Vipps work almost everywhere, and some places refuse cash. Carry a card. |
| Bergen | Practically cashless | Practically cashless; cards and Vipps work almost everywhere. Some places refuse cash. |
| Tromsø | Practically cashless | Practically cashless; cards and Vipps work everywhere, including tour operators. Bring a card. |
| Lofoten Islands | Practically cashless | Practically cashless; cards and Vipps work even at remote cabins. Carry a card, not cash. |
| Stavanger | Practically cashless | Practically cashless; cards and Vipps work almost everywhere. Some places refuse cash. |
| Ålesund | Practically cashless | Practically cashless; cards and Vipps work almost everywhere. Some places refuse cash. |
| Trondheim | Practically cashless | Practically cashless; cards and Vipps work almost everywhere. Some places refuse cash. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Norway?
Service is included. Rounding up or up to 10% for great restaurant service is appreciated, not expected.
Is Norway cashless?
Practically cashless. Cards and phones work everywhere, even for small purchases. Shops must accept cash by law, but locals almost never use it.
What currency does Norway use?
The Krone (NOK). US$1 ≈ kr9.62 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
- Governor of Svalbard: visas and immigration
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index, Aug 2026
- Entur
- Bolt in Oslo
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.