← Part of the Norway money guide
Norwaychecked Jul 2026Do I need cash in Norway, or can I use cards?
Short answer: a card for everything, and almost no cash. Norway is nearly cashless like its Nordic neighbors, uses the krone rather than the euro, and is one of Europe's most expensive countries. Here is how to handle it.
At a glance
Currency
Norwegian krone (NOK), not euro
Cards
Near-total, contactless everywhere
Cash
Rarely needed, often refused
On a card
Choose krone, not dollars
Cards, essentially entirely. Norway is nearly cashless, like Sweden and Denmark: contactless is everywhere, Apple Pay and Google Pay are standard, and many places take little or no cash. The currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK), not the euro. You need very little cash, so a working card is essential. It is also an expensive country, so budget higher than most of Europe. On any card or ATM, choose krone, not dollars.
Nearly cashless, like its neighbors
Norway is nearly cashless, much like Sweden and Denmark. Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere, and many shops, cafes and transport take little or no cash. Locals pay each other with the Vipps app, which you do not need as a visitor.
For you, a working card is essential and cash is close to optional. Carry a contactless card with a backup on a different network, and check it works on arrival, since being cash-only here is more of a problem than being card-only.
It is krone, not euros, so choose krone
Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK), not the euro, and it is not in the EU. When a card terminal or ATM asks whether to charge in dollars or krone, always choose krone. Dollars trigger dynamic currency conversion at a rate about 3 to 8% worse than your own bank's. Decline it every time.
You will rarely need cash, but if you do, use a bank ATM (a Minibank) rather than a standalone tourist kiosk, and use a debit card to avoid cash-advance fees.
Little cash, and the cost of things
Most visitors need almost no cash in Norway. Keep a small buffer of krone for a rare rural spot, but do not exchange much. Norway is also one of Europe's most expensive countries, so meals, transport and everyday costs run high; budget accordingly.
As in Sweden, the real risk is a dead card with no backup, so carry two cards on different networks. For the wider picture, see the Norway money guide.
Common questions
Quick answers.
Do I need cash in Norway?
Almost never. Norway is nearly cashless, and many places take little or no cash. A contactless card covers everything; keep only a small buffer of krone, if any, for rural spots.
Does Norway use the euro?
No. Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK), not the euro, and it is not in the EU. On a card or ATM, choose to be charged in krone, not dollars or euros.
Should I pay in krone or dollars in Norway?
Always krone. If a card machine or ATM offers dollars, decline: that dynamic currency conversion adds roughly 3 to 8%, and your own bank's rate is better.
Is Norway expensive?
Yes, it is one of Europe's most expensive countries. Meals, transport and everyday costs run high, so budget accordingly. A contactless card covers almost everything, with little or no cash needed.
More on Norway
The little money things nobody warns you about.
- Tipping in NorwayNorway is not really a tipping country. Wages are high and service is included, so tipping is not expected. Round up for good service if you like. Here is what you actually owe.
- Bringing your dog or cat to Norway.Norway is a destination some US pet owners choose, and it follows the EU pet-entry rules: microchip, rabies in the right order, and an EU health certificate on a 10-day clock. No quarantine, no rabies titer. Norway adds one thing the big EU countries do not: a timed tapeworm treatment for dogs. Here is what that means, and the local parts worth knowing.
Sources, and how this was checked
Last checkedJul 2026
- Norges Bankofficial Norwegian krone information
- US State DepartmentNorway country information
Our own readNorway is genuinely among the most cashless countries, though a rare rural spot may still want cash, so this is our practical read. The krone rate moves, and the firm rule is to decline dollar conversion. Checked July 2026.