Currency and prices

Get your money’s worth

The Norwegian currency is called kroner (currency code NOK) which is sometimes mistranslated into “crowns” in English. But whatever we call our money, cash is no longer king in Norway, and almost all establishments now accept electronic payment by card or phone.

Accommodation

According to travel search site Momondo, the average price per night for a room is NOK 1855, but prices vary greatly according to season, location, comfort level, and the facilities available.

Hiking cabins run by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) are available from NOK 100-2,900 for members, and NOK 200-3,600 for non- members per night per person.

Cabins at campsites are available from around NOK 450 per night.

Cash

Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and many places also accept payment by phone, like Google Pay and Apple Pay. But it is still a good idea to have a bit of cash on you for small purchases. Foreign currency is rarely accepted, so you need Norwegian currency to get by.

You will find cash machines in towns and cities, and in most rural areas there will be at least one place where you can withdraw money, such as at a kiosk, grocery shop, or petrol station.

Debit/credit cards

Post offices and some grocery shops or supermarkets do not accept foreign credit cards, although they happily take debit cards.

Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted credit cards, with far fewer accepting Amex or Diners. If in doubt, ask before shopping.

Dynamic Variation:

Tipping

When and where should you tip, and how much?

For the most part tipping is not common in Norway, with the exception of bars and restaurants where the locals tip when they are happy with the service or food.

There is no fixed rule of thumb for how much to tip, but tips tend to stay within 5-15% of the total amount of the bill. But remember that tipping is entirely up to you – there will be no hard feelings in any case.