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.
Prices
Here are some prices that travellers often wonder about when visiting Norway. The list below shows average prices in March 2023 and are subject to change.
- One litre of petrol: NOK 21 to 25
- One litre of milk: NOK 19 to 25
- Cappuccino at a coffee bar: NOK 35 to 65
- Pack of 20 cigarettes: NOK 120 to 159
- Cinema ticket: NOK 130 to 185
- Meal in a budget restaurant: NOK 170 to 350
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant, three-course: NOK 650 to 1500
- Bottle of beer in a grocery shop: NOK 30 to 50
- Bottle of beer in a bar: NOK 90 to 130
Prices
Here are some prices that travelers often wonder about when visiting Norway. The list below shows average prices and ranges as listed on numbeo.com in January 2020 and are subject to change.
- One litre (0.2 US gal) of petrol: NOK 15-17
- One litre (33.8 fl oz) of milk: NOK 15-23
- Cappuccino at a coffee bar: NOK 35 to 50
- Pack of cigarettes: NOK 109 to 125
- Cinema ticket: NOK 120 to 150
- Meal in a budget restaurant: NOK 140 to 250
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant, three-course: NOK 600 to 1000
- Bottle of beer in a grocery shop: NOK 30 to 45
- Bottle of beer in a bar: NOK 60 to 99
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.
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