Is cash still widely used?
Very rarely. Norway is among the world’s least cash-dependent countries. Cards are accepted at virtually every business, including taxis, markets, and small cafes. Vipps is the dominant mobile payment app but requires a Norwegian number.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs (minibanker) are available in cities and larger towns but increasingly scarce in rural areas.
- Fees are around 40 NOK per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Many Norwegian bank branches no longer handle cash
- Stock up on cash in cities if heading to remote fjord areas
Card acceptance
Excellent. Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere. Contactless is standard and expected. American Express has decent but slightly less universal coverage.
Tips for travelers
- Norway is extremely expensive — budget carefully
- Cards work even at small roadside stalls and fish markets
- Fjord ferries and rural transport accept cards
- Some very remote hiking huts may require cash — check in advance