Norway | Cash, card or contactless?

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Card | Cash | Culture | Did you know | Economy | Payment | Practical

Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik

What you need to know about payments in Norway.

Cashless?
Even before the pandemic, Norway had come very far in digitization. We have a highly digitally competent population and a financial and public sector eager to invest in digital solutions. Forces within the nation wanted to transition into a cashless society, as a part of the digital development. They no longer wanted cash to be an option. 

A suggestion to create pressure toward a cashless society was to remove the duty of handling cash, as outlets in Norway are obligated, by law, to accept cash as a mean of payment. However, during the pandemic many cafés, restaurants ect. no longer accepted cash. Many of them would like to continue cashless even when the corona crisis is over. The main argument is not necessarily contamination, but rather other inconveniences towards handling cash. This pushed forward the question about transitioning to a cashless society.

The law that obligates outlets to accept cash as a mean of payment, has traditionally not been enforced, thus allowing outlets to not allow cash. However the justice department are currently working on ways to make sanctions more available. As government, finance-institutions and various segments of society seem to agree that it is essential that the nation has cash available for the security of the kingdom. 

Cash
As explained you may come across outlets who refuse cash, but they are actually breaking the law. In most cases you can choose to pay with cash, as you are traveling in Norway. How ever this should be Norwegian currency, NOK, as foreign currency are rarely accepted. You will find cash machines everywhere in towns and cities, and in most rural areas. 

In 2017 a new series of banknotes was launched. The design was unique, compared to international banknote design. The motive on the front conveys central features of Norwegian maritime history. The back of the banknote is an abstract of ocean and wind. The banknotes was intended to function as a business/visit card for Norway as well as currency.

Contactless payment
When COVID19 hit us, the digital development happened at a higher speed. Due to contamination issues Norwegians migrated towards no touch payments via near field communications (NFC) cards, phone apps and wearables. The norm became, not just cashless, but also contactless payment. Norway has a well developed digital infrastructure. Contactless payment is widely accepted from grocery stores and restaurants to taxis, collective transportation and pharmacies.

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.

Welcome 🙂 

Photo: Fjord Norway

Photo: Reinhold Kager/Fjord Norway

How to travel?

Norway is a global leader in the adoption of electric vehicles and has made significant strides in developing infrastructure to support them. The country has invested in a widespread network of charging stations, so no need for range anxiety on your electric road trip. 

We urge you to take advantage of the excellent, increasingly electric, public transportation that Norway provides. Electric busses, trains and ferries will take you comfortably and effortlessly through some of the most scenically outstanding landscapes in the world, such as the UNSECO-fjords in the west of Norway. And yes, there is Wi-Fi on board.

Photo: Ruben Soltvedt/Fjord Norway

 

When you made it this far, why not stay for a while? Staying in one place longer allows you to travel less, but experience more in depth. When your travel itinerary is not packed with all possible things to see and do, you might create a space that allows those random, unforgettable meetings to occur. Naturally, while dwelling in stunning landscapes and ridiculously beautiful scenery.

Where to stay?

If you are seeking unforgettable cultural and scenic experiences, you can discover cozy small towns and villages with rich local traditions. In Norway’s remote areas, there is still the option of local and family-owned hotels, lodges and other unique accommodations. Instead of using the big chain hotels, why not treat yourself to a stay at these authentic places, while at the same time contributing to the local economy? These accommodations are not always easy to find, as you are planning your trip, and therefore unlikely to attract crowds of tourists. We, here at Norway Insight, have spent a lot of time sourcing out the best spots, and we are pleased to connect the dots for you. 

What to experience?

One unique aspect of Norwegian culture is the concept of “friluftsliv,” which translates to “open-air living.” Norwegians have a deep connection with nature and outdoor activities. Local guides and activity providers give access to local expertise so that you can explore nature as the locals do, safely. We reccomend limiting motorized activities, instead go hiking, cycling or kayaking with your own muscle power, or perhaps by horsepower, riding across white sandy beaches or vast mountain plateaus? How about being powered by dogs or reindeer?

Photo: Håvard Nesbø/Fjord Norway

Photo: Mattias Fredriksson/Fjord Norway

Photo: Visit Ryfylke

What to eat?

We emphasize eating fresh, local and seasonal foods. However, the season for those tasty slow-growing vegetables, berries and fruits is short this far north. Smoking, pickling, drying and curing are culinary techniques that have been around for centuries. These techniques came out of necessity rather than desire. The methods offer gastronomic uniqueness, but also sustainability as the food is preserved.

The Norwegian government has set standards and guidelines to ensure sustainable and ethical practices in the farming industry. This includes regulations related to animal welfare, land use, and environmental impact. Norway is among the countries in the world with the lowest consumption of pesticides and uses the least antibiotics in food production in the whole of Europe.

Can dairy and meat production be sustainable? Large parts of Norway are too rugged and weathered to be used as farming land. These areas, however, provide excellent grazing for animals like goats, sheep, reindeer and game. Livestock keeping in Norway has traditionally been a way to unlock the local resources, turning plants that are inedible, for humans, into meat, butter and cheese. We recommend carefully sourcing your meat and dairy. Choose local, small-scale producers when possible.

Photo: Feien og Fjong

Photo: Feien og Fjong

Photo: Fjord Norway

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