Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Norway or cash is king?
Norway is very card-friendly. Hostels accept debit and credit, and no one batted an eye when I tapped to pay for a tiny amount. If you’re used to countries where hostels demand cash, this will feel very convenient.
When I was in Lofoten, the small guesthouse I used still had a card machine. It felt strange to never touch cash on a trip, but that’s Norway. Carrying coins is basically useless. Just tap your card or phone.
Unlike many countries, Norway doesn’t really run on cash anymore. Hostels, cafés, even public toilets take card. I stayed at Anker Hostel in Oslo and paid by card at check-in, super smooth. Cash isn’t necessary here at all.
Norway is one of the easiest places for card use. I stayed in Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø hostels and every single one accepted Visa or Mastercard with no issue. You’ll rarely need cash, even at the smallest hostels.