Need cash when I land, best place in Norway? Airport or places in the city?
On my first trip to Oslo, I exchanged €100 at the airport desk and lost quite a bit. The next time, I used a Nordea ATM at Gardermoen and got a much better deal. I only withdrew 300 NOK for small purchases like coffee or metro tickets. The rest of my expenses were on card, even at food trucks. I also saw Forex Bank in downtown Oslo offering decent rates for euros. My advice: avoid the airport counter, use ATMs or cards instead.
Airport exchange desks in Norway offer weaker rates than the city. ATMs from DNB, Nordea, and Handelsbanken are located at Gardermoen Airport and across Oslo. They give NOK at official bank rates. Since Norway is nearly cashless, you don’t need large withdrawals. Most travellers keep 200-500 NOK for emergencies, while using cards for meals, transport, and attractions. Exchange offices like Forex Bank in Oslo city offer decent rates if you carry USD or EUR. Airport counters are a last resort.
When I landed in Oslo, I skipped the counter and went to a DNB ATM in the arrivals hall. Worked instantly with my Visa card. Later in the city, I noticed Forex Bank and X-Change giving better cash rates than the airport. Honestly though, I barely needed cash since everything from buses to kiosks accepted my card. I withdrew 500 NOK just for safety, but 90% of my trip was cashless. Airport counters are overpriced, so don’t rely on them.
Oslo Airport has exchange desks, but the rates are poor. I always go to ATMs from DNB or Nordea at arrivals. They dispense NOK at the bank rate. Norway is very card-friendly, but I like to carry 200-300 NOK for small cafés or public bathrooms. If you already bring euros or USD, exchange them in Oslo city at Forex Bank or X-Change offices. For budget travellers, the airport counters are the worst option - ATMs or cards are enough.