Tipping In Norway: A Guide to Norwegian Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Norway to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get NOK in cash in Norway, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in Norway?

Tipping in Norway is not customary. Leaving a small tip of 5% to 10% to thank the staff for good service will certainly be appreciated, but there's no expectation. Only in some high-end restaurants will the bill include an automatic service charge.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Norway, you won't need to tip your wait staff. If you'd like to add a gratuity, the best chance to do so is a the point-of-sale payment machine. Let your server how much to round up your bill.

When visiting bars and cafes, the same custom applies. It is not common to tip at cafes or bars in Norway.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Norway?

For hotel staff in Norway, tipping is not expected. Hotel staff share the same customs as other industries. You may leave some change for the cleaning service, but it won't be expected. It is also not common to tip porters or valet in Norway.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Norway

For taxi drivers in Norway, tipping is also not customary. In fact, your taxi driver will likely find it unusual and confusing.

Tour guides in Norway will also not expect tips. If your tour was informational and enjoyable, you can consider a 10% tip, or write a positive review and spread the word.

Practical Tips for Tipping in Norway

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Norway, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Norway.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Norway, you'll be prompted to pay in NOK or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (NOK) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Norway:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.