StCirq

Forget traveler's checks. They are a dinosaur. As others have mentioned, for the most part merchants won't take them and banks won't cash them

Use an ATM to get cash and a CC for big purchase, and don't forget to notify your bank(s) that you are traveling abroad so they don't block your account(s).

If you feel more comfortable getting some euros in advance, that's fine, but you likely won't get a great exchange rate.

BigRuss

<<If you feel more comfortable getting some euros in advance, that's fine, but you likely won't get a great exchange rate.>>

Why you'd get Euros for a trip to Norway is a question in itself since the children of Odin use the Krone.

And you will get an effing awful rate if you try to convert dollars to krone in the US.

PaulRabe

I was just in Norway last week, and I can verify that every place you can imagine takes MasterCard & Visa. It will help to have a chip, and a PIN for some vending machines but, overall, CCs are the way to go. Do notify your CC company that you'll be overseas to ensure they don't put a hold on it, due to "suspicious" activity.

Sue81

HI, I take two or 3 charge cards, and Visa seems to be readily accepted. I also take my Am Ex which seems to be accepted at most hotels in Europe. I suggest you call your credit card Customer service # to let them know the dates in Europe so not blocked. I also exchange some Euros/Swiss Francs before I leave and wear a money belt over shoulder, until I get to my destination as the airports are a bit of a mess lately, and I don't want to have the money missing. Sue

MmePerdu

Many credit card websites now have a page for travel notification online, no need to call if they do, much better.

Edward2005

I last used travelers checks on a trip to Europe in 1996. I needed to cash a few at a Paris but was annoyed by the long line. On a lark, I tried an ATM machine displaying my bank's network. To my surprise it worked! I haven't looked back since.

StCirq

<<Why you'd get Euros for a trip to Norway is a question in itself since the children of Odin use the Krone. >>

Duh. If I'd noticed he was going to Norway I wouldn't have mentioned euros, but some of us don't have time to read every word of every post.

PatrickLondon

By sheer coincidence, here's what turned up in my newspaper about current developments in ATMs, contactless cards and so on:

https://www.theguardian.com/money/20...een-technology

soboyle

As a follow up, used my ATM card with no issues in Longyearbyen. Used credit cards for nearly all purchases, and everyone accepts cards - taxis, restaurants, grocery stores etc. A small amount of cash isn't a bad idea but not necessary.

bilboburgler

"Have been reading a lot about ATM skimming, thieves grabbing CC info when using an ATM machine."

Probably best to stop reading.

nanabee

Thanks for taking the time to check back and post soboyle.

I've been to Norway a few times in the last couple of years and that was my experience as well.

I never even used "cash" (Krone) - just, as you mentioned, credit card for every purchase. I think they tend to be a more cashless society.