Payments in Norway
Norway is a cashless society, with all payments being made by card. While most establishments still accept cash, we do not recommend this form of payment.
Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted credit cards, with fewer accepting Amex or Diners. When in doubt, ask before shopping.
The Norwegian currency is Norwegian Kroners (NOK)
More information for students who will be needing cash cards on the next pages:
I. Full degree students outside the EU/EEA
II. Erasmus+ Global Mobility exchange students
Discounts and useful apps
Budget
A student’s budget will vary from person to person and depends on how frugal one choses to be.
An estimate on housing and food expenses per month is:
Housing: NOK 3500-6500
Food: NOK 2500-4500
Payment methods
Here are the top 5 payment methods in Norway:
1. Card payments: debit and credit cards
2. Vipps: Norwegian phone app (requires Norwegian bank account and phone number)
3. Bank Transfer: Used for larger purchases or recurring charges
4. Klarna: buy now, pay later (BNPL) service for online purchases
5. PayPal: Payment option for many online purchases
Living costs
Living in Norway can be expensive and we generally advice students to make their own meals and to buy items second hand.
Bus ticket: single NOK 37,5 NOK/ monthly NOK 418/NOK 516
Textbooks: NOK 1500-3500
Coffee (UiA): NOK 39-65
Dinner (UiA): NOK 50-100
Restaurants (budget): NOK 150-250
Cinema: NOK 150-200
Gym memberships: monthly NOK 300-450
I. Non-EU Full Degree
It is optional for Non-EU/EEA full degree students to order a cash card. For those of you that do not have a credit card you can use in Norway, you can order a cash card from UiA to help you make payments before you gain access to your Norwegian Bank account (this can take up to several months).
The money on the cash card (30 000 NOK) will be transferred from the deposit you paid to UiA. Should you have any money left after you gain access to your Norwegian bank account, the remaining sum will be transferred to your account.
In May, the International office will send you an email with a form for ordering a cash card (optional).
UiA orders the cash cards.
Soon after arrival you will receive an email informing you of when and where to pick up your cash card. It is required that you bring your passport.
After opening a bank account, you will receive a new form where you will have to fill in the information of your new Norwegian bank account.
The remaining sum on your cash card will be transferred to your account.
About the cash card
• Can only be used in physical stores or to withdraw money from ATMs, not online.
• The balance can only be checked in an ATM.
• For payment to SiA Housing, you must visit the SiA reception (payment by card terminal)
• If you have any questions regarding your cash card (e.g. lost card/pin), please contact: regnskap@uia.no
II. Global Mobility
UiA will issue a cash card to all Erasmus+ Global Mobility students soon after arrival. Please bring enough money for your first days in Norway.
The first payment to your cash card will include your scholarship for the first two months, as there can be some extra expenses your first weeks in Norway. If you have purchased your own plane tickets, the travel grant is automatically transferred to the cash card. The next payment will be in October/March (for students arriving in autumn/spring respectively).
Unused funds over 500 kroner remaining on the cash card will be transferred back to the student after the end of the exchange period
UiA orders the cash cards.
Before arrival you will receive an email informing you of when and where to pick up your cash card. It is required that you bring your passport.
After the first two months you will receive a payout of the scholarship on the 5th of each month.
Funds over 500 kroner remaining on the cash card will be transferred to the student. You will receive an email with information on how to apply for a transfer of funds upon your return.
About the cash card
• Can only be used in physical stores or to withdraw money from ATMs, not online.
• The balance can only be checked in an ATM.
• For payment to SiA Housing, you must visit the SiA reception (payment by card terminal)
• If you have any questions regarding your cash card (e.g. lost card/pin), please contact: regnskap@uia.no