Everything You Need to Know About Norway Currency

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Norway's currency is the Norwegian krone, denoted by the symbol "NOK". It's the official currency of Norway and is used for all transactions within the country.

The krone is divided into 100 smaller units called øre, although coins in øre are no longer in circulation.

You can exchange your money for Norwegian krone at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices, but be aware that the exchange rate may vary.

It's a good idea to have some local currency with you when you arrive in Norway, especially if you plan to take a taxi or public transportation.

Understanding NOK

The NOK is used in Norway, as well as in some of its territories like Svalbard, Bouvet Island, Queen Maud Land, and Peter I Island. It's a stable currency, historically speaking, thanks to Norway's strong economy.

The NOK has a symbol, "kr", and is used in various denominations, including coins and banknotes. Here are some of the frequently used coins: 1 kr, 5 kr, 10 kr, and 20 kr, while the banknotes come in denominations of 50 kr, 100 kr, 200 kr, 500 kr, and 1000 kr.

The NOK is pegged to a basket of currencies, and its value can fluctuate based on economic trends, such as changes in the global price of crude oil, which is a significant contributor to Norway's GDP.

History of the Currency

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The Norwegian krone has a rich history that dates back to 1875, when it replaced the speciedaler at a conversion rate of 1 krone to 4 speciedaler.

Norway joined the Scandinavian Monetary Union alongside Sweden and Denmark, which is why the currencies of these countries still bear striking similarities today. The union dissolved in 1914, but Norway decided to keep the krone.

The krone has undergone design changes over the years, including a major redesign in 2017. This latest version is inspired by the sea and the coast, fitting for a country with such a rich maritime history.

Before the krone, Norway used the speciedaler as its official currency. The speciedaler was dropped when Norway joined the Scandinavian Monetary Union in 1873.

The krone was pegged to several currencies at different times, including the British pound, the US dollar, and the German Reichsmark. Today, the krone floats on the foreign currency exchange rate.

Coins and banknotes are used for monetary transactions in Norway, with coins available in 1, 5, 10, and 20 denominations, and banknotes in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations.

Denominations and Coins

Rocky Island Hidden in Fog off the Coast of Norway
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The Norwegian krone is divided into 100 øre, but don't worry if you're not familiar with this unit - it's not commonly used in everyday transactions.

The Norwegian krone has several coin denominations, including 1 krone, 5 kroner, 10 kroner, and 20 kroner. These coins are widely used and accepted in Norway.

You might be surprised to know that coins of 50 øre were discontinued in 2012, so you might not see them often.

Here are the frequently used coins in Norway:

  • 1 krone
  • 5 kroner
  • 10 kroner
  • 20 kroner

The banknotes in Norway are also an interesting aspect of the currency. They feature images of Norwegian maritime history on the front and an abstract representation of sea and wind on the back.

Buying and Investing in NOK

If you're planning a trip to Norway, it's a good idea to buy Norwegian krone (NOK) online beforehand. You can order your NOK online and get competitive exchange rates with no commission, and even choose home delivery or click and collect from a convenient location.

Banknote Lot
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To be flexible with your travel money, consider choosing cash or a Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard. This way, you can be ready for any kind of spend during your Norwegian adventure.

Norway's economy is one of the most stable in Europe, which makes the krone a prudent investment historically. Norway is Western Europe's leading oil exporter, and its GDP growth for 2021 was 3.9%.

Buy Currency Online

If you're planning a trip to Norway, you can buy Norwegian krone online to get competitive exchange rates with no commission.

Ordering online allows you to choose home delivery or click and collect from a convenient location.

You can choose to receive cash or a Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard, which gives you flexibility with your travel money.

The Travelex Money Card can be used for any kind of spend, making it a great option for your Norwegian adventure.

With your currency in check, you'll be all set to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Is it a Good Investment?

Banknotes and Coins Beside Gray Safety Box
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Investing in the Norwegian Krone can be a safe and reliable option, but it ultimately depends on individual investor decisions.

The Norwegian Krone is a stable currency, which is a good thing for investors who prioritize security.

However, the question remains whether it's a good investment, and that's for each investor to decide.

The Norwegian Krone's stability can be attributed to Norway's strong economy and its large oil reserves.

Investors who value stability may find the Norwegian Krone to be an attractive option.

But, as with any investment, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

NOK and the Global Market

The Norwegian krone, or NOK, is a currency that's heavily influenced by global market conditions. Its value can fluctuate based on economic trends and changes in the global price of crude oil.

Norway is Western Europe's leading oil exporter, so it's no surprise that oil prices have a significant impact on the NOK's value. In fact, changes in oil prices can trigger fluctuations in the NOK's value.

Person Putting Rolled Banknotes in Glass Jar
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The NOK isn't pegged to any other currency, which means its value can change freely based on market conditions. This makes it an exciting, if unpredictable, currency to follow.

As of August 23, 2022, one U.S. dollar is equal to 9.77 Norwegian Krone (NOK). This means that if you're planning a trip to Norway, you'll want to keep an eye on exchange rates to get the best deal.

The NOK trades against all other official currencies around the globe, giving us exchange rates that can fluctuate over time. A higher exchange rate means the value of one currency has increased compared to another, while a lower exchange rate means the opposite.

Norway has a high-income economy with slow population growth, which contributes to its stable economy. This stability makes the NOK a prudent investment, historically speaking.

The NOK's value can also be affected by Norway's other industries, such as shipping, hydroelectric power, fishing, and manufacturing. These industries contribute to the country's gross domestic product (GDP), which in turn affects the NOK's value.

Facts You Ought to Know

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The Norwegian Krone is Norway's official currency, and here are some key facts to know.

The short name for the Norwegian Krone is NOK, and its symbol is KR.

You'll commonly see coins in denominations of 1 KR, 5 KR, 10 KR, and 20 KR.

The most frequently used banknotes are 50 KR, 100 KR, 200 KR, 500 KR, and 1000 KR.

Norway's currency has been in use since 1875.

The Norwegian Krone is divided into 100 øre, which is its minor unit.

The Central Bank of Norway is Norges Bank, and you can find more information on their website at www.norges-bank.no.

Norway has a unique relationship with its currency, and it's used as a part of the legal tender in Svalbard, Bouvet Island, Queen Maud Land, and Peter I Island.

Here are some frequently used coins and banknotes to keep in mind:

  • Coins: 1 KR, 5 KR, 10 KR, 20 KR
  • Banknotes: 50 KR, 100 KR, 200 KR, 500 KR, 1000 KR

Comparing NOK to Other Currencies

The Norwegian Krone has a relatively stable relationship with other major currencies. The U.S. dollar is stronger than the Norwegian Krone and has steadily strengthened against it since 2015. This is likely due to changes in the respective interest rates between the two countries, fluctuations in the price of oil, and the weakening of the Eurozone economy.

In comparison, the Norwegian Krone has a more volatile relationship with other currencies. The Krone's value can fluctuate significantly due to factors such as global economic trends and changes in the price of oil.

Sending and Receiving NOK

Christmas-themed gift box tied with string and banknotes nearby on a white surface.
Credit: pexels.com, Christmas-themed gift box tied with string and banknotes nearby on a white surface.

Sending and Receiving NOK can be a complex process, especially when it comes to international money transfers. High fees and exchange rates are common with global money transfers through your international bank, often constituting more than 10% of your transfer amount.

Fortunately, there are alternative providers that offer better exchange rates, with some providers offering rates that far outdo those of banks. The cheapest provider to send money abroad can vary depending on your location, transfer amount, and payment method.

To find the cheapest provider in real time, you can use a live comparison tool like Monito, which can save you time and hassle.

Cash vs Card

In Norway, it's largely a cashless society, so you can pay with a credit or debit card almost anywhere.

You'll find that even street vendors and taxi drivers are usually equipped to take card payments. Cards are widely accepted, from the fanciest of restaurants to the smallest of kiosks.

Man in Green Button Up Shirt Holding Rolled Banknotes
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It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for situations where cards might not be accepted, such as in rural areas or for certain public toilets.

The Travelex Money Card is a great option for loading Norwegian krone before you travel, so you don't have to worry about exchange rates changing while you're away.

Service charges are typically included in your bill, so tipping is not as big of a deal in Norway as it is in other countries.

Sending Money

Sending money to Norway can be a costly affair, with fees and exchange rates eating into your transfer amount - sometimes constituting more than 10% of the total.

If you're planning to send money to a Norwegian krone bank account, be aware that international money transfers often come with high fees.

You can avoid these high fees by using alternative providers that offer better exchange rates. In fact, these rates can be significantly better than what your bank offers.

However, finding the cheapest provider can be a hassle, especially when you consider factors like your location, the amount you're sending, and the payment method you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use euro in Norway?

No, the Euro is not accepted as a form of payment in Norway. Instead, the Norwegian currency is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK).

Can I use US dollars in Norway?

No, US dollars are not widely accepted in Norway, so it's best to have Norwegian currency, the krone, for your trip. You can withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange currency at various locations.

Helen Stokes

Assigning Editor

Helen Stokes is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, she has honed her skills in researching and assigning articles on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of numismatics, with a particular focus on commemorative coins and Canadian currency.

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