money exchange
 

Heading to Copenhagen, Bergen and Oslo. Am I correct that we will need two different currencies and are MasterCard and Visa excepted almost anywhere?

We used credit cards almost exclusively in Copenhagen last year, even for taxis. I think got the equivalent of $40 at an atm just in case and that was enough. I don't know about Bergen or Oslo.

I expect you will find a similar situation in Oslo. I'm struck by how many places are moving to transitions all in plastic. If you feel the need to have some cash, I recommend trophywife's approach.

You don't "exchange money" anymore. You use an ATM to withdraw whatever cash you need. But Mastercard and Visa are ubiquitous in Europe now, even for small purchases.

Norway is the most cash-free place I have ever been to. You really don't need any cash at all, every small shop has a credit card machine.

Tes, two different currencies. A word of warning on an ATM though. We used the Euronet at the Copenhagen airport. We were tired and didn't pay close attention, but we were given only some Danish currency, but the majority was Icelandic! VERY different exchange rate! I am sure it was just a mistake, but I mention it so that you might opt for a different ATM (after that I would only use one run by a bank that I could go into if there was a problem) or else check that all the currency is correct. We did not realize it as they all look similar, but at dinner that night when trying to pay the restaurant owner let us know.

In all three cities, they all seem to assume everyone pays with a card. They seemed to instinctively whip out CC machines but seemed to get surprised I was using cash as if only the tourists used cash. This was even buying a cup of cheap coffee.

We used cash in lots of places in Norway in 2013. Bars, cheap restaurants - okay they weren’t that cheap - grocery stores, clothing stores. Maybe we were odd.

Tell your local bank and c.c issuer exactly what countries you will be using ATMs in and say nowhere else - frauds may be unlikely in those countries but still - and if don't inform bank or c.c. issuer that you will be going to and using card in Denmark and Norway they may block it as a security alert.

In answer to one of your original questions: Yes, Denmark and Norway use completely difference currencies.
Fortunately, as others have noted, you will not need much (if any!) currency at all -- pretty much every place in these large cities uses credit cards, DEFINITELY including Visa & Mastercard. When you arrive at your initial city (I assume by plane), use your credit card to obtain transit passes, and then ride into town. EVERY kiosk I used selling transit passes had the option of displaying options in English, so you should have no problem.

Once you get into town, if you think you might need some currency, eat the cost of an ATM and get some cash from the ubiquitous terminals.

Presuming that your initial arrival will be at Copenhagen Airport, this page is absolutely invaluable:
Copenhagen Airport | rocktreesky

Thank you!

Thank you for that info. Very valuable!!

Thank you so very much!!!

Wow! good to know

hahaha easier to keep track of your spending for sure

Thanks! appreciate the advice

Thank you so very much!!!