Important things to remember when travelling
Financial travel advice
Using cards when travelling
Did you know that you should always choose the local currency when using your card abroad? You get a better price if you pay in the local currency rather than in Norwegian kroner.
Tips for using cards when travelling
Pay with a credit card abroad
When abroad, it is safest to pay with a credit card. This allows you to verify that the amount is correct before paying the bill that arrives later. In addition, it is more secure to use and gives you more rights than a debit card.
By using your credit card when travelling, you will
- Avoid an empty account in case of fraud
- More easily get your money back in the event of a complaint
- Get fee-free purchases and a good exchange rate
- Avoid reserved amounts on your own current account
- Get interest-free payment deferral
- Be able to take advantage of discounts your credit card gives you
If you pay at least half of your trip's transport costs with your Mastercard, you automatically receive travel insurance for the trip.
Price example Pluss Mastercard
Nominal rate 18.60%, effective rate 20.27%, NOK 30,000 over 12 months. Cost: NOK 3,108. Total: NOK 33,108
Always bring two cards
It is always good to have a backup solution. It quickly becomes difficult to access money for your holiday if you suddenly lose your wallet.
With both a Visa card and a Mastercard on your trip, you are on the safe side. Keep the bank cards separate so that you avoid losing both cards if you misplace or have your wallet stolen.
Have you lost your card? Block your card immediately if it goes missing. Cards can be blocked and replaced in the mobile and online bank, or by calling us on 915 04800 (+47 915 04800).
Start using your new card as soon as it is ordered
If you lose your cards whilst on holiday, you can start using your new card on your mobile as soon as it is ordered. In the mobile bank, you can easily add the new card to Vipps, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay:
- Update to the latest version of the mobile bank
- Log in and select the relevant account or "More"
- Select card and click "Add to Wallet"
Pay in local currency
Always choose local currency when you use your card abroad. You get a better exchange rate if you pay in local currency and not in Norwegian kroner.
Many cash machines, shops, restaurants and other places where you use your bank card give you the choice, or select the currency for you, when you need to pay. In that case, you should use or change to local currency, or "no conversion".
In our Currency calculator you can check today's exchange rates.
Get notified when your card is used
You can choose to receive an SMS notification every time your card is used, for payments above a certain amount, or when spending reaches a set limit. Activate such notifications in the online bank before you travel.
Remember that we have robust security solutions that make it safe to use your card, and that you have excellent consumer protection should anything go wrong.
Are you experiencing problems with card use and payment abroad?
Glossary for using cards when travelling
Beware of card fraud
Don't let your card go astray.
Don't let shop assistants or waiters take your card away; instead, accompany them to the payment terminal if it is located elsewhere in the premises. Keep your receipts and check them against the online bank when you get home. Double billing for services is a known fraud method.
If your card is lost, it must be blocked immediately.
You can block the card yourself in the online bank or mobile banking app. You can also start a chat with us, or call us on 915 04800.
Do you need to carry large amounts on your trip?
If you are carrying currency worth more than NOK 25,000, you must notify the Customs authorities.
If you need to carry currency equivalent to more than NOK 25,000 to or from Norway, you must notify the Customs authorities. This also applies to other means of payment, such as gift cards.
It is not illegal to carry currency worth more than NOK 25,000 as long as you notify the Customs authorities before your trip. You do not need to pay duty on the amount.
You declare the amount by completing a declaration form.
When leaving Norway, submit the form at the nearest customs office in connection with your departure. When travelling into Norway, you must go to the red zone and submit the form there.
If you fail to declare, you risk having to pay penalty fees on the entire amount or being reported to the police. Read more at Toll.no
Take your bank with you when you travel
It is convenient to have access to your banking services when you are on the move.
BankID on App
Use the Mobile Bank
Settle up on Vipps
A brilliant way to split expenses: when you go on a weekend trip, holiday or simply want to share costs with friends and acquaintances over a period – this is the function for you.
Create a group and invite members. Once everyone has added their expenses, Vipps can calculate who owes whom money. Vipps the amount away when the calculation is complete.
When you get home
When the holiday is over and you have arrived home safely, you should review both your account statement and credit card bill.
Find all purchases, withdrawals and read through receipts so that you can verify that everything matches the account statement and bill.
Useful links
Remember valid travel insurance
Travel insurance does not only apply to trips abroad. It covers all types of travel, with no requirement for overnight stays. As soon as you step out the door, it is wise to have your travel insurance in order.
Travel insurance covers reasonable and necessary expenses in connection with damage and loss of belongings, as well as illness and accidents that occur whilst travelling.
In addition to travel insurance, you can order a European Health Insurance Card. The card documents that you are entitled to coverage for necessary healthcare in another EEA country on the same terms as the country's own citizens. You can have the health insurance card digitally or on paper.
Be aware that you should have travel insurance regardless. In many countries, the public sector does not fully cover expenses for healthcare services. Nor does it cover repatriation when you are ill or at risk of an accident.
It may also be wise to check travel advice and incidents to the country you are travelling to.
Checklist before your trip
Passport, visa and insurance
Remember to have your passport, visa and insurance ready well before you travel. Be aware that some countries require passports and ID to be valid for six months after you return home, while others require three months. Check this well in advance of departure.
Vaccinations
Check which vaccinations you need to have before travelling to places where there is a risk of contracting disease. You should check early what is needed, as necessary vaccinations may take time to become effective.
Medicines
Arrange the necessary medicines you need during your trip. You should always bring extra medicines in case the trip lasts longer than planned: It is not always easy to obtain all types of medicines abroad.
It may be wise to ask your doctor for an English note describing any illnesses you have, medicines you need and dosage.
Always pack medicines in your hand luggage, as this gives you the best possible control over them. Remember your medical certificate for prescription medicines, as this makes security checks as smooth as possible.
Hand Luggage
Pack your hand luggage carefully.
Items you cannot manage without when you land must be packed in your hand luggage, such as medicines, glasses and contact lenses.
Valuable items, such as cameras, PCs, jewellery, sunglasses or watches, should also be packed in your hand luggage. This way you have the best possible control over your belongings.
What happens if I fall ill whilst travelling?
If you have our travel insurance and fall ill or are injured whilst on holiday abroad, you can contact the emergency centre you have access to through your insurance. Contact SOS International on tel. +47 22 96 50 45 or create a case online. They are available every day, around the clock. They will help you find a doctor and hospital, and take care of all the practical matters. It may be wise to save the number on your phone before departure.
