Hi everybody. My husband and I are travelling to the 3 Scandinavian counties for 3 weeks in May. Since all 3 counties have their own currency we are bringing cash specific to each country to pay for street foods, local products from the market and for other small stuff. My question is - is it better to buy the different currencies in our country of origin or better to bring US dollars and do the exchange at the airport or country we will be going. I am talking about the difference in exchange rate. I appreciate all your feedback.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6749 posts
You might not need any local currency and if you get it, you may find it hard to spend. Even sausage kiosks on the street will typically take a card.
If you find you need some cash, just take out a small amount at an ATM (”Bankomat” in Sweden)
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6749 posts
Also, you might want to read through this post:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/norway/atms-common-in-hotel-areas-in-norway-sweden-denmark-and-iceland
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7557 posts
Neither. The best exchange rate would be by using a debit card in a bank owned ATM in the country In which the currency is used. However, given the very small amount of cash needed in any of the Scandinavian countries, any savings over obtaining that same small amount before leaving home would be minimal.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Thank you everyone. This makes me feel better. All your comments are much appreciated.
Posted by
Portland, OR
86 posts
I see you are satisfied and I agree with all of them. My friend moved back to Sweden several years ago and hasn't used any cash. We visited all three countries and never NEEDED cash. One of our hotels did our laundry for free and I used some cash to pay a tip.
Posted by
Seattle
20 posts
Last week I just returned from 3 weeks in these Scandinavian countries, and used zero cash. This is new to me!!!! I always get some local currency at a bank ATM, but I never needed to on my trip. It felt strange, but tap to pay on my phone was just what everyone was doing...
I guess we are living in modern times.
Posted by
148 posts
Agree with Ivana. In Norway, there were some places that we NOT able to take cash. I was in all three countries six weeks ago, i used NO cash. I got very good at double clicking my phone, bringing up credit card, choose local currency and DONE!
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3316 posts
Me too. Norway & Denmark - Google wallet only. Has to use a physical cc one time.