We're taking the Scandinavia tour in June, and are aware that Denmark, Sweden and Norway each have their own currency. How much money should we bring for each country? We'll be using our credit cards mostly, but usually there's some need for local currency for something...operating a washer and dryer in a launderette? And there's my second question: has anyone found a launderette near one of the hotels or do any of the hotels offer a laundry service? I know Rick's advice involves washing in the sink, but my hubby prefers heavier polos, and they don't dry easily.
Posted by
Chicago
367 posts
I think you'll find that most of us haven't used cash in these countries in a long while.
We were in Norway in 2023 for 2 ½ weeks. Laundromats seem to be scarce, as most Norwegians have washing machines in there homes, so I'm told. I ended up doing laundry on our Hurtigruten ship which is, also, the only place I needed cash the entire trip, about 10nok.
We stayed in several Thon hotels in Norway and they all offered laundry service.
Posted by
511 posts
Just got back from 18 days in Norway. On the third day I got $70 worth of Kroner. I didn't need any but felt I should have some in hand as we were heading to remote fijord locations. Totally unecessary...I had about $50 worth of Kroner left with 1.5 days left. Paying cash required the merchant to dig out his cash box to make change. So to answer your question.. cash...not much.
Posted by
Malmö, Sweden
179 posts
This is the only launderette in Stockholm, I guess you pay at the counter with card or cash. https://xn--tvttomaten-r5a.se/engelska/
Posted by
OP
55 posts
So bathrooms where you have to pay some amount in coins don't exist? Or you can use your credit card?
Posted by
Chicago
367 posts
The only pay toilet we came across in Norway was at the Voss train station. It was credit card only, but the reader was broken so we didn't pay.
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden
1276 posts
I would probably change K20 in Sweden, ask someone for change. i only carry a few K10 coins, for using a locker or getting a cart at a grocery store. i've trained myself to use Apple Pay. Many stores will not accept cash. There's also a 'Swish' system, but it's only used by Swedish residents who have a bank account, so when you see the sign, ignore it. No one really tips in Sweden, you just round up on the bill, which you pay with a credit card. Sorry, I've never seen a Laundromat.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7447 posts
Seeing both money and laundry in the title made me wonder a bit what your plans were…
But if you are going on a tour you'll probably only visit the more touristy areas and a Visa or Mastercard will probably work fine (but don't try to rely on American Express). But if you're going outside the beaten path a bit of cash is not a bad idea. Paying with bank transfer (via the Swish app) is popular for markets and smaller places and the only alternative might be cash.