Money, Currency and Cards in Svalbard
Local Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
General Advice
Norwegian Krone (NOK; symbol Kr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of Kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of Kr20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50 øre.
There is an ATM in Longyearbyen, but this should not be relied upon as can break down from time to time. ATM’s are available in airports en route to the island where it is easy to withdraw cash as and when you need it, using a card on one of the major networks such as Cirrus. This will be more convenient than taking foreign currency or travellers cheques that would then need to exchanged into Krone.
Credit cards are useful as a back up.
Money Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged in the bank and occasionally in hotels and travel agents, but use of credit card or Norwegian cash is best.
ATM Availability
There is an ATM in Longyearbyen, but this should not be relied upon as it can break down from time to time. For more information check the Visa ATM locator, the MasterCard ATM locator or the American Express ATM locator for the addresses of ATMs around the world.
Credit Cards
All major credit and debit cards, such as Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are generally accepted by hotels. However cash is prefered in shops and supermarkets.
Travellers Cheques
Traveller cheques can sometimes be exchanged in banks, hotels, and travel agents, but cash is preferable.
Other Information
Banking hours are Monday-Thursday 09:00-16:00hrs, Friday 09:00-17:00hrs and Saturday 09:00-12:00hrs.
Note that this is subject to change.
