It takes at least three months from the time you open a bank account to the time you receive an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) bank card.
An alternative to a credit card is travellers cheques. These can be cashed in banks, post offices and some travel agencies e.g. AmericanExpress. In order to issue a VISA card, the banks require at least a six-month customer relationship.
VISA is the most accepted credit card in Norway, although Diners Club, AMEX and EuroCard are accepted in major restaurants and shops located in cities and popular tourist areas in the countryside.
Most people in Norway use a bankcard for all purchases. Norway uses what is called a debit system and there is no payment system for purchases. If you wish to buy something with a bankcard, you need to make sure that there is money in your account!
In Norway banks are generally open from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday through Friday. There is usually a designated day during the week when business hours are extended.
