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Occasional in Norway

Scam in NorwayCards and ATMs

Home-currency conversion at payment in Norway

Card payments and cash withdrawals in Norway. The choice is described as rare.

How it works

A payment screen offers to convert the Norwegian kroner amount into your card's home currency. Accepting the conversion can give you a worse rate. This is a payment cost trap, not necessarily fraud.

Warning signs

  • A screen asks you to choose between Norwegian kroner and your home currency.

How to avoid it

  1. Choose Norwegian kroner, or NOK.
  2. Check the currency and amount before confirming.
  3. Check your own bank's fees.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and check the charge. If the currency differs from what you selected, contact the merchant or your card issuer.

  1. Get somewhere safe. Call 112 if someone threatens you or you are in immediate danger. Call 113 for a medical emergency.
  2. Stop further losses. Freeze missing cards, contact your bank and remotely lock a stolen phone.
  3. Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking details, screenshots and messages. Note the time, place and taxi licence number if relevant.
  4. Report the incident to police. For non-emergencies, call 02800 from within Norway. Ask for a report reference.
  5. Contact the taxi company, booking app, merchant or card issuer about disputed charges. Explain what happened and provide the evidence.
  6. Contact your insurer if you need to claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help.
Where it happensCard payments and cash withdrawals in Norway. The choice is described as rare.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in NorwayPoor exchange rates when paying in euros: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the home-currency conversion at payment scam in Norway?

A payment screen offers to convert the Norwegian kroner amount into your card's home currency. Accepting the conversion can give you a worse rate. This is a payment cost trap, not necessarily fraud.

How can I spot it early?

A screen asks you to choose between Norwegian kroner and your home currency.

How do I avoid home-currency conversion at payment in Norway?

Choose Norwegian kroner, or NOK. Check the currency and amount before confirming. Check your own bank's fees.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and check the charge. If the currency differs from what you selected, contact the merchant or your card issuer.

Where in Norway does this happen?

Card payments and cash withdrawals in Norway. The choice is described as rare.

How common is this scam in Norway?

Occasional. Norway has low crime levels, and common tourist scams are rare. The main risks are car break-ins, bicycle theft, pickpocketing and high taxi charges, especially when hailing a taxi in Oslo. Currency exchange and payment conversion can also cost you extra, though these charges are not necessarily scams.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 112 for an emergency or immediate danger. For a non-emergency, call 02800 from within Norway. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and keep the report reference. Police in Bergen: the downtown police station is at Allehelgens gate 6, across from the old town hall. The listed non-emergency number is +47 55 55 63 00. Taxi company or booking app: use the company's customer service or the app's support option. Include the receipt, price quote, trip details and taxi licence number. For driver delays or false pickup locations, include screenshots and messages. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised or disputed charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Many consulates in Bergen are honorary and have limited services; your embassy in Oslo may be needed. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its claims service. Keep police references, receipts and proof of loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Norway?

Police and help reaching the correct rescue service: 112, Fire: 110, Emergency medical services: 113, Non-emergency police, within Norway only: 02800, Non-emergency medical care, within Norway only: 116117, Emergency services for people using a text telephone: 1412.

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