Scandinavian Currency

[Danamis]

Hi there. I'm looking for advice from people who have done Scandinavian/Baltic cruises. We are joining Aurora in July for a Scandinavian cruise and will be visiting Sweden (3 ports) and Denmark. I see that both of these countries have their own version of Krona. My query is, would we actually need to get local currency or do they accept card payments in most places? I don't want to be left with lots of Krona as we may not do this itinerary again.

Thanks in advance.

Kate

[Leomins]

They prefer cards and many places refused cash in 2019. Probably even less cash accepted post Covid.

[Fionboard]

Last month I took no cash. Used card for everything. 

[Guest ccpm]

Card all the way. My cousins live in Denmark and Norway and advised this from the first time I visited them almost 15 years ago. 

[Pink-belle]

We also used card for everything.  

[Thejuggler]

Fee free foreign exchange credit cards all the way with a fee free cash withdrawal debit card in the wallet (in my case Starling bank) should there be an emergency where cash is required.

[hallasm]

Denmark and Sweden are ‘cashless’ - use Credit Card - a chip card with pin is highly recommended - also contactless Credit Cards or ApplePay is widely accepted.

For taxi, and public transport App’s might be useful - will require a mobile phone data plan.

 

[Denarius]

Visited both last Summer and did not take any local currency. Did not need it, everywhere I spent anything accepted payment by card.

[bearette]

Never used cash either , didn't even visit an atm.

[Danamis]

Thank you everyone. Great information!

[nini]

How do you tip your tour guides? I would think that cash would be preferred, and the only way.

[hallasm]

1 hour ago, nini said:

How do you tip your tour guides? I would think that cash would be preferred, and the only way.

In Scandinavia, it is not a common practice to tip tour guides, and it is not expected.

Gratuity is already included in the tour price, and tour guides are paid a fair wage.

However, if you feel that your tour guide went above and beyond their duties and provided exceptional service, you may choose to tip them as a gesture of appreciation.
Ultimately, tipping is a personal choice, and it is up to you whether or not you want to tip your tour guide.Then it will of course be good with local currency, but I am sure that EUR or USD will be accepted.

 

Edited April 28, 2023 by hallasm

[nini]

1 hour ago, hallasm said:

In Scandinavia, it is not a common practice to tip tour guides, and it is not expected.

Gratuity is already included in the tour price, and tour guides are paid a fair wage.

However, if you feel that your tour guide went above and beyond their duties and provided exceptional service, you may choose to tip them as a gesture of appreciation.
Ultimately, tipping is a personal choice, and it is up to you whether or not you want to tip your tour guide.Then it will of course be good with local currency, but I am sure that EUR or USD will be accepted.

 

 

Thanks for your response! Personally, I enjoy your comments because you are a "local".

[janetcbl]

21 hours ago, hallasm said:

In Scandinavia, it is not a common practice to tip tour guides, and it is not expected.

Gratuity is already included in the tour price, and tour guides are paid a fair wage.

However, if you feel that your tour guide went above and beyond their duties and provided exceptional service, you may choose to tip them as a gesture of appreciation.
Ultimately, tipping is a personal choice, and it is up to you whether or not you want to tip your tour guide.Then it will of course be good with local currency, but I am sure that EUR or USD will be accepted.

 

This is the perfect answer! You need to frame it!😁

[ExpatBride]

I live in Denmark and I can't remember the last time I had cash in my possession.

[KKB]

2 hours ago, ExpatBride said:

I live in Denmark and I can't remember the last time I had cash in my possession.

Thx for this--I rather had the idea to stop at an ATM & pull out about $50/port in cash. 

It seems I could scramble to exchange that in the end if I did.

Perhaps I will just play it by ear.