The Norwegian government is planning a proposal to force Norwegian businesses to accept cash payments.
Here’s what you need to know about this proposal and why.
Anyone who lives or has recently visited Norway knows that the country is becoming a cashless society.
Many people consider cash useless and some businesses refuse to accept it.
Norwegian cash krone banknotes
But that may be changing.
The Ministry of Justice has submitted for consultation a proposal to force all Norwegian companies to accept cash.
Nearly cashless society
Most Norwegian locals make all their payments with credit cards or digital payment solutions such as Apple Pay of Norwegian app Vipps has proven very popular for paying for small items and sharing costs among groups of friends.
Some smaller stores have stopped accepting cash altogether.
I understand why deal with Norwegian currency Cash complicates your business, increases administrative overhead, and of course increases the risk of robbery. All over the country recently fundraiser Stopped accepting cash.
But there are also drawbacks. Not everyone is comfortable with digital solutions.
In recent years, there have been problems with payment systems going down.
And of course there are problems for tourists who do not have access to all digital payment systems.
Norwegian 500 krone banknote.
Norwegian 500 krone banknote.
The government has watched the country accelerate towards digitalization, but now wants to apply a break.
The Justice Ministers, led by Justice Minister Emily Enger Mehr (Central Party), Strengthen consumer rights Pay with cash in Norway.
The government considers current legislation to be ambiguous regarding payment situations in which a consumer is entitled to cash, suggesting businesses must accept cash.
The ministry’s proposal would strengthen the right of consumers to pay in cash “at all employee locations where goods and services are sold.”
Critical to National Preparedness
The Justice Minister stressed that problems could arise when electronic systems are disrupted. This happened the day before Norway’s Constitution Day earlier this year.
Norwegian money collage
Norwegian money collage
Consumers who stocked up on champagne, beer and food for the big day were forced to use cash or miss out on some places. The experience “showed us that we had to maintain the ability to pay with cash,” says Mehl.
Her words are backed up by the organization’s Kim Hamre Ja til kontanter (yes, cash it). He said businesses that don’t accept cash discriminate against senior citizens and others who may be struggling with digital solutions.
“Cash is also important in the event of cyberattacks, natural disasters, or other events that can disrupt digital banking and payment systems,” Hamre said.
Help for tourists
Guaranteeing the right to pay in cash would also be a great advantage for incoming tourists. Many tourists rely on debit and credit cards, but they are not always sufficient.
Some remote attractions popular with Norwegians only accept payment in Vipps. For example, kiosks selling coffee at events or unattended parking lots near popular hiking trails.
Chinese mobile payment
Chinese mobile payment
Not everyone can or wants to pay with digital solutions.
Vipps are convenient for Norwegians, but they are not available to visitors, as you must link your Vipps account to your Norwegian bank account.
What happens next?
The public hearing process on the proposal will continue through December 19th.
The timing will definitely increase your chances of being hired.
Given the situation in Ukraine and political uncertainty over Russia, the country is now increasing its level of national preparedness.
As part of this, authorities recently urged everyone in Norway to keep a cash reserve in case of emergencies.
https://www.lifeinnorway.net/norway-considers-forcing-businesses-to-accept-cash/ Norway considers forcing companies to accept cash
