NORWAY. Travel Retail Norway (TRN), the Gebr. Heinemann-led tax & duty-free concessionaire at Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim airports, has introduced Bitcoin payments for customers using Click & Collect services on arrival at Oslo Airport.
The travel retailer hailed the move as a world first in the channel, adding that it marks the first step in a planned rollout of digital payment alternatives.
Travel Retail Norway Deputy CEO Haakon Dagestad said, “We want to give customers freedom of choice and a simple, secure payment experience. Bitcoin as a payment method is an exciting addition for those who prefer to use digital currencies.”
The payment solution is provided by Satoshi Consult, which has developed “a secure and user-friendly system” tailored to Norwegian regulations. TRN noted that “while other companies have spoken about their intention to accept Bitcoin, it is now ready to use in Oslo”.
“Our mission is to operate and develop Norway’s tax-free stores to help finance Norwegian aviation. We believe this will create a buzz in the Bitcoin community and help put Oslo and Norway on the map as forward-thinking destinations,” added Dagestad.
How Bitcoin payment works in Oslo
- Customers place their order via Click & Collect at http://www.tax-free.no
- Upon pickup at Oslo Airport, the customer selects Bitcoin as the payment method
- A QR code is generated, and the customer confirms payment via their own Bitcoin wallet that supports the Lightning Network.
- The amount is displayed in Norwegian Kroner and settled in real time. A receipt is issued as with other transactions.
This option currently applies only to Click & Collect upon arrival at Oslo, but the retailer said it is considering expanding to other stores and payment formats.
Q&A
Do you charge a fee for bitcoin payments?
No, Travel Retail Norway does not impose any additional fees beyond standard store terms. Any network or platform costs may appear in the customer’s own wallet.
How are refunds handled?
Refunds are processed as with other purchases. Amounts are credited in NOK according to the receipt and TRN’s return policy.
Does this expose customers to currency risk?
The amount is locked in NOK at the time of payment. Exchange rate conversion is handled by the payment solution.
Is the solution compliant with regulations?
Yes. The solution meets all current requirements for security, privacy, and anti-money laundering controls. TRN has established routines to ensure compliance.
*Norway’s airport company Avinor is preparing to call tenders in early 2026 for its key commercial contracts, led by duty-free & duty-paid retail (with TRN as anchor tenant), travel essentials, food & beverage and lounges. Click here for a recent interview about the opportunities. ✈
