Banking/purchases for international student
Hello! I'm an international student coming from Florida (US) for the Spring 2024 semester. For context, I've never been out of the country before. I should be in Oslo for eight months and although I've made a lot of progress in preparing, I'm so lost regarding currency. I do plan on getting a part time job while in Oslo and am on a budget so I'm looking to avoid fees as much as I can. If anyone can help answer these questions, I would really appreciate it.
- should I open a bank account? It seems as if it takes a long time to do so and I don't have a national ID yet. I am not required to open a Norwegian bank account due to the deal with my host uni.
- What is Revolut? I've seen it recommended but I'm lost on how it works. I can not hold foreign currency in my domestic account, so is Rovolut a whole bank account and card? Is a wire transfer required or could I Venmo to avoid the fees, and then convert?
- I have a discover credit card, which has no international fees. Does this mean I can use it in Norway without converting the currency and with no fees? Is USD and discover widely accepted?
- If my job deposits, could it do so using Revolut? If not, is it taboo to be paid under the table? I'm personally fine with it but I don't want to suggest it to my employer if that's not polite.
I know I have a lot of questions, which are also all over the place. If you have any other advice for living in Oslo that would be great; I'm coming from legit the opposite climate and pretty much no guidance so I'm taking wild guesses at what I'll need. I appreciate your help so much and am excited to come to Norway!