Email     Print     Bookmark & Share

Oslo Basics

Guide

Weather:

  • Weather Today
    Hi 8°C
    Lo 7°C
  • See 5-day forecast
    Oslo Weather

Maps

  • Norway map

Directory


Time

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.

Money: The official currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK) divided into 100 ore. Larger establishments accept major credit cards and travellers cheques. Use of credit cards is widespread, with Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club the most common. Visitors should be aware that credit cards are generally not accepted as a means of payment in Norwegian supermarkets and petrol stations. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and major post offices, as well as many hotels and travel agents, although for poorer rates. ATMs are available in all towns and cities.


Currency Exchange Rates
NOK 1.00 = A$ 0.21 C$ 0.18 IRR 1.53 NZ$ 0.25 £ 0.10 US$ 0.17 R 1.41

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely understood.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a valid passport but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens (Bermuda) and passport holders with the right to abode in the UK must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport valid for at least two months beyond the visa expiry date. A visa is required for travel to Norway.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport but no visa is required for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel. Passports should be valid for at least the period of intended stay, or if a visa is required, for two months after the expiry date of the visa. Some European countries require only their National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Health: Travellers should seek local advice before eating certain types of fish from the lakes and fjords and mussels from along the coast. The standard of healthcare is high. A reciprocal agreement exists between UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.

Tipping: A 10-15% service charge is added to most hotel and restaurant bills and a further tip is only necessary if exceptional service has been received; waiters often receive an extra 5-10% tip. Taxi fares can be rounded up to the krone.

Safety: Norway is a safe country in which to travel, however travellers should still take sensible precautions to avoid petty-theft.

Customs: Smoking is prohibited in all public places and on public transport, unless otherwise indicated. Norwegians tend to see everyone as being equal; they do not flaunt their wealth or financial achievements and frown on those who do.

Business: Business in Norway is conducted formally, with an emphasis on punctuality and direct communication. Business attire is usually smart and fashionable, though not ostentatious. Titles and surnames are predominantly used on introduction, but may be dropped later and greetings are usually made with a handshake. Business cards are exchanged. Expect business to be conducted in a direct and forthright manner, with little small talk or socialising. It is worth bearing in mind that Norway is an expensive country and that any services such as lawyers, consultants etc are subject to 25% VAT. Business hours are usually 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international access code for Norway is +47. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. Two operators providing GSM 900 mobile phone networks cover most of the country. Internet cafes are widely available.

Duty free: Norwegian residents over 18 years, and who have been abroad for less than 24 hours, do not have to pay duty on 40 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 100g tobacco; and gifts to the value of 500 kr. Residents over 18 years who have been abroad for 24 hours or more and residents of other European countries, do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper. For passengers over 20 years duty-free items include 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine, or 2 litres wine and 2 litres beer; perfume and eau de Cologne in small quantities and gifts to the value of 1,200 kr. For residents of non-European countries over 18 years, 400 cigarettes or 500g of other tobacco products or 200 leaves of cigarette paper are duty-free, while for those of 20 years and older items include 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine or 2 litres wine and 2 litres beer; 50g perfume and 500ml eau-de-Cologne; and gifts and items for personal use to the value of 3,500 kr. Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages with more than 60% alcohol content, arms and ammunition, narcotics and plants or parts thereof.