Norway
Last checked:
- Capital
- Oslo
- Currency
- NOK · Norwegian krone
- Languages
- Norwegian, Sami
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord · Western Norway
UNESCO-listed fjords with waterfalls and steep cliffs, seen by ferry, cruise or viewpoint.
- Bryggen · Bergen
Colourful UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf, starting point for fjord trips.
- Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) · Stavanger region
Famous cliff-top hike with a 600 m drop to Lysefjord (about 4 hours return).
- Lofoten Islands · Lofoten
Arctic islands with fishing villages, mountains and beaches; midnight sun in summer.
- Tromsø · Tromsø
Arctic city and a main base for northern lights trips in winter.
Getting around
Public transport
Ruter app
Tickets and passes for Oslo metro, trams, buses and local ferries. 24-hour and 7-day tickets save money. Other regions have their own apps (Skyss in Bergen, AtB in Trondheim).
Public transport
Entur
National journey planner and ticket app covering trains, buses and many ferries across Norway.
Trains
Vy trains / Flytoget
Vy runs regional and long-distance trains (Oslo-Bergen line is famous). Flytoget is the fast airport express; Vy regional trains to Oslo Airport are cheaper.
Ride-hailing app
Uber
Available in Oslo and some larger cities with licensed drivers and upfront prices. Bolt also operates in Oslo (varies by city).
Taxi
Licensed taxis (Oslo Taxi, Norgestaxi)
Taxi prices are high and companies can set their own rates. Use large companies, ask for an estimate, or book through an app with a fixed price.
Bike share
Oslo City Bike
Seasonal docked bike share in Oslo via app; Bergen and Trondheim have similar systems.
E-scooters
Voi / Ryde / Lime
E-scooters in larger cities with night-time restrictions in some places (varies).
Money and cash
Currency: NOK · Norwegian krone
Norway is largely cashless: cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, including small kiosks, ferries and parking. Locals use Vipps, which needs a Norwegian bank account. Shops must still accept cash by law in most cases, but some do not keep change. Euros are not accepted. Always pay in NOK when a terminal offers your home currency.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Norway. Wages are high and service is included in prices. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated but optional.
| Restaurants | Optional. Round up or 5-10% for very good service. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Not expected for counter service. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Not expected. |
| Hotels | Not expected. |
| Tours and guides | Optional; tip free walking tour guides. |
| Food delivery | Not expected; optional in the app. |
Service charge: what’s true
Prices include service, and a separate service charge is not normally added to the bill.
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics. Card terminals may ask about a tip; entering 0 is normal.
Useful phrases
- Kan jeg få regningen? Can I have the bill?
- Kan jeg betale med kort? Can I pay by card?
- Det stemmer, takk. That's fine, thanks (keep the change).
Etiquette
- Norwegians are reserved with strangers but very polite; a firm handshake is the normal greeting.
- Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
- Be on time for meetings and invitations.
- Follow the right to roam (allemannsretten): you may hike and camp on uncultivated land, but keep at least 150 m from homes and take your rubbish with you.
- Respect campfire bans in summer and do not fly drones in restricted areas.
- Alcohol stronger than 4.7% is sold only at Vinmonopolet state stores, with limited hours.
- Bargaining is not done.
Scams and how to handle them
Taxi overcharging
Where: Oslo Central Station, Oslo Airport, nightlife areas
How it works: Some small taxi firms charge very high rates or manipulate meters; reports include 900 NOK for a short city trip.
How to avoid it: Use Uber or a large taxi company app with a fixed price, or take the airport train. Ask for a price before getting in.
Pickpocketing with distraction
Where: Oslo Central Station, Karl Johans gate, trams at rush hour, Bergen fish market
How it works: Thieves bump into people or use fake petitions to steal wallets and phones.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables zipped and do not engage with clipboards.
Theft at airports and stations
Where: Oslo Airport, railway stations
How it works: Bags are taken from luggage trolleys or seats while travellers are distracted.
How to avoid it: Keep luggage within reach and in sight at all times.
Card skimming and PIN theft
Where: ATMs and shops
How it works: Shoulder surfing or skimmers copy card details.
How to avoid it: Cover your PIN, use contactless, and use ATMs inside banks or malls.
Dynamic currency conversion
Where: Card terminals and ATMs
How it works: You are offered your home currency at a poor rate.
How to avoid it: Always choose NOK.
Safety
- Norway has low crime; the main risk is petty theft at airports and stations in and around Oslo.
- Weather in the mountains changes fast; check yr.no and varsom.no (avalanche warnings) before hiking, and follow the Norwegian mountain code.
- Winter temperatures can drop below -25 C with strong wind; dress in layers and carry spare gloves.
- Remote Arctic areas have limited rescue and medical help.
- Campfires are banned in or near forests from mid-April to mid-September.
How widely English is spoken
Very high. Nearly everyone speaks good English.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Norway, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Norway
- Tripadvisor Oslo forum: Taxi scams in Oslo
- Travel Safe Abroad: Oslo
- Wikipedia: List of tipping customs by country
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.