• Introduction
• Reports (10)
• Useful information

  Identity card

  Know before you go

  Driving in Norway

  Practical A to Z

• Electricity
• Environment
• Embassies and consulates
• Health
• Money
• Museums
• Post
• Public holidays
• Shopping
• Telephone

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Electricity

The voltage in Norway is 220V and plugs are standard two-pin continental plugs, so you will probably need an adaptor.

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Environment

The Scandinavians’ environmental awareness and their determination to protect nature are unmatched. Scandinavians often have very close ties with their natural environment and their desire to maintain its equilibrium is very deep rooted. Their environmental policy is founded both on strict legislation and on the concept of individual responsibility.

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Embassies and consulates

British Embassy –Thomas Heftyesgate 8, 0264 Oslo – t 01 2313 2700 – http://ukinnorway.fco.gov.uk/en/

Irish Embassy – Haakon VIIs Gate 1, 0244 Oslo – t 01 2201 7200 – http://www.embassyofireland.no

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Health

Also see Know before you go.

Emergencies

Fire brigade: t 110. Police: t 112. Medical emergencies: t 113.

Chemists

Chemists are open at the same times as shops (see Shopping). Many major cities have 24hr chemists.

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Money

Currency

The currency of Norway is the Kroner, abbreviated locally as kr or NOK.

Bnaks / exchange

Banks are open Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm (5pm on Thursdays) and until 5.30pm in some large towns.

Credit cards and traveller’s cheques

Hotels and restaurants accept most international credit cards. Check with your bank that you can make withdrawals from ATMs.

Traveller’s Cheques are accepted in most establishments.

Budget / cost of living

As a general rule, Scandinavian countries have the reputation of being costly.

Hotel accommodation is often very expensive. However, special deals are almost systematic at weekends (Friday night to Sunday evening), on public holidays and in summertime.

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Museums

Opening times vary depending on the season; open-air museums are only open from June to September.

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Post

Post offices are open Monday-Friday 8-8.30am to 4-5pm and on Saturdays from 8am-1pm.

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Public holidays

1 January

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Monday

1 May

17 May – National Holiday

Ascension Day – Moveable feast

Whit Monday

25 and 26 December

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Shopping

Opening Hours

Shops are open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm and on Saturdays from 9am-2pm.

Tax free purchases

As Norway is not a member of the European Union, you can reclaim VAT for purchases over NOK310 (per single purchase). Refund claims should be made to privately managed Cash Refund outlets located in ports, airports and on ferries.

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Telephone

Calling Norway from abroad

00 + 47 (country code for Norway) + number of the person.

Calling home from Norway

00 + country code. For the United Kingdom: 44; for Ireland: 353.

National calls

Norway does not have area codes.