Internet access
Internet access is good in most towns and cities, either through mobile data, or public Wi-Fi in cafés and other public areas. Mobile data coverage will be patchy in sparsely populated areas. Most hotels have free Internet access in the rooms, but if it is important to you, it’s best to ask the hotel before you book. Many buses, express buses and trains offer free onboard Wi-Fi, but this will often require registration and have limited capacity.
LGBTIQ+
Most Norwegians have a liberal attitude towards sexuality and gender identity, and Norway was early on to enact anti-discrimination laws against gays and lesbians.MostLGBTIQ+ venues and offersare found in the big cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.
Money
Norway's currency is “kroner”, abbreviated NOK. That said,how much should you tip, pay, or expect to be billed?
Pets
Make sure you read the full instructions at theNorwegian Food Safety Authorityin good time prior to your travel.
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from all EU countries must have pet passports and ID marking. Unless from Sweden, the animal also needs valid anti-rabies vaccination. In addition, dogs from most EU countries must be given approved tapeworm treatment minimum 24 and maximum 120 hours before arrival. Small rodents, cage birds, and rabbits must have valid import permits issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
Certain dog types are prohibited in Norway. Norway is amongst the few rabies-free countries thanks to high awareness and strict rules.
Additional rules apply to non-EU countries. For further information not found on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s website, please contact the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Public holidays
Norwegian public holidays are New Year's Day (1 Jan), Labour Day (1 May),Constitution Day(17 May),Christmas Day and Boxing Day(25-26 Dec). Movable holidays areEaster, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, and Whit Monday.
Most shops will be closed on public holidays, and public transit may run with reduced frequency and capacity. Many restaurants and bars will be open, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Many museums are open on Sundays and some public holidays, but will often be closed on the following Monday.
Retail therapy
Here's what you need to know about shopping in Norway. And before you go, here is information oncurrency and prices.
Right of access
In Norway, everyone has the unrestricted right of free access to the countryside, including the national parks.Read more about the rights of access.
Safety
We want you to come back, so seeour tips on how to stay safein the mountains, on the seas, or on the roads.
Smoking
Indoor smoking in most public places is prohibited. This includes hotels, bars, restaurants and all other establishments where food and beverage are served.
You must be over 18 years to buy tobacco in Norway.
E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are prohibited in Norway, but can be importedfor personal or medical use. Citizens from the EU/EEA area can enter the country with a maximum quantity of oneyear's consumption. Citizens from outside the EU/EEA are only allowed to import a quantity that doesn't exceed threemonths of consumption. When importinge-cigarettes that contain nicotine, it's a good idea to bring along documents, such as a prescription or medical certificatethat proves that the products were legally boughtfor personal use.
The Norwegian Directorate of Health states that in the course of 2023a new regulation of e-cigarettes should come into force, that would allow nicotine e-cigarettes in Norway. Until this regulation has been approved, it is forbidden to produce, trade and import e-cigarettes and e-liquids with nicotine in Norway.
Storage ofluggage
You will find storage lockers for your luggage at Oslo S/Oslo Central Station. You are welcome to keep your belongings in the lockers at all hours, but you will not be able to access the same lockers when the station is closed between 01:30 am and 04:30 am. Make your payment for the use of storage lockers by cash, Visa or Mastercard.
Time zone
All of Norway uses Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
Toll roads
Norway has many toll roads,but the good part is thatyou don’tneed to slow down to pay.Read more about invoicing and how to register yourcar.
Visa requirements and passports
Visitors from the Schengen countries donot need to show a passport or visa when entering Norway.You may still be asked to identify yourself at some point during your trip, so it is highly recommended to carry a valid passport or national ID card with you.
A number of countries have introducedtemporary border controlsat the internal bordersin Schengen.
Citizens of some countries outside the EU/EEA have to apply for a visitor's visa. You can easily check if this is required for you, and whatrules apply to your country,on the webpages of theMinistry of Foreign Affairs.
Due to Svalbard being outside theSchengen area,identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests, both Norwegian and foreign citizens,must bring their passportor national ID-card.
Please read more about entry to Svalbardat sysselmannen.no
Note that The European Health Insurance Card is not valid inSvalbard. It is therefore strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before you go there.
What to wear
Norwegian weather is liable to change from day to day, so bring a selection of clothes that you can layer. That way, you can add or remove layers depending on temperature. In addition, bring at least one warm jumper, waterproof coat and/or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes, boots, or trainers.
If you go during the winter, you will need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots.
In autumn and spring, you may want to bring waterproof trousers and boots.
For the summer, lighten up, but remember that even summer evenings and nights can be chilly, particularly in the mountains.Read more about Seasons & climate in Norway.
