The official currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK) divided into
100 øre. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by
larger establishments. 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
EUR 1.00 =
rate 0.17
rate 0.08
rate 0.19
rate 0.20
rate 1.17
rate 0.12
rate 0.23
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 for Americans:
United States passport holders must have a passport valid for
at least period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of
up to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passport holders must have a passport valid for at
least period of intended stay. 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 (must be valid at least
for period of intended stay). 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 (must be valid at least
for period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up
to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for South African:
South African passport holders require a visa for travel to
Norway. South African visitors also need a passport valid at least
two months beyond the visa expiry date.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid at
least for period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay
of up to three months in any six-month period.
Entry requirements for New Zeland nationals:
New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid
at least for period of intended stay). 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,
or return or onward tickets, and any documents necessary for
further travel. The borderless region known as the Schengen area
includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these
countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in
principal, to travel freely within the borders of
all.
Embassy or Consulate in US:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202
333 6000.
Embassy or Consulate in UK:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7591
5500.
Embassy or Consulate in Canada:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6571.
Embassy or Consulate in Australia:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273
3444.
Embassy or Consulate in South Africa:
Royal Norwegian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342
6100.
US Embassy or Consulate:
United States Embassy, Oslo: +47 2244 8550.
UK Embassy or Consulate:
British Embassy, Oslo: +47 2313 2700.
Canadian Embassy or Consulate
Canadian Embassy, Oslo: +47 2299 5300.
Australian Embassy or Consulate:
Australian Consulate, Oslo: +47 6758 4848.
South African Embassy or Consulate:
South African Embassy, Oslo: +47 2327 3220.
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.
TippingA 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 nearest 5-10
krone.
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.
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.
Most of the country is covered by two operators providing GSM 900
mobile phone networks. 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.
