Norway

Beautiful...

Language:
English is widely spoken. German and French is also understood and to some degree spoken by many Norwegians.

Norwegian is the official language. The Sami people have their own language.
Norwegian, Danish, Swedish and Icelandic are all in the German family of languages, but although similarities Norwegian is not easily understood by Germans.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC).
Wall outlets for Continental-type plugs; with two round prongs.
For US-purchased electric-powered equipment bring converter and adapter.
For US-purchased lap top bring adapter.

Currency:
The unit of currency is Norwegian krone (abbreviated NOK). 1 krone is divided into 100 øre.
1 USD = approximately NOK 9.10
1 Euro = approximately NOK 8.20
100 Yen = approximately NOK 8.50

For the current rates find currency converter under the "Getting money" section at: 
Automated Teller Machines - ATMs
There are ATMs located all over town accepting major credit cards. For addresses of ATM locations in Oslo visit the "Getting money" section at: 

Exchange:
The best exchange rates are generally achieved at ATMs and banks. The bank at Oslo S station is open June - Sep, 8:00 am - 11:00 pm daily, Oct - May 8:00 am - 7:30 pm daily.

Normal banking hours are 8:15 am - 3:00 pm on weekdays (3:30 during wintertime) and until 5:00 pm on Thursdays.

Credit cards:
Major credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are honored throughout Oslo.


Traveller’s cheques:
Traveller’s cheques can be used almost everywhere. American Express has an office downtown at Karl Johans Street 33 and at Fridtjof Nansens plass 6 by the City Hall, where you can cash their cheques at no charge. Travellers with an ordinary EU bank account can use Eurocheques in banks, shops and hotels.


Cost of stay:
Norway has a reputation as being an expensive destination to visit. Don’t despair – essentials like accommodations and getting around are reasonable during holiday seasons due to numerous passes. Food is generally higher priced
than in most other areas of Europe and the cost of liquor literally speaking has a sobering effect on foreign visitors.


Time difference:
Norway is six hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. From March 26th through October 29th Norway observes Daylight Saving Time.


Metric measures:
Norway uses the metric system. To convert:

• 1 Centimeter should be multiplied by .39 to find inches (in)
  
• 1 Meter should be multiplied by 3.28 to find feet (ft)
  
• 1 Kilometer should be multiplied by .62 to find miles (mi)
  
• 1 gram should be multiplied by .035 to find ounzes (oz)
  
• 1 liter should be multiplied by .2642 to find gallons (gal)
  
• 1 liter should be multiplied by 1.05 to find quarts (qt)

Smoking regulations:
Smoking is not permitted in any (indoor) public areas, on public transportation nor in restaurants and cafes with open areas facing other public places (eg shopping centers). In restaurants, at least one-third is designated non-smoking area. In hotels at least 50% of rooms are non-smoking. Only persons older than 18 can buy tobacco products.



Duty free limits:
Duty free shopping has been abolished within the EU. As a non-member, Norway still allows persons 20 years of age or older to bring liquor and cigarette products into the country duty free. The amounts are strictly controlled. The quotas allowed are 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of wine and 400 cigarettes/500 grams of other tobacco (North Americans) or 200 sigarettes/250 grams of tobacco (other nationalities) when entering the country.

Your Norwegian business associates, friends and relatives will love you if you offer them to benefit from your tax free quota when entering the country.



Tax free shopping:
Value Added Tax (moms) is 23% on all goods purchased except books. All purchases of consumer goods totalling more than NOK 308 for export by non-residents are eligible for value-added tax refunds. Shops subscribing to ”Norway Tax-Free Shopping” provide customers with vouchers – to be presented upon departure to receive up to 18% tax refund.
More information: http://www.globalrefund.no/


Tipping:
Throughout Scandinavia, the tip is included in the cost of your meal or hotel stay. However, it is customary to tip as a token of appreciation when you experience good service. Bell boys or taxi drivers will appreciate a few krone.



Telephone:
Norwegian phone numbers consist of eight digits – no area codes exist.
Local calls cost NOK 2-3 from pay phones and hotel rooms. Long distance telephone cost in Norway is generally among the lowest in the world but varies with distance and time of day. Normal rate for calls to North America is NOK 1.70 per minute (2000). Rates are higher from hotels.

Europeans/Asians: Your GSM mobile telephone will normally automatically work as if you were back home. You will be able to receive as well as make calls.
US citizens: AT&T USADirect has local access code 800/19011, MCI Call USA has local access code 800/19912, Sprint Express has local access code 050/12877, 800/19877.
The telephone company sell telephone card (TeleKort) at newsstands, post offices, major train stations, etc. Some public phones also accept major credit cards.


Mail:
Norway’s post service is efficient by most standards. Opening hours are Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Some city post offices have longer opening hours.

Letter rates from Norway are NOK 5,50 for Nordic countries, NOK 7 for Europe and NOK 8 outside Europe, for letters/cards weighing up to 20 grams (3/4 ounce).
Mail to Europe takes 2-3 days, to the US approximately 1 week.


Health:
Call 113 for immediate medical assistance.

As an EEA (European Economic Agreement) member, Norway has free reciprocal health agreements with all EU countries. To take advantage of this agreement you need to bring form E111 (Certificate of Entitlement to Benefits in Kind) from your homestead.

The Norwegian National Health Plan does not cover US or Canadian visitors. Check if your health plan is valid in Norway. Medical fees in Norway are reasonable compared to most Western countries.


Safety:
By international standards Oslo is one of the safest capitals. However, take normal precautions to avoid petty crime (pick-pocketing and bag-snatching).