Norway

Travel tips for Norway: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. Travelers report Norway is a nearly cashless society where you can easily go your entire trip without touching cash, though bringing a physical card as a backup to mobile pay is highly recommended.

Try the food

Fårikål: A hearty, slow-cooked stew made of bone-in mutton, cabbage, whole black pepper, and a little wheat flour, traditionally served with boiled potatoes.
Brunost: A sweet, fudge-like brown cheese made by boiling whey, milk, and cream until the milk sugars caramelize.
Kjøttkaker: Large, pan-fried minced meat cakes typically served in brown gravy with mushy peas and lingonberry jam.
Rakfisk: Fermented freshwater trout with a pungent aroma, usually served sliced on flatbread with raw onion and sour cream.

Say it in Norwegian

Hello: Hei
Thank you: Takk
Please: Vær så snill
Excuse me: Unnskyld
How much is this?: Hvor mye koster denne?
The bill, please: Regningen, takk
Yes / No: Ja / Nei
Goodbye: Ha det

Essentials

Plugs: Type C / Type F
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Driving: Right side
Tap water: Safe to drink
Emergency: 112 (police), 110 (fire), 113 (ambulance)
SIM tip: Pick up a prepaid Telenor or Telia SIM card at Narvesen or 7-Eleven convenience stores at the airport, or install a travel eSIM before arrival for instant connectivity.

Etiquette

Tipping is not expected or required as service charges are included, but it is common to round up the bill to the nearest 10 or 100 NOK in restaurants if you are happy with the service.