In general
Documents and visa
Norway is not in the EU but is part of the Schengen area. EU/EEA citizens can use a national ID card valid for travel (or a passport), valid for the whole stay; no visa. Note that for some operations (e.g. banking) a passport may be required. Other nationalities should check the Schengen entry rules.
Currency and payments
Norway does NOT use the euro: the currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK). It is one of the most expensive countries in Europe (food, alcohol, fuel, restaurants), but also one of the most cashless in the world: you pay by card or smartphone literally everywhere, even for tiny amounts and in the remotest places, so you almost never need cash. You may bring in up to 25,000 NOK in cash (about 2,500 euros) without declaring it. Tap water is excellent everywhere: fill your bottle.
Language
The language is Norwegian, but English is spoken excellently by almost everyone, at every age: communicating is never a problem. Signs and menus are often bilingual in tourist areas.
Health and vaccines
No mandatory vaccine. Healthcare is of excellent quality. EU citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to necessary emergency care; travel insurance is recommended anyway, given the high cost of services and to cover repatriation. The sale of medicines is more regulated than in many countries: bring a supply of your own medicines and any prescription.
eSIM and connectivity
The main operators are Telenor, Telia and Ice, with good 4G/5G coverage even in many remote areas (but signal can be lacking in the most enclosed fjords and among the mountains). Good news: Norway is part of the European Economic Area, so EU SIMs roam 'like at home', at no extra cost. Alternatively there is the eSIM. Still, download offline maps for areas without coverage.
Electricity
Power is 230V/50Hz with type C and F sockets, the same as continental Europe: European two-round-pin plugs fit without an adapter.
Time zone
Norway is at UTC+1 (Central European Time), with daylight saving time. NOTE the light, though: north of the Arctic Circle there is the midnight sun in summer (24-hour daylight), while in winter there is the polar night (almost total darkness for weeks).
Climate and seasons
The climate is milder than you might think on the coast (thanks to the Gulf Stream), but cold and snowy in the mountains and the north. For the southern fjords the best time is May to September (long days, roads and boats open). For the northern lights you need winter (late September to March) in the north; for the midnight sun, the Arctic summer (June-July). Always bring layers and rain gear: the weather changes quickly.
Good to know
Driving, ferries and tunnels
Roads are excellent but the terrain means long journey times: hairpins, tunnels (some very long) and above all ferries to cross the fjords, which are part of the trip. Tolls and ferries are often automatic (the AutoPASS system, number-plate reading): with a rental car, check how billing works. Speed limits are low and strictly enforced, the alcohol limit is almost zero (0.02). In winter some mountain roads close: always check conditions.
Nature, fjords and mountains
Norwegian nature is magnificent but must be respected: on mountain trails and glaciers set off properly equipped (layers, windbreaker, boots, water), check the weather and don't overestimate your abilities. In winter always check the AVALANCHE risk before venturing off-piste. On the fjords and by boat follow the safety instructions. The 'right to roam' (allemannsrett) allows walking and camping in nature, but with total respect for the environment: leave no trace.
Alcohol and costs
Norway is expensive: budget high for meals, lodging and transport. Alcohol is particularly costly and regulated: light beer in supermarkets, but wine and spirits are sold ONLY in the state-run Vinmonopolet shops (limited hours, closed on Sundays). To save, have a big breakfast, use shared kitchens/supermarkets and make the most of tap water. Tips are not compulsory (service is included), but rounding up is appreciated.
Safety
Norway is among the safest countries in the world: crime is very low. Normal precautions apply against pickpocketing in stations, airports and near the major attractions of Oslo and Bergen. The main dangers are if anything tied to nature (weather, cold, avalanches, tides): caution outdoors is the most important thing.
Useful numbers
- 112 — Police (emergencies)
- 113 — Ambulance / medical emergency
- 110 — Fire brigade
- +47 23 08 4900 — Italian Embassy in Oslo (emergencies: +47 92 42 4270). For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy
💡 Norway is very expensive but almost entirely cashless: leave the cash at home and pay for everything by card, even a coffee. EU SIMs roam like at home (it is in the European Economic Area). Pack layers and rain gear in every season, and plan your routes allowing for the ferries between fjords. For the aurora choose winter in the north, for the midnight sun the Arctic summer.