Language: Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely understood.
Currency: The official currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK) divided into 100 ore. Larger establishments accept major credit cards and travelers cheques. 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 travelers 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.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
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. Two operators providing GSM 900 mobile phone networks cover most of the country. 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 liter spirits and 1 liter wine, or 2 liters wine and 2 liters 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 liter spirits and 1 liter wine or 2 liters wine and 2 liters 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.
Tourist OfficeNorwegian
Tourist Office (Norges Turistrad),
Oslo: +47 2414 4600 or www.visitnorway.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 112/110.
Embassies
Royal Norwegian Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 333 6000.
Royal Norwegian Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7591 5500.
Royal Norwegian Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 238 6571.
Royal Norwegian Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3444.
Royal Norwegian Embassy,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 6100.
Royal Norwegian Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 662 1800.
Royal Norwegian Consulate-General,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 471 2503.
United States Embassy, Oslo: +47 2244 8550.
British Embassy, Oslo: +47 2313 2700.
Canadian Embassy, Oslo: +47 2299 5300.
Australian Consulate, Oslo: +47 6758 4848.
South
African Embassy, Oslo: +47 2327 3220.
Irish Embassy, Oslo: +47 2201 7200.
New Zealand Consulate-General, Lysaker: +47 6711 0033.
