OSLO

Oslo can you go?

WATCH FULL VIDEO! 7 Reasons Why We Love The Thief, Oslo

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo.

Oslo is on Central European Standard Time (GMT +12). Without calculating for daylights savings, it’s roughly 6 hours ahead of New York City and 1 hour ahead of London. 

 

All U.S. citizens are allowed to travel throughout Norway and the Schengen area for 90 days without obtaining a Visa. 

When traveling for over 90 days, though, you must apply for one. For more information check out Schengen Info.

All COVID-19 entry restrictions have been lifted. 

Source: helsenorge.com

Top 2 airports in Oslo: 

Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL): This major international airport is only 29 miles from the city center, with 24-hour transportation provided to and from by train, bus, taxi, or airport shuttle. 

Sandefjord Airport, Torp (TRF): This is the second largest international airport, and much further away from the city centre. It provides reliable transportation by taxi, bus, shuttle, or train. 

When traveling, use Ruter. You must have an electric card, which can be downloaded via the Ruter mobile app. 

This allows for the storage of tickets and the keeping of credit on ticket purchases.

Most places in Oslo are within walking distance, but for traveling outside the city, consider using Ruter. 

Women are well respected in Oslo. It is generally a very safe city with low crime rates, but it’s important to always take precautions when traveling alone. 

Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure you have your personal belongings with you at all times.

Oslo temperatures over the course of a year range from 19°F (-7°C) to 71°F (21°C).

If you’re hoping to experience warmer weather, the best time of year to visit is between the end of June and the middle of August.

The snowiest months of the year fall between October and April, with the greatest rainfall usually at the end of August. 

The official language is Norwegian, but most people speak and understand English, Danish and Swedish as well. 

Here are a few Norwegian words and phrases to learn:

Hello: Hallo

Thank you: Takk skal du ha

You’re welcome: værsågod

Excuse me: unnskyld meg

I’m sorry: Beklager

Please: Vær så snill

Good moring: God morgen

Goodnight: God natt

My name is …: Mitt navn er …

Check, please: Regningen vær så snill

I don’t understand: Jeg forstår ikke

Do you speak English?: Snakker du engelsk?

Where is …?: hvor er …?

Call the police: ring politiet

Before you head to Oslo, understand these local customs:

  1. Norwegians appreciate politeness. Try to say “thank you” in their language (“takk skal du ha”) whenever you can.
  2. Because the men are very respectful, women typically make the first move when engaging in conversation.
  3. Be sure to ask for help when you need it. Norwegians are very independent, and will only offer guidance once you reach out.
  4. To purchase wine or beer, you must be 18, and to purchase hard alcohol, you must be at least 20. Beer and wine are sold until 8PM on week nights, and 6PM on Saturdays. The only store that sells liquor is Vinmonopolet. No alcohol is sold on Sundays.

Oslo’s currency unit is Norwegian Krone (NOK). Approximately 1 USD equals 8.25 NOK. 

Exchanging money in Oslo is simple. You can exchange money at many local banks, airports or Foreign Exchange Bureau stores. 

Oslo can be an expensive place to visit and live in. Taxes are extremely high, in order to allow for free health care, welfare, and education.

Tipping is not expected and very much appreciated. Usually people tip 10 NOK of the total price.

Like most European countries, Norway carries the same two plug types (C and E). 

Your converter should look like this:

european plug

Tap water in Oslo is safe to drink. Bottled water can be purchased in supermarkets, kiosks, gas stations and delis.

WiFi is available in most places, so there should be no trouble gaining access to it. 

If you choose to buy a service, head over to a Telenor or Telia to purchase a prepaid sim card, and make your passport readily available.

Taxi prices are not regulated in Oslo, so it’s recommended that you use the Mivai app to find the cheapest options around.

Norway is extremely welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2009, gay marriage was made legal, and in 2013, anti-discrimination laws on gender were passed.

For more information, check LGBTIQ+ Travel.

Oslo was named the European Green Capital of 2019, so it’s essentially an eco-tour in itself.

Here are some must-needed highlights for eco-travelers:

  1. GreenBoats offers boat rentals using recycled materials and all-electric motors.
  2. OsloWay provides private and public tours through the city with a heavy emphasis on sustainable and green experiences.
  3. Oslo Bysykkel has 250 locations in the city center, all which allow for effortless exploration while staying environmentally conscious.

 

 

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HOTELS WE LOVE:

Stay near Sentrum so you'll be in downtown and city center.

FOR THE PLANNERS

Oslo is on the expensive side, so try to budget USD $135/day during your stay.

JST GUIDES: