First time in Norway?

Currency and Payments

• Norwegian Krone (NOK): The local currency is the Norwegian krone, abbreviated as NOK. Coins and notes are available, but you may find that cash is rarely needed.

• Cashless Society: Norway is highly digital, and almost every business, from grocery stores to small cafes, accepts card payments. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also popular.

Grocery Shopping & Eating Out

• Grocery Chains: You’ll find stores like Rema 1000, Kiwi and Coop in most towns and cities. For budget-friendly options, look for “First Price” and “Xtra” labels. Specialty items and organic products are often found in Meny and Coop Mega.

• Alcohol and Shopping Hours: Alcohol is regulated and sold in grocery stores up to 4.7% ABV; stronger alcohol is only available at state-owned Vinmonopolet stores, which close early on weekends. Regular stores also have limited hours on Sundays, with some smaller stores and kiosks open for essentials.

• Norwegian Treats: Don’t miss out on Freia and Nidar chocolates – the best chocolate in the world (hehe). Brunost (sweet brown cheese), especially the Christmas brown cheese that's available in November and December. You can't leave Norway without trying a good kanelbolle (cinnamon rolls). Check out the cafes on the map for some good options.

• Cafes & Eating Out: Norwegian café culture is strong, and coffee shops are the perfect refuge from the cold. Popular chains include Godt Brød, Baker Hansen and Kaffebrenneriet, but you’ll also find charming, independent cafés in most places. For dining you’ll find a wide variety of international cuisine, from Italian and Indian to Thai, Japanese, and more traditional meals like potatoes, vegetables and meat/fish. Dietary needs are well-catered for, with most restaurants offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other allergy-friendly dishes.

Transportation

• Public Transport: Norway’s public transportation system is usually reliable. In cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, you’ll find buses, trams, and trains, often accessible with a local transport app (like Ruter in Oslo). Tickets can be bought at machines, apps, or directly on some buses.

• Long-Distance Travel: For travel between cities, Vy trains offer scenic routes and are a great way to experience Norway’s landscapes. Domestic flights with Norwegian, SAS, and Widerøe connect major destinations, especially helpful for reaching northern parts of the country.

• Driving in Winter: If you’re considering renting a car, be prepared for winter driving. Roads can be icy, so make sure your rental has winter tires and ask for any advice on handling road conditions. Read more about it here.

Nice to know

• Pharmacies: Pharmacies (called apotek) carry a range of over-the-counter medicines and essentials. If you need anything beyond typical items, such as prescription medications, a doctor’s appointment is required.

• Convenience Stores: In addition to supermarkets, convenience stores like Narvesen, 7-Eleven and Deli De Luca are common and open later hours, even on Sundays. Here, you can buy snacks, drinks, and small essentials, though prices are often higher than in supermarkets.

• Recycling and Deposit System: Norway has a strong focus on recycling, and you’ll notice a deposit system for plastic bottles and cans, called pant. When you buy a drink in a bottle or can, you pay a small deposit, which you can get back by returning the container to a recycling machine (often located in supermarkets).

• Emergency Numbers: Norway’s emergency numbers are 113 for medical emergencies, 110 for fire, and 112 for police.

• Time Zones and Daylight: Norway follows Central European Time (CET). In winter, daylight hours are limited, especially in northern regions. The "polar night" in the far north means the sun may not rise at all for weeks, but this is also the best time for northern lights viewing.