Due to its high cost, many individuals choose not to visit Norway when traveling across Europe. Although Norway is not a cheap travel destination, it is nonetheless one of the world’s most beautiful nations, with its natural beauty rivaling that of well-known travel locations like Auckland, New Zealand, and Iceland.
Why is Norway a tourist destination?
The beautiful fjords are always in view, Norwegians are amazing people, and practically everyone speaks English fluently, making it simple to go about. Furthermore, because Norwegians like the outdoors, there are plenty of inexpensive outdoor activities you may partake in to occupy your days without breaking the bank.
Because wild camping is permitted here without charge, it’s an ideal location for nature lovers.
The positive aspect is that Norway is not only rather near to home, but it also shares a lot of mobile protocols with the UK along with other EU nations.
This implies that, in contrast to the USA and many Asian countries, your regular phone should function just fine. To obtain service, you won’t need to purchase a new or unique mobile device. You shouldn’t use your ordinary mobile device the same way you do at home, though, just because you can.
Even with the existing regulation of cell roaming fees, using your phone overseas always ends up costing more than you had anticipated. Thus, it would be wise for you to prepare ahead if you’re traveling to Norway in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when your phone bill arrives.
Getting Around Norway
The EU has controlled cell phone roaming fees between its member states as of 2017. Norway is not an EU member. Check fees and data rates for cellular service here and compare prices. However, Norway is subject to mobile roaming laws because it is a part of the European Economic Area.
There are a few things to keep in mind though, before you become overly confident. In theory, you may use an international SIM card via any member of the European Union in Norway, just like you might at home. This implies that, for example, the number of minutes you spend will be taken out of your monthly account.
However, you may be charged more than normal for everything additional that you use. Checking will be necessary as these tariffs could vary based on your home network.
Is it mandatory to change my phone service?
The fact that these rules aren’t made to let you utilize your home network when traveling overseas for extended periods of time is another issue. Your operator has the power to charge you more or even cut you off if they believe you are using a cell phone more than usual while you are absent from home for more than four months.
Among the most advanced telecom markets in Europe is found in Norway. Approximately 3 million of the nation’s 4.5 million residents use fixed phone lines, while another 3 million possess mobile phones. In one way or another, about 90% of Norwegians have internet connection.
In terms of share of the market, Telenor is the top telecom company in Norway. It has been in operation for more than 150 years and offers widespread TV transmission (Canal Digital) and broadband coverage over the entirety of Norway. Telenor offers both digital and analog services in the fixed telephone industry.
While fixed line calls inside Norway are reasonably priced, international calls can be fairly costly. Additionally, there are special off-peak rates that are offered from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Three months is when phone bills are sent out.
Traditional listings in print
Norway has a lot of phone books, which are similar to the White as well as Yellow pages you may be familiar with from back home. The Telefonkatalogen is the Norwegian term for the White Pages. You may use the search engine feature on the Yellow Pages site to look up names, phone numbers, and maps of Norway’s regions. After entering the name or phone number, press your search button.
Norwegian Internet
Most places in Norway have access to the internet, and the most populous areas in the south have broadband infrastructure. There are also wireless internet options, although they might be erratic and patchy in some places. There are several more internet service providers than Telenor.
Many cybercafes that offer free wi-fi to laptop users may be found in bigger cities. Although there might not be many internet cafés in smaller Norwegian cities, public libraries are an alternative. These are usually available throughout the week and provide guests with free internet access for 15 to 30 minutes.
Mobile Providers
Telenor Mobil, Network Norway and Netcom are the three primary cell phone service providers. GSM networks are mostly used by mobile phones in Norway. Given Norway’s youthful population, you’ll discover that a lot of mobile phone networks give exclusive low-cost plans and discounted prices.
Calls are billed per minute, much like all of the European nations you’re familiar with, however, you pay an inflated rate during the first one to five minutes of your phone call, known as Startpris.
In addition, roaming is another method to use the phone in Norway from home. Calling and receiving will be possible, but it will be far more expensive than using a cellular connection. Obtaining a Norwegian cellphone number is highly recommended if you wish to reside in the country for an extended period of time.
Selecting a package for your mobile phone
You can choose to buy a monthly subscription plan or a pay-as-you-go phone.
It all depends on what services you want to utilize and how often you want to make use of your phone.
In Norway, you have prepaid phone choices.
In Norway, prepaid phones are the most convenient way to get a cell phone line. You will first need to make sure your phone is functional. You may buy a SIM and load it onto your current cell and your choice of Norwegian number.
Typically, the market at which you bought your new number will register it for you, or you may have to do it yourself. Your new SIM card can then be turned on after registration, and you may add credit to it online, at gas stations, supermarkets, and newsagents (if you want to do so).
Netcom and Telenor are the two main cell service providers of this service. Any electrical store or phone kiosk (found in stores, large cities, and towns) will be able to provide you with a SIM card.
Contract phones in Norway
It’s probably worth your time to enroll in a cell phone contract if you plan to stay longer than 90 days locally. This entails paying a mobile network operator a monthly price, which frequently includes a certain number of hours and SMS messages.
Most mobile plans may also be customized to meet your needs; for example, if you frequently make phone calls but almost ever send messages via text, you can design your contract such that you only pay for calls you make.
Remember that before you can sign up for a contract with a cell operator, you might need to have worked in Norway for at least three years under a legitimate employment contract. You will need to begin using a prepaid cell card if you are unable to obtain a contract plan.
Internet and broadband phone providers
The three largest Internet service providers (ISPs) in Norway are NextGenTel, Telenor, and Ventelo, with Telenor holding the top spot for both private customers and companies in the country.
Broadband telephone (VoIP) (https://www.fcc.gov/general/voice-over-internet-protocol-voip#:~:text=Voice%20over%20Internet%20Protocol%20%28VoIP%29%2C%20is%20a%20technology,instead%20of%20a%20regular%20%28or%20analog%29%20phone%20line.), internet access through PSTN/ISDN, and digital subscribers lines (DSL) are just a few of the many services offered by Telenor. You always have the choice to pick up a cell phone and just request an essential internet installation if you are unable to comprehend any of this!
Telenor occasionally extends special discounts to new clients, which might result in annual price savings that are rather substantial. Telenor also offers desktop apps and PC security.
Ventelo and NextGenTel are the principal rivals of Telenor. The market shares as well as coverage of these two suppliers are identical. Vantelo, which acquired Banetelo in 2008, serves 70 cities in Norway and offers internet access by ADSL, SHDAL, and optical fiber lines.
How is the internet speed?
The speed of the internet will vary from 8 gigabytes per second to 1 gigabit per second (2010), depending on what kind of connection you select. You have two options for connecting: working through a dealer with authorization or reaching out to a service provider directly. You have the option to schedule monthly or annual payments.
In Norway, there is a lot of competition across broadband providers, and pricing differs. On the other hand, a basic ADSL subscription may be had from 195 NOK per month. You may count on paying extra for faster connections. You should budget about 499 NOK monthly for ADSL2+.