Travel tips · Oslo · Norway
Oslo travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Orjanarvola, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Norwegian culture is informal, egalitarian and reserved at first. People use first names, value punctuality and personal space, and spend as much free time outdoors as possible, whatever the weather. The outdoor right of access (allemannsretten) lets anyone walk, swim and camp on uncultivated land, and Oslo's forests and islands are used heavily.
Key facts
- Language
- Norwegian
- Currency
- NOK
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is clean and very good to drink; refill bottles freely.
- Emergency
- 112 police, 113 ambulance, 110 fire
Things to know
- Queue patiently and take a number ticket where one is offered, at pharmacies, bakeries and service desks.
- Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
- On the metro and buses, people keep to themselves; loud phone calls are frowned upon.
- Stand on the right on escalators and keep cycle lanes clear when walking.
- Arrive on time for reservations and tours; lateness is noticed.
- In saunas, shower first and follow the posted rules on swimwear.
- Book MUNCH ahead: Timed tickets bought online help on summer weekends and for popular temporary exhibitions.
- Book Royal Palace and Palace Park ahead: Summer interior tours have limited places; buy tickets ahead if you want to go inside.
- Book Fjord saunas at Langkaia and Sørenga ahead: Shared sessions often sell out at weekends; reserve a slot a few days ahead.
- Many top sights are free: the Opera House roof, Vigeland Park, City Hall, Akershus Fortress grounds, the Deichman library and Ekebergparken.
Tipping
Service is included and wages are high, so tipping is not expected. Rounding up or adding around 5–10% for good table service is a kind gesture, not an obligation.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hei | Hello |
| Takk / Tusen takk | Thanks / Thank you very much |
| Unnskyld | Excuse me / sorry |
| Skål | Cheers |
| Ha det | Goodbye |
What to wear
Dress for the weather rather than for show: layers, a waterproof shell and good walking shoes most of the year, and a warm coat, hat and grippy soles for icy pavements in winter.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is clean and very good to drink; refill bottles freely.
- Emergency number
- 112 police, 113 ambulance, 110 fire
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is excellent, including in the forest close to the city; card and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere, and many visitors never need cash.
- Time zone
- Europe/Oslo
Oslo is generally low-risk for visitors, but pickpocketing happens around Oslo Central Station, on Karl Johans gate and on crowded trams. In winter, icy pavements cause many falls, so wear shoes with good grip.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Norway's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Oslo?
Service is included and wages are high, so tipping is not expected. Rounding up or adding around 5–10% for good table service is a kind gesture, not an obligation.
+Can you drink the tap water in Oslo?
Tap water is clean and very good to drink; refill bottles freely.
+What plugs are used in Oslo?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Oslo?
Norwegian.