Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely understood.
There are no real health risks associated with travel to Norway and the standard of healthcare is high throughout the country. A reciprocal agreement exists between the UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.
Norwegians generally earn good salaries and, while it's perfectly alright to tip, a tipping culture doesn't really exist in the country. But customers do usually round up bills to the nearest 10 or 100 NOK.
Norway is a safe country in which to travel. However, travellers should still take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft, as they would anywhere in the world. Petty theft is most common at airports and bus and train stations in Oslo.
Smoking is prohibited in all public places and on public transport in Norway, unless otherwise indicated. Norwegians tend to see everyone as being equal; they do not flaunt their wealth or financial achievements and frown on those who do. Travellers should note that whale meat is available legally in Norway, but that it is illegal to bring it into most other countries.
Business in Norway is conducted formally, with an emphasis on punctuality and direct communication. Business attire is usually smart and fashionable, though not ostentatious. Titles and surnames are predominantly used on introduction, but may be dropped later, and greetings are usually made with a handshake.Business cards are commonly exchanged. Expect business to be conducted in a direct and forthright manner, with little small talk or socialising. It is worth bearing in mind that Norway is an expensive country and that any services from lawyers, consultants etc are subject to hefty VAT charges.Business hours are usually 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Norwegians highly value family and believe in a healthy balance between work and leisure. They are hard-working but overtime is frowned upon and workers in Norway are entitled to more leave than foreigners may be used to.
The international access code for Norway is +47. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Norwegian residents over 18 years who have been abroad for 24 hours or more don't have to pay duty on goods worth up to NOK 6,000. This includes up to 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products.The amount of alcohol depends on the purchase of tobacco. In addition to tobacco, one can declare 5 litres of beer or 2 litres of beer with 3 litres of wine or 1 litre of spirits, 1.5 litres of wine, and 2 litres of beer.Without tobacco, one may include 1 litre of spirits, 3 litres of wine, and 2 litres of beer, or 4.5 litres of wine and 2 litres of beer. The last option is having 6.5 litres of beer only. Travellers arriving from outside of the EU should confirm their duty free allowance prior to arrival in Norway.
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