Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday (some open Saturday mornings)
Post Offices: 09:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 14:00, Saturday
Museums: times vary; check with the individual museums
Business Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday

Oslo is regarded as a very safe city to both live and visit, although as in most big cities, petty crime does exist. Pickpockets are a common problem and usually target unsuspecting tourists so it is important that you keep hold of your belongings, never leaving valuables unattended. Keep passports and excess cash in your hotel safe and only take out what you intend to spend.

Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare so your personal safety is not likely to be at risk. As a general rule, you can travel around most of the city at night and still feel safe, although it is advised that you stick to the main areas and avoid dimly lit streets.

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz

Oslo poses the average tourist no serious risks to health and there are no vaccinations required for a visit to the city. Tap water is safe to drink, although many people prefer to stick to bottled water just in case. Bottled water can be found in every shop and in all bars and restaurants.

The standard and quality of restaurants in Oslo is excellent with most establishments adhering to strict health and safety regulations. However, you might want to check that all seafood has been thoroughly cooked and be careful when ordering shrimps at the harbour.

If you find yourself in need of medical services while in Oslo, you will find the facilities are excellent and in line with international standards. Most doctors and nursing staff can speak English so communication will be very straightforward. EU citizens are covered by reciprocal health agreements, but if you are visiting from other countries, you should be sure to have comprehensive medical insurance

Aker University Hospital: +47 22 89 40 00

The official language of Norway is Norwegian, which comes in two written forms: Bokmal (Book Norwegian) and Nynorsk (New Norwegian). Minority languages include Finnish, which is spoken by 0.2 per cent of the population and Sami, a language closely related to Finnish, which is spoken by 0.9 per cent of the population.

Norwegian krone (NOK) is the national currency of Norway with one krone being equal to 100 ore. Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at a number of places throughout the city including banks, exchange bureaux, large hotels and at tourist information centres. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments and ATMs offer the chance to withdraw cash at your own convenience, while offering excellent rates.

Visitors are able to import one litre of spirits, one litre of wine and 200 cigarettes into Norway as well as a reasonable amount of perfume. The import of firearms and ammunition are subject to a permit from the police authorities and recreational drugs are strictly prohibited. The import of live animals is only allowed if a permit is granted by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Greetings in Norway are casual and usually consist of a firm handshake, direct eye contact and a smile. If you are being introduced to a group, shake hands with the women before the men, starting with the oldest first. Never address people by their first names until you are invited to do so. Many couples live together without ever legalising the arrangement with marriage. It is therefore adviseable not to make assumptions about people’s marital status.

Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a Norwegian’s home for dinner, arrive with a gift such as flowers, chocolates, wine or imported spirits. Norwegians are extremely punctual in social situations so make sure that you are on time. Confirm the dress code with your hosts, but you will find that casual dress is the norm. Never discuss business over a social dinner and be sure to reciprocate any invitation that you can.

You will find that table manners are more formal than you might expect. Never begin eating until your host has started. You will find that most foods, including sandwiches, are eaten with a knife and fork. When you have finished eating, make sure that your cutlery is placed face down across your plate with all handles facing to the right.

The male guest of honour is generally seated to the left of the hostess and must always thank the hosts on behalf of the other guests. The phrase ‘takk for matten’ (thanks for the meal) is usually used. When someone is being toasted, it is polite to raise your glass while looking at the person, take a sip of your drink, look at the person again and return the glass to the table. Women should put their glasses down first after a toast has been made.

Citizens of Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and Finland can enter Norway without a passport, while citizens of the USA, Ireland, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia must have a valid passport but do not need a visa for stays of three months or less. If you are arriving from another country, it is adviseable to contact your nearest Norwegian embassy.

Oslo’s main tourist information centre can be found on Fridtjof Nansens plass 5, NO-0160, Oslo. They can be contacted by calling: +47 81 53 05 55.