Oslo Tips

Norwegian is the official language. Here are some useful Norwegian phrases.

The currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Most places accept major credit cards. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the port and banks, which can be found on Karl Johans gate near Oslo S, the railway station. There is an ATM by the information desk. at Oslo S railway station's post office.

It's customary to tip 10% for good service in restaurants.

Getting around is easy, with taxis, trains, trams, metro and ferries available.

A limited number of taxis can be found at the pier, but are readily available in the city center. They operate by meter or by the hour. Be aware that they can be very expensive and most have a minimum fare of at least 80 NOK. Payment should be made in NOK or credit card.

Taxi drivers don't expect a tip, but if you wish to leave on you can round up the fare to the nearest 5 or 10 NOK.

Oslo has one of the largest metro systems in Europe, which is known as the Tunnelbane or just T-bane in Norwegian. To find a T-bane station, just look for the blue and white logo with a "T" within a circle.

Trams and buses use the same ticket system as the T-bane, and cover most of the city.

If you want to explore neighboring towns and cities, you can take the train from Oslo Sentralstasjon, the main station.

Boats run from Vippetangen near Akershus fortress to the islands in the Oslofjord, as well as from Aker Brygge to Bygdøy.

Store hours are usually from 9:00/10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Oslo is very expensive, but it's still worth a look around the shops. A good selection of shops can be found on the main pedestrian street Karl Johans gate.

Pick-pocketing and petty theft can be a problem, and occur in the major tourist areas, in hotel lobbies, in the train and transit stations. Vigilance and common sense are advised - don't carry large amounts of cash, or important documents (passport, etc), keep your wallet in a front pocket, bags across the body at the front, and don't leave cameras or expensive items on show on tables or chairs.