Fjord landscape in Norway

The guide

Norway without nasty surprises

A Norwegian abroad's tips for visiting Norway without missteps.

I'm Norwegian by origin, but I've spent my life abroad. I know the country from the inside, while rediscovering it on every return with a visitor's eyes. Here are the tips I give my friends and family before they travel: how to pay, rent a car, park without a fine, hike safely, and understand the local mindset.

For car rental, avoid Europcar Norway, which may charge you for “damage” before your liability is even technically established (details).

Guide sections

Money & paymentsPay without cash, without fees and without surprises.→Car rentalChains, alternatives and driving rules to know.→EV chargingCharge without hassle when everything is electric.→Toll roadsHow it works, and what to do depending on your car.→ParkingVisitors' trap number 1. Read before you park.→Trains & transportThe right app by region, and the smart tickets.→RestaurantsPeople eat early. And tipping, let's talk about it.→AlcoholVinmonopolet, opening hours and the duty-free tip.→HikingWeather, right to roam, trail marking and gear.→SightsThe must-sees, and how to avoid the crowds.→Airport departureSelf-service, and the detail that saves your luggage.→Culture & languageUnderstand Norwegian reserve, and three words to remember.→Useful appsAll the apps to install before you go.→Useful linksThe key Norwegian sites for tourists.→Practical infoEmergencies, connectivity and seasons.→

Norway is easy to visit, as long as you grasp one essential local logic: almost everything is done online. Payments, parking, bookings, transport tickets and entry tickets are generally digital and accessible by card or app.

This very advanced digitalisation rests largely on Norwegians' trust in their institutions and on the value placed on privacy. Poorly prepared, you can find yourself unable to pay for parking or to access an attraction. With the right apps and a working phone, everything becomes remarkably smooth.