Parking is the topic that traps the most visitors, so take the time to read this. The general rule: all car parks are paid, including evenings and Sundays. And machines do not take cash, and not always cards. Without a parking app, you quickly get stuck.
Car parks and in town
Covered car parks are automated: a camera reads your plate on entry and exit. With a rental car, the classic trap is to drive off without paying, assuming “it sorts itself out”. Find a payment machine and pay before you leave, otherwise the agency will charge you exorbitant handling fees. The other option is to install an app like AutoPay or EasyPark, register your plate and payment method: parking is then settled automatically.
Parking in the streets of Oslo
Parking in Oslo's streets is expensive, and covered car parks are no kinder. To pay the right zone and avoid a fine, install the “Bil i Oslo” app: it lets you pay according to the exact zone you are in. It is the essential tool if you drive in the capital.
Parking in nature
At trailheads and natural sites, the payment shown is very often Vipps, the very app tourists cannot use. Do not set off unprepared: look for a physical box to pay cash, sometimes an envelope to slot in, or check whether EasyPark covers the spot. It is precisely for these situations that I recommend always keeping a few kroner in cash in your bag.
In brief
- Everything is paid, evenings and Sundays included.
- Machines: no cash, cards not always, the app is the safe solution.
- Covered car parks: pay at the machine before leaving, or via the app (and remove the vehicle at the end).
- Oslo: the “Bil i Oslo” app to pay by zone.
- Nature car parks: often Vipps only, keep cash ready.
- Apps: AutoPay, EasyPark, Bil i Oslo.