If you are planning a lengthy trip or a permanent move to Norway, you probably want mobile data access on your smartphone.
Thankfully, you can save several hours researching Norwegian SIM cards by using the information found in this guide. Here’s where you can quickly get the knowledge you need to arrive at an informed choice, freeing up your time to concentrate on other activities like learning the local dialect and climbing the slopes.
First of all, how long will you be staying in Norway? For a long-term commitment, a (abonnement) contract is usually the best choice. This involves paying a monthly fee to a mobile network provider in return for a certain amount of minutes, text messages, and mobile information.
This requires both a Norwegian bank account and an ID registration. However, there are a few shorter-term options available if it’s a matter of days, weeks, or months. Netcom, Network Norway, and Telenor Mobil are Norway’s three main mobile phone companies.
In Norway, mobile phones mostly use GSM networks. Because most people in Norway are young, you’ll find that many mobile phone companies offer special low-cost telefonabonnement programs and discounted pricing.
Like most other European countries, calls to Norway are charged per minute; however, there is additionally an extra charge called Startpris during the first minute of the call.
While using your phone from home in Norway, roaming is undoubtedly an additional option. Making and getting calls from overseas means it will be feasible to use the phone, but the cost to you will be significantly more than it would have been if you had an internet connection from Norway. If you want to spend a significant amount of time in Norway, getting a Norwegian phone number is strongly advised.
Choosing a plan for your smartphone
Pay-as-you-go (Kontantkort) and monthly contracts (Abonnement) are the two ways you can purchase a phone and this will depend on the kind of services you want and how frequently you want to use the phone. If you don’t have an ID that is valid in Norway, you’ll most likely need to opt for a prepaid service phone because credit will not be issued to you prior to you becoming a citizen of the country.
However, there are good selections that you are able to pay for as you use the service and that won’t cost you an arm and a leg in order to do so. However, you’ll need to be certain that you pay attention to your data usage if you do opt for a prepaid phone.This is because the overage amounts on prepaid phone service can be quite substantial, so you’ll want to be certain that you stay on top of your service limits so that you don’t end up spending your entire vacation fund on your cell phone service.
Options for pay-as-you-go (Kontantkort) available in Norway
The easiest approach to getting a mobile line in Norway is through pay-as-you-go phones. First, you need to confirm that your mobile phone works in Norway. Afterwards, you may use any Norwegian cell phone number to insert a brand-new SIM card into your phone right now.
You could have to register your new number yourself, or the shop where you bought it will usually take care of it for you. After registering, your new SIM card for a phone becomes operational, and you may load credit onto it online, at gas pumps, convenience stores, and newsagents (this type of transaction is also much less expensive).
The two main mobile providers for this service are Telenor and Netcom. You may get a replacement SIM card from any electronic store and phone kiosk (available in department stores, big cities, and villages). It’s a good idea to request a kontantkort account.
There are not very many third-party options in the country if you elect not to go with one of the big three carriers. Therefore, study the service providers that are listed here and also visit a comparison website that can help you select the attributes that matter the most to you in your service plan. This way, you get all of the features that matter to you without having to blow your entire paycheck just to talk to your friends and family.
Plans for Norwegian contracts, or abonnements
If you wish to invest a considerable length of time in Norway, think about registering with an abonnement plan. This means that you have to pay a monthly fee to a mobile network provider, which usually includes a set number of text messages and minutes.
You can also tailor the majority of mobile plans to your own needs. You might configure your membership to just pay for calls, for instance, if you make phone calls regularly but seldom send text messages.
Recall that you may need to have lived and worked inside Norway for a minimum of three years within a valid employment contract before you are allowed to sign up for an abonnement agreement with a mobile operator. If you are not able to get an abonnement plan, you will have to start using a prepaid mobile card.
One thing to maintain
Note that some of the mobile provider’s web pages are accessible only in Norwegian and that internet top-ups may only be made using credit cards from Scandinavia.
In Norway, for mobile phones
If you don’t have a working credit card and your Norwegian isn’t very good, you’ll probably need to buy a voucher from a convenience shop like 7-Eleven. Even if the coupons and instructions are only in Norwegian, you have the choice to read the top-up choice in English.
With Telenor, the maximum daily cost for data is 10 kr. But keep a watch on this—if you exceed the 500MB monthly data download limit, you may experience a speed decrease. Data is available, and many types of packages are offered, but they are only sensible options if you’re planning to stay in Norway for at least three months.
200MB of data is included in Telenor’s minimum three-month data bundle, which costs 299 kr. For 399 kr and 499 kr, respectively, there are packages available for six months and a year.
App for mobile payments
You most likely won’t experience any problems with either network’s coverage unless you’re up a mountain or down a valley. Even then, you might end up pleasantly surprised.
Telia’s significantly reduced roaming fees can be ideal for you if you want to go to Denmark, Finland, or Sweden. Just like with Telenor, it might be challenging to use Telia if you don’t speak Norwegian. Again, until your credit card is Scandinavian, you’ll need to buy coupons from convenience stores.
A SIM card specifically for the United Kingdom
If you frequently travel between your home country and Norway, a UK SIM card may be more practical than a renewable Norwegian SIM card. Whether you pay monthly or on a pay-as-you-go basis, it is free to use and available in 42 locations, including Norwegian (more than any other UK wireless operator).
If you’re not plugged into these, it’s likely that your network has a range of international roaming options, so it’s worth inquiring and comparing options for SIM-only to learn exactly what’s available. It doesn’t hurt to clarify what is offered so you know you’re getting the best deal.
International SIM card for internet connection
For those who are lucky enough to travel frequently, the disadvantage of prepaid cell phone SIM cards between Norway and the UK is that they are not very versatile. If you intend to visit Germany on one occasion and Norway on the next, you might want to consider purchasing a worldwide data SIM card.
Although this is usually a more expensive option, you may avoid dealing with SIMS modifications and communication difficulties.
Gone are the days when texting or calling someone abroad cost an absolute lot. Depending on how long you intend to stay or how often you visit, you may now choose the option that best suits your needs.
Transportable Networks and Phones
Mobile phone coverage is generally good but not perfect in Norway’s rural areas. Thanks to GSM, 4G, and 5G, you should always have a strong connection. In certain rural valleys, there can be areas with insufficient coverage.
The two main networks are Telia and Telenor. Their speed and coverage across the country are noteworthy.
Phone Service in Europe
The majority of European mobile phones work in Norway. It entails simply enabling roaming to use your home internet without incurring additional charges.
North American phone service
When visiting Norway, you might be able to receive coverage from several North American phone companies. Get in touch with your local supplier to find out the prices and if this is available.
SIM cards that need upfront payment
Would you like to use data or use your smartphone to make local calls? How about when visiting Norway for a holiday? You may purchase a SIM card for prepaid use when you get there.
The various convenience stores and grocery stores around the country are the best places to buy them. Furthermore, you can find them when you go to international airports, such as Oslo Gardermoen. For making in-country calls, area codes are not needed for phone numbers in Norway; don’t be surprised by the length of the phone number, as they are eight digits long. Click here to check your area code and the area code of the location you’re heading to.
Phone Calls Abroad
The international country code for Norway is +47. Simply dial the access code (00), the phone number, and the country code to place an international call.