Moving to Norway

"It is important for expats to be aware of Norway's cold climate before making the move. Expats should also make sure to familiarise themselves with the official language, Norwegian, as most locals will not be able to communicate in English. Additionally, the cost of living in Norway is higher than in many other countries, so expats should plan their budget accordingly. Expats should also consider the impact of Norway's strict immigration laws, which require all foreign nationals to possess work and residence permits to legally stay in the country. Finally, Norway is a welfare state, meaning that expats should prepare to pay high taxes in exchange for access to social services," commented one expat who made the move to Norway.

"The best way to find a place to live in Norway is by researching online. You can check popular websites such as Finn.no, Boligbygg, or Leilighetsnett for available housing in the particular area you are interested in. Additionally, you could reach out to local housing agencies and real estate specialists to help with your search. Another option is to get in contact with colleagues and friends in Norway who may know of potential opportunities or could help you in your search," explained one expat living in Norway.

"We live in the center of Oslo because it is close to the train and bus stations for us to get to work- it also has a great balcony. We also wanted two large bedrooms, and a w/d in the flat which can be tricky to find in older flats," said one expat in Oslo.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Norway is usually modern and bright, featuring light-colored décor. Expat homes and apartments typically have large windows that let in the natural light, and the majority of dwellings come fully equipped with modern appliances, furniture and kitchenware. Many expat apartments include access to some form of outdoor space, such as a balcony or terrace, and some dwellings also have a sauna and/or steam room. depending on the area, many Norwegian homes offer amazing views of nature, such as mountains, fjords or forests," replied a member in Norway.

"The average cost of housing in Norway is generally quite expensive, with prices in the major cities typically above the national average. Renting accommodation can be especially costly, while purchasing a home is also quite expensive, partly due to high property taxes," remarked one expat in Norway.

"When it comes to living in Norway, buying a home may be the most cost effective and flexible long-term option. Home ownership can give you the stability and freedom to make your home a reflection of your own personal style. On the other hand, renting a home in Norway typically has lower upfront costs and offers more flexibility as you can move frequently if necessary. You should assess your lifestyle and financial situation to decide which option is right for you," commented one expat who made the move to Norway.

"I wish I had brought more clothes, more kitchen stuff like pots and pans(too expensive here) and my skis- they were not cheap to buy! I wish I had left my small kitchen appliances- I brought voltage converters and they are a pain, it would have been easier to just buy Norwegian ones. I would not have brought so many shoes- coming from Houston I have a lot of sandals and heels, both are impractical to wear most of the year," said one expat in Oslo.

"When moving to Norway, it is important to take items to keep warm, such as winter coats, sweaters, scarves, and hats. Additionally, waterproof clothes are important for Norway's wet weather. It is also a good idea to bring closed-toed shoes and insulated or rubber boots. Electrical appliances should be double checked to ensure they are compatible with the Norwegian electrical system, and it is wise to invest in a power converter. For outdoor activities, it is important to bring sturdy outdoor clothing, like long underwear, leggings, and jackets, along with gears such as skis, snowboards, and sleds. Lastly, depending on one’s needs, they might want to bring items like umbrellas, medications, or a phone if it is unlocked," remarked one expat who made the move to Norway.

"I brought everything with me and should never have come but here goes: I should have brought a never ending supply of salt 'n' vinegar crisps, branston pickle and sarsons vinegar and should have left at home me, my passport and my career," explained one expat living in Skei i Jolster, Norway.

"I always love it when I speak English to someone and get that blank stare, which means they don't know English. Poor things," said one expat in Stavanger.

"It is important to remember that Norwegians are typically very focused on politeness and respect. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the level of personal space that is expected and to be sure not to interrupt someone while they are speaking. Additionally, it is important to respect the various Norwegian holidays, as well as not making inappropriate comments regarding religion or politics. Eating with your hands is also frowned upon and it is expected that utensils will be used. Lastly, it is important to dress appropriately and to be on time for meetings and other engagements," remarked one expat who made the move to Norway.

"Asked waiters for the government instead of the bill for a couple years before learning that regeringen and regningen are different words," explained one expat living in Oslo, Norway.

"Not a lot, other than using incorrect Norwegian at times. I have noticed that it generally takes Norwegians almost 20 minutes or so to say goodbye to each other when leaving social situations. I often just want to say goodbye and leave right afterwards without a lot of this last minute small talk. Perhaps I might have been a bit abrupt a few times and it rubbed some Norwegians the wrong way. No one has said anything, but a Norwegian would generally never confront a foreigner about it anyway. Seriously. :)," said one expat in Gjøvik.

"Norway boasts a high quality of life, with a strong social welfare system, excellent healthcare and opportunities for outdoor activities. Its natural beauty, rich culture and low crime rate also create a safe and welcoming environment for expats. Norway's advanced economy offers stability and a broad range of career opportunities as well as high wages and a generous taxation system. The country also has a good education system and a diverse and welcoming multicultural society, making it relatively easy for expats to adapt to their new home," wrote one expat living in Norway.

"Don't. Pay for private. The laid-back laissez faire attitude that seems appealing when talking to Norwegians in coffee shops is quite the opposite when you are ill and need healthcare. There is no accountability and often gross errors," said one expat.

"Norway has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides a wide range of services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, mental health services, and preventive health services. The quality of public healthcare in Norway is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and patient-centered care. Foreign residents in Norway have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Norway can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local doctor and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Norwegian citizens, including free or discounted doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications," said one expat living in Norway.

"Norway has a comprehensive public health system that provides free or low-cost medical services to all citizens. The country has a wide range of medical services, including general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and emergency services. Norway also has a well-developed system of preventive health care, with a focus on preventive measures such as vaccinations and health screenings. In addition, Norway has a strong focus on mental health, with a range of services available to support people with mental health issues," commented one expat who moved to Norway.