Norway has many local cellular operators that offer broadband Internet connections for cell phones at various prices and data quotas, typically between two to five gigabytes monthly for cheap plans while higher gigabyte plans offer faster data rates across Europe, the EEA, and Switzerland.
Most American smartphones are compatible with European networks (iPhone 7 and newer models are designed specifically to be ready for global use) and major carriers provide international data plans with numerous local partners in Europe – this option will help you avoid expensive international roaming fees while keeping your current US provider.
Many expats opt to purchase a local SIM card upon their arrival in Norway, either on a pay-as-you-go or monthly plan basis with one of Norway’s network carriers. There are various options for purchasing Norwegian SIM cards online or at retail stores across Bergen and Norway – an eSIM might provide more convenience and speedy activation upon your arrival than traditional SIMs.
Cost is one of the primary concerns for newcomers to Norway, while some providers require past pay slips in order to verify identity. The following article goes through several details about mobile services in Norway and how to choose the right one for you.
Basic Plan Structure
As a newcomer to Norway, choosing a mobile plan can be daunting. Different providers provide different levels of assistance for foreign residents; each may have specific requirements – for instance you will require both a Norwegian ID number (known as fodelsnummer or D-number) and bank account to sign a contract; some providers also require in-store verification as well as pay slips from previous pay periods to prove you can afford monthly payments.
Most major cell phone carriers in Norway offer both individual and family plans. Family plans provide an ideal way for families to share minutes, texts and data while saving money overall; however, these plans typically cost more than individual ones so it’s wise to compare features before making your choice.
Your ideal phone plan in Norway depends on both your needs and budget. Take into account how often and with whom you plan on sharing it as well as whether a contract or no-commitment prepaid plan would best fit. Check provider coverage maps as well to make sure you can receive quality service in your location.
Higher Gigabyte Plans
If you plan on traveling to Norway, consider purchasing a mobile data SIM card. These cards are readily available in international airports, mobile provider stores and convenience stores; or online. Most new phones support eSIM compatibility so this may be your most cost-effective and time-efficient option – saving both money and time during your journey.
There is a range of plans available so that you can find one that meets both your needs and budget. Most prepaid cards offer EU roaming with high-speed data services and talk/text. When selecting the plan which best meets your requirements, take into account length of stay, cost per GB used and network speeds as factors in selecting an ideal plan.
Most Norwegian SIM cards rely on two major providers, Telenor and Telia. Both networks boast extensive coverage throughout Norway, making sure you can connect even in remote areas. In addition, smaller operators like MyCall, Sky and Ice use these networks.
Telenor offers attractive prepaid plans with wide 3G/4G network coverage that provide fast internet speeds. Their 5G service should become widely available by 2023. Telia offers reliable connections and data packages at great speeds as an alternate choice.
Look for a company that is known for providing excellent customer service along with larger data packages, like MyCall. Their dedicated customer care team is available 24 hours a day to assist customers with any problems or inquiries they might be having. Telenor can also tailor plans specifically tailored for business users requiring high data speeds.
Telia, similarly, provides travelers with data plans as well as other features that make it an attractive option, including Voice over LTE (which you can learn about here) and VoWiFi services, which allow calling over WiFi instead of the cellular network – particularly useful if traveling with children and trying to limit data usage.
Contracts
Mobile phone contracts in Norway typically feature data, voice calling and text messaging features; some even offer international calling and roaming capabilities. You can select one to suit both your budget and lifestyle needs; no matter which plan you select it is important to check network coverage in your area before signing on with one as well as potential fees that might apply later on.
Telia are one of Norway’s most-preferred mobile providers, and provide various plans with high-speed data allowances at competitive prices. Customers generally report being pleased with their service – however some have noted issues related to network coverage in rural areas.
This company is not alone when it comes to competition for market share; Mycall, Talkmore and Chess are among the many smaller suppliers competing with them for market share. Each offers different data bundles as prepaid SIM cards; some even allow for use of these prepaid cards across EU countries without incurring extra costs.
Selecting the right mobile provider is crucial, as making an informed choice could save money in the long run. When making this choice, take into account both your needs and budget before considering factors such as desired data usage levels or whether unlimited calls/texts should be included in the contract. Be mindful of any additional charges such as activation/termination fees.
International Calling
When calling in-and-out of Norway, mobile phone plans that include international calling are your go-to solution. There are multiple plans available; with the cheapest costing only $5 a month. This plan offers fixed rate calls to Europe and America with unlimited calls within Norway itself – plus you can add a prepaid data package that gives even more benefits in calling and texting benefits; plus it works on any iPhone or Android phone!
When selecting a mobile phone plan, it’s essential that it offers good network coverage. A reliable provider that can deliver reliable service while traveling through remote areas is key, while having access to high-speed internet is a plus – Telenor has extensive coverage throughout the nation, making this an excellent option.
If you’re traveling to Norway, consider purchasing a local SIM card. Available at electronic stores and kiosks throughout Bergen, these SIMs allow you to find an appropriate plan that best meets your needs – you can even get prepaid SIMs that provide 250mb of data!
Telenor is Norway’s main provider, and their network offers strong coverage and speeds throughout the country. You can read more about them here – mobilabonnement.com/, but just know that their data packages can be more costly compared to other European nations: starting at 299 or for three months with 200MB as their lowest package tier. If high rates don’t suit you there are alternative solutions such as MyCall TalkMore OneCall that may offer more attractive deals.
There are various plans available for travelers in Norway, from prepaid to postpaid plans. Prepaid SIM cards offer flexibility and convenience; however, they may be more costly than their postpaid counterparts due to overage charges that make managing expenses on vacation difficult for many people.
EU visitors should note that Norway remains outside of the EU and does not have special roaming rules for Norwegian users. Visitors from other countries should make sure their phones are compatible with the local network as frequencies may need to change; dual band phones that support both LTE and 3G should work just fine.
James is a great tech-geek and loves to write about different upcoming tech at TechyZip. From Android to Windows, James loves to share his experienced knowledge about everything here.
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