Staying Safe in Norway
Local Laws
When you're visiting Norway, it's really important to remember that you'll need to follow all the local laws. Even if you didn't realize you were breaking a rule, you could face serious consequences like being sent home, arrested, or even jailed.
Just so you know, carrying knives or any sharp items is against the law. The penalties for dealing with illegal drugs – whether it's having them, using them, or trying to sell them – are quite strict and can mean lengthy prison stays and substantial fines.
If you plan on driving, be aware that the legal limit for alcohol is very low, just 0.02% Blood Alcohol Content, and driving even slightly over that can lead to immediate jail time. It's also mandatory to wear your seatbelt and to have your headlights on at all times while driving.
There are specific rules about alcohol, too. You have to be 18 to buy beer and wine, and 20 to purchase spirits. You can only buy beer in supermarkets before 8 PM on weekdays and by 6 PM on Saturdays. For wine, spirits, and stronger beers, you'll need to go to the state-run Vinmonopolet shops.
Smoking is not allowed in any indoor public spaces. If you're thinking about flying a drone, you must keep it within your line of sight, stay at least 5 kilometers away from airports unless you have special permission, and always be mindful of people, animals, and private property. Lastly, it's best to steer clear of buying fake or pirated goods, as this can also cause legal trouble.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Norway is widely recognized as a very safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country has strong legal protections, including anti-discrimination laws that explicitly cover sexual orientation and gender identity, which were established early on. Same-sex marriage and adoption have been legal since 2009, reflecting a high level of societal acceptance. While isolated instances of negativity can occur, the prevailing social attitude is one of tolerance and inclusion, making for a comfortable travel experience.
Scams
While Norway is generally a safe place for visitors, it's good to be aware of a couple of things. You might encounter some taxi issues, particularly near Oslo's Gardermoen airport or in other big cities like Stavanger. If you don't agree on a fare beforehand, some companies might try to charge you a lot more. It's best to stick with official taxi companies or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt, and always confirm the price before you set off.
You'll also find that begging is legal here. However, some individuals might tell made-up stories to try and get more sympathy and money from you.
When it comes to online and phone scams, these are unfortunately quite common. Scammers often try to get your personal information by pretending to be from official organizations. Just remember, Norwegian authorities will never ask for your credit card details, security codes, invoices, or copies of your passport through text messages or emails.
Crime
When it comes to visiting Norway, you'll be pleased to know that crime affecting tourists is generally quite uncommon. The most frequent issues you might encounter are minor thefts, like pickpocketing or bags being snatched.
These kinds of incidents are more likely to happen in busy spots where tourists tend to gather, such as hotels, transport hubs, airports, and especially around Oslo Central train station. You might notice a slight uptick in these minor crimes during the peak tourist months, from May through September.
Serious crimes involving violence or weapons are thankfully very rare. However, they can sometimes occur in areas where drug activity and gang problems are present, like certain parts of eastern Oslo. There have also been reports of sexual assault, again primarily in eastern Oslo. Women, in particular, should be mindful and take extra precautions in these specific areas, especially after dark.
