Costs and Exchange Rates

 

Norway has a reputation as an unusually expensive country for a holiday but we think you will find the reality is somewhat different. It’s true that alcohol, cigarettes and confectionery are very expensive and as these are just about the only items paid for by visiting journalists their articles often contained rather exaggerated claims about the cost of living generally. Unfortunately such myths tend to be repeated by armchair experts who have never been to Norway.

 

By far the most important elements of the cost of a holiday in Norway are travelling there and accommodation. Travel costs are much the same as to anywhere else in Europe which is two hours flying time away, or 20 hours on a ferry.  Hotel costs compare favourably with places of similar standard in the UK or elsewhere in northern Europe. Self-catering rental rates are considerably lower, typically about 30% less than in the UK and there are far fewer seasonal variations, so some weeks that you might expect to be expensive such as late August and Whitsun week are available at low season rates.

 

Car rental is undeniably expensive, but we can give you advice on how to minimise the cost and provide you with a quote.

 

Restaurant prices are much the same as in the UK for similar quality food, but you can avoid paying extra for meals out by booking hotels with half board included. The extra cost for this is quite modest if you stay for 3 nights or more, particularly when you bear in mind that breakfast and often the evening meal are buffets which you can return to as often as you like.  In cafes or roadside 'kro' prices may appear rather high at first, but portions are usually generous and coffee may be included.

 

For groceries you can expect to pay about 20-30% more than in the UK but there are big variations to this rule on different items, so choosing carefully and shopping around will always pay dividends. We will provide a set of Travel Notes before your departure with some specific advice and information, including notes about a few things you might want to take with you.

 

Petrol is about the same as in the UK, while diesel a little cheaper.   Other products such as clothing may seem  rather expensive at first but bear in mind that you are often paying for the higher standards and quality which all Scandinavians demand. You will always find some goods at special 'sale' prices, and then you can expect to find some real bargains.

  

It makes sense to use a credit or debit card wherever possible for purchases in Norway.  Nearly all suppliers of goods and services accept at least Visa and Mastercard and they normally expect to be paid this way. Although money can be obtained easily from cash machines it will be cheaper and more convenient to pay directly with a card. You should check with your card issuer for details of charges which will be applied for use abroad, and you might want to consider changing your card to one that does not make charges, such as Nationwide.

 

One big advantage of shopping in Norway is that it is not a member of the EU, and therefore one of the few countries in Europe where visitors from EU countries can reclaim VAT on purchases above about £30. Look out for 'Tax-Free Shopping' signs in many shops, where they will issue 'Tax-Free' cheques to be refunded at the airport or on the ferry on your way home.

 

Exchange rates

The currency is Norwegian Kroner (NOK) and the current exchange rate is NOK9=GBP1 (£1) (January 2010).

 

Amounts in NOK on our invoices will be calculated at the current exchange rate when the invoice is issued so the total amount on your final invoice may differ from that shown when booking. Amounts shown in GBP (£) on the invoice will not change. The exchange rate we use will be the tourist rate for buying Norwegian Kroner. If you are looking at rates quoted online or elsewhere please check the details of what is being quoted  - money market rates can be very different from the tourist ‘buy’ rate.

Shopping in Norway is often a quiet pleasure, especially in  in idyllic small towns like  Mandal on the south coast.

Half board rates in hotels in Norway are often very reasonable if you stay 3 nights or more.

Hotel prices in Norway always include a buffet breakfast  so you can start the day with a substantial meal if you wish. Buffet lunches and evening meals are often served as well.