The International dialing code for Norway is +47.
VHF
The mainland coast has extensive VHF coverage, with only a few exceptions in areas deep within fjords with high shores.
It is required to keep a listening watch for weather and navigation warnings on channel 16.
Coast radio stations offer VHF-to-telephone link calls but are expensive. A mobile phone is a cheaper, easier option with a shorter range.
For non-emergency calls and harbour contact, Telenor (Maritim Radio) keeps a list of the VHF working channels for all coast radio stations at: https://www.kystradio.no/s/article/N%C3%B8dprosedyrer-og-kanalplaner?language=en_US
Mobile phones are the preferred method of communication between boats.
Telephone Services
The dominating phone system is GSM mobile, which covers 99% of the landmass. Conventional telephone also has near 100% coverage, but the usage of public telephone booths is falling as mobile takes over.
Mobile Phones
Most European mobile phones work in Norway. Simply put yourself on roaming and you can use your home data at no extra cost.
Non-European cruisers can use their own phone with regular plans, but international roaming and data charges must be checked with providers. You can purchase a SIM or ESIM for use in Norway, either with your own phone, if your provider unlocks it, or with a new phone.
MRSIMCARD, mycall, GigSky, and ByteSIM are the companies that have the most positive feedback.
Internet
Most of the country is covered by broadband internet, including sparsely populated remote regions.
In the cities, it is generally possible to locate a WiFi hotspot or an internet café. WiFi access is also common in hotels, railway stations, on trains, ferries and increasingly in the harbours. In more remote spots actual access may prove more cumbersome; it may be necessary (and rarely difficult) to ask for a loan of a private connection in cafés or shops.
FM Radio
Norway's new government plans to maintain local radio on FM until 2031, following the closure of national broadcasters in 2017 and transition to digital only networks.
Last updated: August 2024
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
As a free user of Noonsite you are restricted to viewing 3 country formalities per month. You have viewed 0 formalities this month – but can view the countries you have accessed to date as many times as you want.
Become a Noonsite Member and you can view unlimited formalities each month and enjoy additional member benefits. Membership fees help our team keep country formalities information up-to-date in support of cruisers worldwide.
Find out more about membership levels and Become a Noonsite Member.
