Phones

The country code for Norway is 47. There are no area codes—you must dial all eight digits of any phone number wherever you are. Telephone numbers that start with a 9 or 4 are usually mobile phones, and are considerably more expensive to call. Telephone numbers starting with the prefix 82 cost extra. Toll-free numbers begin with 800 or 810. Numbers beginning with 815 cost NKr 1 per call.

Dial 1881 for information in Norway, 1882 for international information. To place a collect or an operator-assisted call to a number in Norway, dial 115. Dial 117 for collect or operator-assisted calls outside of Norway. All international operators speak English.

Local calls cost NKr 3 or NKr 5 from a pay phone. If you hear a short tone, it means that your purchased time is almost up. Push-button public phones—which accept NKr 1, 5, and 10 coins (some also accept NKr 20 coins)—are easy to use: lift the receiver, listen for the dial tone, insert the coins, dial the number, and wait for a connection. The digital screen at the top of the box indicates the amount of money in your "account." Green-card public phones only accept credit cards or Tellerskritt (phone cards), which you can buy in various denominations at Narvesen and Norsk Tipping shops and kiosks.

Scandinavia has been one of the world leaders in mobile phone development; almost 90% of the population owns a mobile phone. Although standard North American cellular phones will not work in Norway, some companies rent cellular phones to visitors. Contact the Norwegian Tourist Board for details.