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This article serves as a summary of previous topics. Here I’ll cover the most important points.

1. Be prepared for the weather – and enjoy it

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. This saying isn’t just a joke, it’s a survival strategy. Invest in proper waterproof jackets (Gore-Tex), good boots, and wool underwear. Once you do, you’ll discover that Norwegians are actually outdoors year-round. The kids play in the rain, we go hiking in the snow, and suddenly it feels cozy.
My tip: Buy secondhand on Finn.no – there you’ll find quality clothing from Helly Hansen and Bergans often at half price.

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2. Learn Norwegian – even though “everyone speaks English”

Yes, most people speak good English, especially in Oslo and Bergen. But if you want to feel at home, make Norwegian friends, and understand the humor, you should learn Norwegian.
Many municipalities offer free or low-cost Norwegian courses for immigrants. Apps like Duolingo combined with in-person classes work well. Bonus: You’ll have much better job opportunities and integrate more easily. After a year, you’ll be laughing at the quirky Norwegian words like “koselig,” “matpakke,” and “dugnad.”

3. Dugnad and social codes

Norwegians can seem reserved at first. We don’t invite people over for dinner after the first meeting. But once we do, it’s genuine. Participate in dugnad (community volunteer work) in your housing association – it’s the fastest way to get to know your neighbors. Bring some waffles or coffee, smile, and be a little patient. After 6-12 months, most expats tend to say they’ve found their Norwegian “tribe.”

4. Save money smartly – Norwegians are masters at it

  • Shop for groceries at Rema 1000 or Kiwi on sale days.
  • Use Finn.no and Facebook Marketplace – everything from strollers to skis is sold cheaply secondhand.
  • Travel domestically by Vy train or Hurtigruten instead of flying.
  • Get a membership in the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT); for 400-500 kr a year, you get access to cabins all over the country at ridiculously low prices.

5. Outdoor life – the cheapest and best therapy

Nature is free and absolutely fantastic. Get a season pass for the ski trails, buy a kayak, or just take the bus out of town. Norwegians recharge their batteries outdoors. A walk in the woods on a Sunday morning beats many expensive vacations. And the midnight sun in summer + the northern lights in winter are bonuses that cost nothing extra.

6. Work and the workplace – flat hierarchy and plenty of freedom

Expect your boss to call you by your first name. The hierarchy is flat, and you’re expected to speak your mind. The workday is usually 7.5 hours + 5 weeks of vacation.
Most people leave the office around 4:00–4:30 PM. This is one of the reasons why many expats never want to go back to 60-hour weeks and the “always on” culture.

7. Banking and practical matters for expats

  • Open an account at DNB, Sparebanken, or Nordea early on.
  • Apply for BankID as soon as you have a personal identification number (a D-number is not enough).
  • Use Vipps – it’s Norway’s answer to MobilePay and is used for everything. Vipps requires a Norwegian phone number!

Remember to report your move to the National Population Register and get a health card (Health Card/EU Card if you’re an EEA citizen).

8. Dark Season and Mental Health

Winter can be tough the first time around. There’s little daylight from November to February. Most Norwegians take vitamin D and force themselves to get outside. Join a sports club, choir, or class – community makes a huge difference. And remember: When spring arrives in April/May, it’s worth the wait!

In other words, succeeding in Norway means adapting to the climate by wearing appropriate clothing, learning the language, and getting involved in community service to build a network. Financial awareness, taking advantage of outdoor activities, and understanding the flat workplace culture are also key factors in making the transition easier.

Written by Dave 18. June 2026