Planning your trip to Norway and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? No need to tell you that this is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Saving a little money on high roaming charges would be great and therefore Traveltomtom recommends either an e-sim card for Norway or buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in Norway.
This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Norway in 2024. Find out everything about buying a prepaid sim card in Norway, where to buy a sim card, the best e-sim cards for Norway, up to date prices as per April 2024, the best 4G/5G network in Norway, my recommendation, info about international sim cards and more.
Although super expensive, I love traveling to Norway. Its utterly stunning landscapes blow me away every time I visit and road trips in Norway are simply incredible.
Depending on the length of your trip to Norway a prepaid sim card or an e-sim card is the best way to stay connected and save money on high roaming charges. One of the first things I do when planning my next trip abroad is figuring out what is the best way to stay connected and whether to order an e-sim card on the internet or buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival.
Having internet on your phone while traveling makes life so much easier. In the past I always used to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival but nowadays I mostly order an e-sim card on the internet.
E-sim cards are simply so convenient that I happily pay a couple dollar extra to be online as soon as the plane lands and have internet on my phone like at home without paying high roaming charges.
As Traveltomtom is on a mission to travel to every country in the world I get to about 30 - 40 different countries every year and therefore I use about 30 different sim cards per year. As I am already traveling full time since 2012 buying prepaid and e-sim cards became part of life and that is how Traveltomtom became the ultimate specialist in providing info about sim cards for tourists.
Since I love to document all my travel tips you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: Europe, Asia, USA, Canada, Dubai, Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Miami, Istanbul, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Australia and many more.
If you arrive at Oslo Airport then check out Traveltomtom's specific guide for buying a sim card at Oslo Airport.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!
Why buying a sim card for Norway?
First of all a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim saves you from high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming packages.
Most bars, restaurants and of course hotels offer fast and reliable public WiFi, but there is no guarantee it is working and or fast. Just don't rely on others for having a data connection on your phone. And another reminder that surfing the internet on public WiFi is through an unsecured network. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data.
When road tripping in Norway distances are long. Trust me you want to be connected when driving in Norway, Google Maps will be your best friend to look for nearby gas stations, restaurants, get directions, etc. Many reasons I could come up with for staying connected when traveling to Norway.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim cards for Norway as it is cheaper than buying a local prepaid sim card for Norway on arrival.
In case you decide to buy a prepaid sim card in Norway then Traveltomtom recommends a Telenor sim card for Norway. They have the best 4G/5G network and they offer prepaid sim cards for tourists with large data bundles. But prepaid sim cards for tourists are not cheap in Norway.
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Norway AND the cheapest way to stay connected is an e-sim card. E-sim cards for Norway already start from $4.5 USD and for $32 USD you already get 20 GB data.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Norway via either SimOptions or Airalo.
If you are traveling to multiple countries on your trip then consider getting a travel sim card with global coverage. For more info check out Traveltomtom's guide for the best international prepaid and e-sim cards in 2024. There are some great sim card deals available for traveling in Norway.
When ordering a prepaid or e-sim card for traveling in Europe always double check if Norway is included in the FREE data roaming. Norway is a European country, but NORWAY IS NOT PART OF THE EU!
Best e-sim cards for Norway
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Norway in 2024 is an e-sim card. You arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a phone store and swapping physical prepaid sim cards.
You order an e-sim card for Norway on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Norway e-sim card installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Norway it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Norway.
Airalo
Airalo is a reliable e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue.
Here are the Airalo e-sim card plans for Norway for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD
Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for Norway via Airalo.
The above data-only e-sim cards for Norway are from Lofotel and data is only valid in Norway. Lofotel operates on the Telenor 4G/LTE network in Norway.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another reliable e-sim provider that sells e-sim cards from pretty much every country in the world. Traveltomtom has used SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years now.
SimOptions is specialized in international e-sim cards as well as e-sim cards that include calling and texting. Pretty much all the e-sim cards from SimOptions are valid in all of Europe.
- 1 GB data-only for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 6 GB data-only for 15 days = $14.9 USD
- 10 GB data-only (5G ready) for 30 days = $22.90 USD
- 15 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 50 GB data (5G ready) + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for Norway via SimOptions.
Before ordering an e-sim card for Norway make sure your phone is unlocked and your phone is e-sim compatible. E-sim cards only work in the newer smartphones. To make sure simply ask Google, they know everything!
There is another e-sim provider tested and reviewed by Traveltomtom and although they sometimes have great e-sim card deals it is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation. Personally I have faced some issues with Nomad e-sim cards and unless they are not improving on reliability and performance Traveltomtom is not recommending Nomad e-sim cards over Airalo and SimOptions.
Not every phone is e-sim compatible and for therefore you can also still order a physical international prepaid sim card for Norway via SimOptions. For $44.90 USD you get 30 GB data + unlimited calls in Europe. Click here for more info or to order a physical prepaid sim card for Norway.
Norway sim cards and EU data roaming
Although Norway is NOT part of the EU, some Norway prepaid sim cards have free EU data roaming included. Always check first with the mobile internet provider when buying a sim card in Norway. Ask them if EU data roaming is included if you are traveling onwards to other countries in Europe and what are the limitations.
You can easily avoid this by buying a prepaid sim card or e-sim card for traveling in Europe. Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best sim cards for Europe in 2024 in the link.
Mobile internet operators in Norway
There always used to be 2 mobile internet operators in Norway, but there is now a 3rd one called Ice. Ice is a pure 4G mobile data network provider and although it recently announced it surpassed 800,000 mobile costumers, its mobile data network is still very limited.
Therefore an Ice sim card is not recommended for traveling in Norway and Traveltomtom left Ice out of its comparison finding the best sim card for Norway.
In fact ICE Norway does not even sell prepaid sim cards for tourists anymore as of 2024.
The main mobile internet providers in Norway are Telenor and Telia. Both mobile operators are also present in neighbouring country Sweden.
At Oslo Airport you can also buy a Lycamobile sim card for Norway, a so-called MVNO. Lycamobile Norway operates on the network of Telia and Telenor in Norway.
Where to buy a sim card for Norway
Oslo Airport
The most convenient place to buy a sim card in Norway is of course on arrival at Oslo Airport. Check out my guide for buying a sim card at Oslo Gardermoen Airport for more detailed info.
Mobile internet provider stores
There are official Telenor and Telia retail stores in the city center of every city in Norway. Everyone speaks English and is very helpful. If you decide to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in Norway and you missed the opportunity to buy a sim card at Oslo Airport then Traveltomtom recommends to go to an official retail store. In these stores they give you the best service, the best advice and they make sure your prepaid sim card and data plan is working when you walk out of the store.
Convenience stores and gas stations
In some bigger convenience stores you can also get a Lycamobile sim card, but it is not common. The same counts for gas stations. Recommended? Not really, because you have to activate the sim card and data packages yourself and if something doesn't properly work you still have to go to an official mobile phone store.
Online
The easiest place to buy a sim card for Norway is of course on the internet. As I already showed you buying an e-sim card for traveling to Norway is very easy through either Airalo or SimOptions.
For those who don't have an e-sim compatible phone there is the option to order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Norway.
Best 4G/5G network in Norway in 2024
It is not only the price that determines the best prepaid sim card for Norway, the network coverage is also important, especially if you are going on a Norway road trip. We don't want to get stuck with a 3G signal!
Norway is a huge country and I traveled around in the South only, but even there I came across many places with little to no phone signal. I guess that is the charm of traveling in Norway.
Is there 5G in Norway?
Yes, there is 5G in Norway. But surprisingly in one of worlds most developed and organized countries the 5G network is not that wide spread yet as of 2024. Some tourist destinations in Norway offer 5G depending on the internet provider you have. The bigger cities all have a 5G network.
Let’s compare the mobile network coverage maps of Telia and Telenor, the mobile internet providers in Norway to determine the best mobile data network in Norway in 2024.
Telia 4G/5G network coverage map
Telenor 4G/5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Norway in 2024.
From the above Norway network coverage maps of Telia and Telenor Traveltomtom comes to the easy conclusion that Telenor has the best 4G/5G network in Norway in 2024. That said in all Norway tourist destinations you will also find a Telia 4G/LTE signal. But especially if you go on a road trip in Norway Traveltomtom recommends a Telenor prepaid sim card.
Prices Norway prepaid sim cards in 2024
All prices and info about Norway prepaid sim cards are updated as per April 2024. Prices are in Norwegian Kroner: $1 USD = 10.7 NOK and 100 NOK = $9.3 USD.
As of April 2024 you can now also get e-sim cards for tourists in official Telia or Telenor phone stores. When buying a sim card you choose to either get an e-sim or a physical prepaid sim card.
Telia Norway prepaid sim card
A Telia Norway sim card costs 99 NOK ($9 USD). The Cash Starter Pack includes the following:
- 1 GB data + unlimited calls & sms valid for 14 days.
You can buy additional data sim packages, for example:
- 6 GB data for 30 days = 269 NOK - $24.6 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = 299 NOK - $27.4 USD
- 16 GB data for 30 days = 359 NOK - $32.8 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = 429 NOK - $39.2 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = 479 NOK - $43.8 USD
All prepaid sim card plans include free EU roaming, including Switzerland and the UK up to 65 GB data and unlimited calling and texting in Norway.
For more info check the Telia Norway website.
Telenor Norway prepaid sim card
A Telenor prepaid sim card starter pack costs 99 NOK ($9 USD) and gives you 500 MB and unlimited calling and texting. Then you can top up with one of the following prepaid data plans:
- 2 GB data for 30 days in all of the EU = 299 NOK - $27.4 USD
- 8 GB data for 30 days in all of the EU = 349 NOK - $31.9 USD
They also offer a packages in where you pay 20 NOK ($1.8 USD) per day for unlimited internet.
For more info check the Telenor Norway website.
Best sim card for Norway in 2024
Telia prepaid sim cards with data are a little cheaper than Telenor prepaid data plans, but Telenor has the advantage that it has a much stronger 4G/5G mobile data network and therefore Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Telenor is the best sim card for Norway in 2024.
Buying a prepaid sim card with data in Norway turns out to be pretty expensive and when comparing the Norway prepaid sim cards with the available e-sim cards for Norway Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that e-sim cards for Norway are more affordable.
E-sim cards have many advantages over local prepaid sim cards and because e-sims are even cheaper Traveltomtom's first recommendation for staying connected when traveling to Norway is an e-sim card. If you are traveling to several countries in Europe Traveltomtom prefers an e-sim from SimOptions, if you are only visiting Norway check out Airalo.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Norway via either SimOptions or Airalo.
Order a prepaid sim card for Norway online
If your phone is not e-sim compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Norway online before your trip then check out the following.
Arrive prepared in Norway with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Norway, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Norway:
1. O2 Go Card - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- €2 EUR calling credit
- Valid 30 days
2. Three Data Pack - $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- Valid 30 days
3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90 USD
- 12 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 30 minutes worldwide
- 200 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls in Europe
- Valid 30 days
5. Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 120 minutes worldwide
- 1,000 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for traveling in Norway directly online.
Traveltomtom has used the Bouygues, Three as well as the Orange physical prepaid sim cards in the past and I was always satisfied. However, it is no secret that nowadays I rather use e-sim cards for traveling abroad instead of physical prepaid sim cards.
If your phone is e-sim compatible then here is a last reminder that you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Norway via either SimOptions or Airalo.
Order a data-only e-sim card for Norway via Airalo or an international e-sim card for Norway including calls/sms and EU data roaming via SimOptions.
I am sure some of the above tips for buying a sim card for traveling in Norway were helpful for your upcoming trip. If you have any questions don't hesitate to leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out!
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
Enjoy your trip to Norway!
Some links in this article about the best sim cards for traveling in Norway are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!