Oslo, Norway

• Oslo has low crime rates and street harassment is uncommon compared to other European capitals. Norwegians tend to be reserved but will help if you ask. Almost everyone speaks English fluently since it's taught from childhood.
• The public transport system runs efficiently on the Ruter app - one app for metro, trams, buses, and ferries. The city stays well-lit during winter darkness, and you'll see police around central areas. Norway's social programs mean less visible homelessness than most capitals.
• Oslo is expensive. Budget for it. The upside is that tap water is safe to drink anywhere and some museums have free entry days. Solo dining is normal here - cafes are full of people working alone on laptops.
• The area around Central Station and neighborhoods like Grønland and Tøyen have visible drug activity at night, though violent crime is rare. The drug scene exists because Norway tolerates it more openly than many countries. Stick to main streets after dark if you're in those areas. Overall, Oslo rates well for safety compared to other European capitals.

English is spoken fluently by almost everyone in Oslo, as it's taught from early childhood. All emergency services (112, 110, 113) have English-speaking operators available 24/7. Tourist information, hotels, restaurants, and shops all operate comfortably in English.

• Be on time. Norwegians take punctuality seriously. They're reserved at first but will help if you approach them. A simple 'Hei' (hello) works. They prefer directness over small talk.
• Tipping isn't mandatory. Don't tip at cafes. At restaurants, 5-10% for good service is fine but optional - service charges are already included. Splitting bills is normal.
• Take off your shoes when entering someone's home - this is non-negotiable. If you're invited to someone's house for a meal, bring flowers or chocolates. Eating alone in cafes is common.
• English is widely spoken, but learn a few Norwegian phrases: 'Takk' (thank you), 'vær så snill' (please), 'unnskyld' (excuse me). Keep phone calls quiet on public transport - Norwegians don't like noise.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Download the Ruter app before you arrive - it handles tickets for metro, trams, buses, and ferries. Single tickets run around 40 NOK. You can also get 24-hour, weekly, or monthly passes.
• The metro runs until 12:30 AM on weekdays, later on weekends. Most of the fleet is electric now. Winter weather sometimes causes delays. Stations have CCTV and good lighting.
• The Oslo Pass (24, 48, or 72 hours) includes unlimited transport and entry to most museums. Worth calculating if you're planning several museum visits. Also: tap water is safe everywhere, so don't waste money on bottled water.
• Central Oslo is small enough to walk. The city has some hills, so wear decent shoes. City bikes are available for rent. Taxis and Uber exist but they're expensive.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Oslo with local guides and curated experiences.