Best Apps and Websites for Newcomers in Norway
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to navigating daily life, understanding local customs, and finding essential services. Norway, with its stunning landscapes, high quality of life, and efficient digital infrastructure, offers a variety of apps and websites designed to make life easier for newcomers. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or personal reasons, these digital tools will help you settle in smoothly and enjoy your time in this beautiful Scandinavian nation.
1. Housing and Real Estate
Finding accommodation is often one of the first priorities for newcomers. These platforms are excellent resources for renting or buying property in Norway:
Apps & Websites:
- Finn.no (finn.no):
The most popular platform in Norway for housing, jobs, and classified ads. It’s the go-to place for finding apartments, houses, and even roommates. - Husbanken.no:
A government-backed website offering information on housing loans, grants, and support for first-time buyers. - Hybel.no:
Specializes in student housing and shared accommodations, making it ideal for young professionals and students. - Airbnb (airbnb.com):
Useful for short-term stays while you search for permanent housing. Some listings also offer long-term rental options.
2. Transportation
Norway has an efficient public transportation system, and these apps will help you navigate it with ease:
Apps & Websites:
- Entur (entur.org):
A national travel app that integrates buses, trains, trams, and ferries across Norway. Plan journeys, check schedules, and buy tickets seamlessly. - Ruter (ruter.no):
Specifically for Oslo and Akershus, Ruter provides real-time updates on public transport routes and ticket purchases. - Vy (vy.no):
The official app for Vy, Norway’s largest train operator. Use it to book intercity and regional train tickets. - Bolt and Uber:
Ride-hailing apps available in major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. - Oslo Bysykkel and City Bike Apps:
Bike-sharing services in Oslo and other cities, perfect for eco-friendly commuting.
3. Banking and Finances
Managing finances is crucial when settling into a new country. These banking apps and financial tools simplify money management:
Apps & Websites:
- Vipps:
Norway’s leading payment app for sending money, paying bills, and splitting expenses. It’s widely used by locals and businesses. - SpareBank 1, DNB, Nordea, and Skandiabanken:
Major Norwegian banks offer user-friendly mobile apps for account management, bill payments, and international transfers. - Revolut, Wise, N26:
Popular fintech apps for managing expenses, exchanging currencies, and sending money abroad at competitive rates. - Skatteetaten.no (Tax Administration):
The official tax portal where you can file taxes, track refunds, and access important financial documents.
4. Language Learning
While English is widely spoken in Norway, learning Norwegian can greatly enhance your experience. These apps and websites make language learning accessible and fun:
Apps & Websites:
- Duolingo (duolingo.com):
A gamified app for beginners learning Norwegian vocabulary and grammar. - Babbel (babbel.com):
Offers structured courses focusing on conversational skills and cultural nuances. - Memrise (memrise.com):
Features interactive lessons with audio clips from native speakers, helping you improve pronunciation. - Italki (italki.com):
Connect with native Norwegian speakers for personalized tutoring sessions via video calls. - Norskbloggen (norskbloggen.no):
A blog dedicated to teaching Norwegian through engaging articles and tips.
5. Job Search and Networking
If you’re moving to Norway for work, these platforms will help you find employment opportunities and connect with professionals:
Apps & Websites:
- Finn.no Jobs Section:
A comprehensive job board covering various industries and regions in Norway. - LinkedIn (linkedin.com):
Essential for professional networking. Many Norwegian companies use LinkedIn to post job openings and recruit talent. - Nav.no (Arbeid og velferd):
Norway’s official labor and welfare administration site, offering job listings, career advice, and unemployment benefits. - The Local Norway (thelocal.no):
An English-language news site with a job section tailored to expats. - Expats in Norway (Facebook Groups):
Various Facebook groups cater to expats sharing job leads, advice, and support.
6. Healthcare and Insurance
Access to healthcare is vital, and these resources ensure you stay informed about medical services and insurance requirements:
Apps & Websites:
- Helsenorge.no:
The official health portal where you can book appointments, view medical records, and access health information. - Legevakt (Emergency Doctor Services):
Find contact details for emergency doctors outside regular office hours. - Legelisten.no:
Book consultations with general practitioners online. - Private Health Insurance Providers:
Companies like Cigna Global and Allianz Care offer international health insurance plans suitable for expats.
7. Social Integration and Community Building
Building a social network is key to feeling at home in a new country. These platforms connect you with locals and fellow expats:
Apps & Websites:
- Meetup (meetup.com):
Join groups based on your interests, whether it’s hiking, cooking, or language exchange. - Internations (internations.org):
A global expat network with regular events and forums specifically for people living in Norway. - Expats in Norway (Facebook Groups):
Various Facebook groups cater to expats in different cities, offering tips, advice, and friendship. - Couchsurfing (couchsurfing.com):
While primarily for travelers, Couchsurfing also hosts local meetups and cultural exchanges.
8. Food Delivery and Grocery Shopping
Convenience is king, and these apps make grocery shopping and dining out hassle-free:
Apps & Websites:
- Matprat.no:
A Norwegian recipe website featuring traditional dishes and meal ideas. - Deliveroo, Wolt, and Foodora:
Order meals from restaurants across Norway, ranging from local bistros to international chains. - Meny, Kiwi, and Coop Online:
Shop groceries online from major supermarket chains and schedule deliveries or pickups. - Too Good To Go (toogoodtogo.no):
Reduce food waste by purchasing discounted surplus meals from local eateries.
9. Government Services and Legal Assistance
Navigating bureaucracy can be daunting, but these resources streamline administrative tasks:
Apps & Websites:
- ID-porten:
A secure login system for accessing government services like tax filings, healthcare, and immigration. - UDI (Utlendingsdirektoratet):
The Directorate of Immigration provides information on visas, residency permits, and citizenship applications. - Brønnøysund Register Centre:
Manage personal data, register addresses, and obtain ID numbers. - Lovdata.no:
Access Norwegian laws and regulations in English.
10. Entertainment and Culture
Immerse yourself in Norwegian culture and discover fun activities through these platforms:
Apps & Websites:
- Visit Norway (visitnorway.com):
Official tourism website highlighting attractions, festivals, and hidden gems across the country. - Eventbrite (eventbrite.no):
Find concerts, workshops, and cultural events happening near you. - Outdooractive (outdooractive.com):
Discover scenic hiking routes, skiing trails, and outdoor adventures across Norway. - Spotify/Apple Music Playlists:
Listen to Norwegian artists like Aurora, Sigrid, and Kygo to get a taste of local music.
