Recce trip to Oslo Jan 23

22 December 2022 08:58:11

Hello seasoned ex pats. For the past two years we have discussed nothing but moving to Norway, but have yet to visit the country. So 2023 starts our research and exploration of all things Norway. We are due to travel on the 27th to the 30th of Jan and are looking for places to stay, things to do, authentic everyday experiences that show the real Norway/Oslo. We've decided that our usual method of visiting a new city wouldn't necessarily give us the experience we desire. I.e visiting fancy restaurants, bars, landmarks etc. So we are really looking for help to try and help us maximise our time there to give us a taste of what life could be like for us as ex pats. I.e the more day to day the better.

Myself and my partner are fed up with this British government and its disregard for its citizens. We are working professionals who feel that regardless of salary the quality of life in the UK is just not somewhere we want to raise children. Norway's centrist/socialist values really inspire us and we feel that this is a country that cares deeply about its citizens. So we want to work, live and raise a family in a country that has the right values.

So we're taking the first step and coming over there and taking a look around. We don't currently have accommodation booked and we are a really open minded, interesting, friendly couple who want to see the real Oslo. If we make friends in the extremely short, but one of many visits, in that time that is even better.

Thank you all in advance for your reply's, this is all very exciting for us and your expertise and experience would be invaluable in any form.

Thank you,

Catherine and Michael

Cynic

22 December 2022 10:30:04

7538

Enschede

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Although some time ago and in circumstances, you would likely not encounter, I've lived and worked in Norway; I wouldn't describe it in any way socialist, more a country with a social conscience; this link may help you understand what they themselves think/say on the matter.

Whatever you do, there are some things you need to consider, one of which you are planning to do (visit the place). Others include and you should pick up an important theme from what follows:

Learning the language; probably more important than you may think as yes many people will speak English, but life around you is in Norwegian, the bus stop, notices in the doctor's waiting room, national TV and radio - it's all in Norwegian.
Work. To get a decent job anywhere, you need 4 things; relevant qualifications, relevant experience, speaking the local language and some luck. You can do the maths yourself, but please don't think they make exceptions for Expats, once you live there, they expect you to integrate. Any public-facing job will require local language skills.
Qualifications. If you work in any regulated sphere (doctor, chemist, engineer), then you need to check that your qualifications are accepted; for any of the medical professions, you will need to speak fluent Norwegian.
Somewhere to live. Norway like the rest of us has housing issues; the last time I spoke to a Norwegian, she described it as difficult unless you can afford to buy somewhere. Most people rent something in the short term until they can sort out local banking and work.
Cost of living - the Numbeo website offers some interesting comparisons between the UK and Norway; this link will take you to a comparison I just created. Perhaps Oslo is not the wisest choice.

Whatever, perhaps some food for thought. I hope this has helped. At the top of this page is a link to our Discover section, if you mouse over it, you get a drop-down menu to our Oslo guide.

Did I mention how important it is to speak the language?

If you have any further specific questions, please come back to us.

Cynic

Expat Team

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