I have an unlocked iPhone (GSM) and will be in Norway for two and a half weeks. I will need to use the phone for calls within Norway, mapping, getting info online, and texting. What would be the best way for me to do this? A Sim card from Norway? If so, can I get it online now or should I wait to buy it there?
Posted by
Seattle
544 posts
You can buy a SIM at the one of the cell phone shops located in most of the malls in Norway. There's a mall attached to the main train station in Oslo. They offer SIM cards at convenience stores, but those aren't activated and it can take awhile to get them working. If you buy the SIM card in one of the phone companies' (either Telia or Telenor it doesn't really matter) stores, they can take a look at your passport and activate the service on the spot.
Keep in mind that malls are closed on Sunday in Norway.
More details on SIM cards available in Norway: http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Norway
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for your info. I will be flying into Gardemoen, and then either renting a car or taking a bus up to Gran, where I hope to do some research on my grandfather's family. I understand that unfortunately, sim cards are not sold at the airport, which doesn't make sense to me. I won't be going into Oslo, and was hoping to use the mapping function to find my hotel, etc. near the Hadeland Folke Museum. That's why I was wondering if they could be bought online in the US
Posted by
Seattle
544 posts
They can't be sold outside of the country because they have to register your passport. You could go to the mall in Jessheim, which is close to the airport. The people at the rental counter can give you a map and directions.
There is also a Telenor store in Gran, but since your hotel is in the countryside, you should definitely consider renting a car.
Are you traveling from the USA? Another option would be to sign up for a T-Mobile USA plan. T-Mobile's plans include unlimited international roaming. That way you can hit the ground running.