By knowing the subtle cultural differences, you will understand what not to do when visiting Norway and why. Norwegians have been known to appear aloof around strangers, and have a reputation for being shy and reserved. However, it is only for appearance, and you will find Norwegians in an approachable and chatty social environment. If you walk in with an open, friendly and sincere attitude, you will have no problem at all. However, here are ten actions and topics that are best avoided in Norway.
Don’t leave a 20% tip
A lot of tipping is not required in Norway, as the service charge will always be included on your bill. However, it is a common courtesy to round your bill to the next 5 or 10 NOK, for example a bill of 37.58 to 40 NOK. 10% is considered generous, but leave over 15% and you’re just showing off.
Don’t try to haggle
Each item is priced at a fixed price, so unless the item is damaged, trying to negotiate the price with a supplier will only look puzzled. Keep up your haggling skills for a used car salesman.
Don’t expect to pull your suitcase
Most sidewalks in seaside cities are covered in coarse sand, turning the entire attempt to pull the rolling suitcase behind you into an obstacle course. Add to the equation that almost all sidewalks in Norway have gutters cut into them; The end result is a broken suitcase and a sprained ankle. Get a suitcase with off-road capabilities, or better yet, a backpack.
Keep your hands on you
There is little personal contact in public in Norway unless you are a very close friend or family member, and even then contact is kept to a minimum. A strong handshake is expected in greeting, but not a kiss.
Don’t make assumptions about marital status or lifestyle
In Norway, like some of its neighboring countries, marriage is not a prerequisite for starting a family. More and more couples are living together without any legal agreement, so don’t just assume the couples are married. Along the same lines, don’t assume that two friends of the same sex are always just friends. This is an open-minded country. Don’t criticize lifestyle choices.
Don’t drink and drive
This may seem like an overstatement of the obvious, as this is illegal in any country, but Norway enforces very strict laws for drunk drivers. A single beer can put you over the limit, which can result in a small fortune in fines or prison.
Not criticize
Save negative comments to yourself. Anyone’s criticism of the system is frowned upon. Criticizing the hefty sales tax may seem misinformed (there are reasons for this). The same applies to the practice of whaling, an issue that can heat up environmentalists. Eating whale meat is something that Norwegians find completely natural. Norway is considered an advanced culture of peace and progress; After all, this country is a sponsor and host of the Nobel Prize.
Don’t compare them to the rest of Scandinavia
Enough talk. Norway is an entity unto itself, and even if it shares proximity with its neighbors, Norwegians tend to keep secrecy.
Don’t act like a hooligan
You’ve gotten an invite, so it’s time to look at Norwegian etiquette. First of all, don’t be late. Don’t be early. Be on time, even if it means you have to drive around the block a few times. When it comes to dining, Norwegians hardly ever eat with their hands. Even sandwiches are eaten with utensils. Dinners are usually long and lively, so if you want a group of wolves to raise you, leave immediately after dinner. It is the norm to stay behind and help the host clean up. And last but not least, don’t trash your hotel room.
Don’t wear shoes indoors
Once you’ve made a few friends on your travels, they’ll likely invite you to visit. Norwegians tend to remove their shoes before entering a house, so wear clean socks. Only keep your shoes on if the host suggests it.
Jante’s law
Norwegians see themselves as “egalitarian” and their culture is based on mutual respect and interdependence. They are not bloated with individual achievements, and they have simple tastes. The attitude of the Jante Law may be a bit old-fashioned, but it is still found in many places in Denmark and Norway. The Jante Law as a concept was created by author Aksel Sandemose and says:
- You will not think that you are special.
- You will not believe that you are smarter than others.
- You will not believe that you are wiser than others.
- You will not behave as if you are better than others.
- You will not believe that you know more than others.
- You will not believe that you can fix things better than others.
- You will not laugh at others.
- You will not believe that others care about you.
- You will not believe that you can teach others anything.
In modern Norway, this law is no longer considered modern and is only used as a tongue on the cheek, but its basic principles survive. It should give travelers a pretty good idea of what is expected of you as a traveler in Norway.
