How to Call Norway
Complete guide to dialing Norway (country code +47)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Norway? Learning how to call Norway doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling Norway from anywhere in the world. We'll break down the exact dialing instructions step-by-step, highlight common mistakes that could cost you money or prevent your call from connecting, and share essential Norwegian phone etiquette to help your conversations go smoothly. You'll also discover useful numbers for emergencies, directory assistance, and important services. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently calling Norway like a pro, avoiding expensive errors and connecting successfully every time.
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Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Norway: Complete Dialing Guide
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Norway from anywhere in the world, you'll need to follow this format: Exit Code + 47 + Local Number. Norway's country code is +47, and uniquely, Norwegian phone numbers don't use a leading zero, making the dialing process straightforward.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
1. From the United States:
- Dial 011 (US exit code)
- Then 47 (Norway country code)
- Finally, the 8-digit local number
Example 1 - Oslo landline: To call +47 22 123456 from USA, dial 011-47-22-123456
Example 2 - Norwegian mobile: To call +47 98 765432 from USA, dial 011-47-98-765432
2. From the United Kingdom:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Then 47 (Norway country code)
- Then the 8-digit local number
Example 3 - Bergen landline: To call +47 55 987654 from UK, dial 00-47-55-987654
3. From Other Countries:
Most countries use 00 as their exit code (also called IDD prefix). Some exceptions include:
- Australia: 0011-47-[number]
- Canada: 011-47-[number] (same as USA)
- Japan: 010-47-[number]
Alternatively, you can dial +47 directly from mobile phones worldwide. The + symbol automatically replaces your country's exit code.
Important Notes About Norwegian Numbers
Unlike many countries, Norway doesn't use area codes with leading zeros. All Norwegian numbers are 8 digits, with the first two digits indicating the region or mobile network:
- Numbers starting with 2 or 3 are landlines
- Numbers starting with 4 or 9 are mobile phones
Since there's no leading zero to drop, simply dial all 8 digits after the country code. This makes calling Norway simpler than many other European destinations where you must remember to remove the initial zero.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Norway, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero: Norwegian phone numbers often appear with a leading zero domestically (like 012 34 56 78), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. Instead, dial +47 12 34 56 78.
Using incorrect exit codes: Many people dial "011" (US/Canada exit code) from countries that use different codes. Check your country's international access code—it might be "00" (most of Europe), "0011" (Australia), or another variation. Alternatively, use "+" which works universally on mobile phones.
Confusing the country code with an area code: Norway's +47 is the country code, not an area code. Norwegian numbers don't use area codes—all numbers are eight digits after the country code. Don't add extra digits expecting regional codes.
Including incorrect spacing: While spacing doesn't affect dialing, inconsistent formatting can cause confusion when saving numbers. Norwegian numbers typically follow the format +47 XXX XX XXX.
Not verifying mobile vs. landline formats: Both Norwegian mobile and landline numbers use eight digits, but mobiles typically start with 4 or 9.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling someone in Norway, understanding local customs can help you make a positive impression. Norwegians value directness and efficiency in phone communication, whether for business or personal matters.
Greetings and Formality
Start calls by stating your name immediately, even with friends. For business calls, use your full name and company. Norwegians generally prefer a casual, egalitarian approach, so first names are acceptable even in professional settings unless dealing with very senior officials.
Timing Matters
Avoid calling before 9 AM or after 9 PM for personal calls. Business calls should occur between 9 AM and 4 PM, as Norwegians highly value work-life balance. Never call during lunch hours (typically 11 AM to 1 PM) or late Friday afternoons.
Business vs. Personal
Keep business calls brief and purposeful. Norwegians appreciate when you get straight to the point without excessive small talk. Personal calls can be more relaxed but should still respect the other person's time.
Voice Messages
Leaving clear, concise voicemails is expected and appreciated. State your name, reason for calling, and preferred callback time. Norwegians typically return calls promptly during business hours.
Cultural Considerations
Norwegians often prefer text messages or emails over unexpected calls, especially for non-urgent matters. Always ask "Is now a good time?" when someone answers. Silence during conversations is normal and shouldn't be filled with nervous chatter—Norwegians value thoughtful pauses in dialogue.
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Emergency Numbers
112 – Police (Politi)
Available 24/7 with English-speaking operators for reporting crimes, accidents, and urgent situations requiring police assistance.
113 – Medical Emergency/Ambulance (Ambulanse)
For life-threatening medical emergencies and urgent medical assistance. Operators speak English and service is available around the clock.
110 – Fire Department (Brannvesen)
For fires, explosions, and situations requiring fire and rescue services. English support available 24/7.
120 – Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet)
Norway-specific coastal and maritime emergency service for incidents at sea.
1412 – Medical Helpline (non-emergency)
For medical advice when it's not life-threatening.
All emergency numbers are free to call from any phone, including mobile phones and public phones without credit. No area codes are required. Services operate 24/7 year-round, and operators can assist in English and other major languages.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 1881: National directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses in Norway
- 1882: International directory assistance for numbers outside Norway
Travel & Tourism
- 815 52 555: Visit Norway tourist information helpline for travel advice and recommendations
Consular Services
- Contact your embassy in Oslo for passport issues, legal assistance, or emergencies. Most embassies maintain 24/7 emergency lines for citizens.
Other Useful Services
- 1880: Train schedule information (NSB/Vy)
- 177: Non-urgent health advice (Helsedirektoratet)
- 116 111: Free child helpline (Alarmtelefonen for Barn og Unge)
- 22 40 50 50: Poison Information Centre
International Operator
- 115: Operator assistance for international calls
Note: Most services have English-speaking staff available. Mobile and landline rates apply unless otherwise stated.
Tips for Calling Norway
When calling Norway, keep in mind the country operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1, or UTC+2 during daylight saving time (late March to late October). To catch Norwegians during business hours, aim for calls between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM local time, when most offices are open Monday through Friday.
For international calls, schedule business conversations in advance—Norwegians appreciate punctuality and planning. Avoid calling during lunch hours (typically 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) or after 3:00 PM on Fridays, when many leave early.
Be mindful of Norwegian holidays, particularly Christmas (December 24-26), Easter week, and Constitution Day (May 17), when businesses close. Summer vacations from late June through July also see reduced availability.
For off-peak calling rates, contact Norway during early morning or late evening your local time, ensuring it's still reasonable hours there. When communicating, speak clearly at a moderate pace—most Norwegians speak excellent English, but clarity helps avoid misunderstandings. Keep conversations direct and concise, as Norwegian business culture values efficiency and respect for time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Norway is +47. You'll need to dial this code before the local Norwegian phone number when making international calls. Norway uses an 8-digit phone number system with no additional area codes required.
To call Norway from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 47 (Norway's country code), followed by the 8-digit local number. For example: +47 XXXX XXXX. Most smartphones allow you to press and hold 0 to insert the + symbol.
No, you don't need to drop a zero when calling Norway because Norwegian phone numbers don't begin with a leading zero. Simply dial +47 followed by the complete 8-digit local number without any modifications or additional prefixes.
The cheapest way to call Norway is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Norway.
In Norway, dial 112 for police, 113 for medical emergencies, and 110 for fire services. These emergency numbers are free to call and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card or credit.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Norway directly from your web browser without downloading any software. Simply visit ZippCall, add credit to your account, and start calling Norwegian phone numbers instantly using your computer's internet connection.
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