Banking, Mobile Phones and Shopping

Banking                                                                      

Exchange students staying longer than 6 months: in order to get a bank account in Norway, you need a social security number. After you have received your social security number from the authorities, you can go to a bank of your choice to open an account.

Students staying in Norway less than 6 months are not eligible for a social security number. If you need a bank account, ask the bank to apply for a "D - number" on your behalf, a simplified version of the social security number. It takes up to four weeks to receive this “D - number”. For students staying for 3 to 6 months it might be just as well to use your Visa/Credit card from your bank at home.

There is an ATM machine for cash withdrawal on Campus Bakkenteigen.

Mobile Phones                                                

If you bring your own mobile phone with you, it is cheaper to get a Norwegian SIM card and buy prepaid cards. However, if your phone is locked to a mobile phone company in your home country, you must contact them to unlock your phone before you buy a Norwegian SIM card.

You can buy prepaid cards at gas stations, in most grocery shops, kiosks and in shops selling mobile phones and other electronic equipment. At the latter you can also buy a SIM card. Sending SMS is cheap in Norway and phone costs are reasonable compared to many other European countries. If you want to buy a mobile phone you can buy one from a mobile phone company at a reduced price with a prepay card deal or a monthly pay plan. For more details on terms and conditions, contact a mobile phone shop or shops selling electronic equipment.

Shopping                                       

The shopping centers in Horten (Sjøsiden) and in Tønsberg (Farmandstredet) are open 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays. Opening hours in the shops outside these centers may vary. The opening hours in food stores vary from 7 am to 11 pm weekdays and 9 am to 8 pm Saturdays. All shops are closed on Sundays. Gas stations are open on Sundays. They have a small selection of groceries. Remember: most Norwegians speak English. Do not hesitate to ask for help.