How to Save Money in Oslo

Oslo, Norway is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world for good reason. Here are some money-saving tips to make a stay in this beautiful spot a little less painful on the wallet.

Instructions

1. Avoid taking taxis. Traveling by cab is really not at all necessary in this city of great public transportation. Visit Trafikanten located outside of the Oslo Central Station for bus schedules and routes. The t-bane (or city light rail system) can also get you to all areas of the city. Buy your transport tickets in day, week, or month increments as it will save you a bundle as compared to buying a new ticket each time you use the public transport.

2. If you are an exchange student at one of Oslo's universities, take a document on university letterhead proving that you are a student to Trafikanten along with a passport sized photo. They will make a student traffic pass for you that will allow you to buy monthly transport passes at a reduced rate.

3. If you know you are going to be out on the town past 12:30 am when the public transport stops running, choose a watering hole that is within walking distance of where you are staying. Taxis are very expensive and can be avoided if you put some extra thought into planning your evening.

4. 

   Get a guide book or have a local take you to see the sights rather than paying for a tour. Vigeland Park, Karl Johans Gate, and the harbour are best enjoyed independently and at your own pace anyway.

5. Don't eat out unless you want a bowl of soup to set you back $17 or some other ungodly amount! Cook for yourself whenever possible and pack a lunch so that if your are out and about for longer than you expect, you won't be tempted by the many restaurants available.

6. Buy your produce at the immigrant markets in Grünerløkka, just off of Oslo City Center. This is a bustling and vibrant immigrant area with many ethnic stores and street vendors. They have a much more diverse selection of produce than any of Oslo's grocery stores, and offer them for a significantly better price.

7. Go vegetarian all together. If you can stand it, cutting meat out of your diet or reducing your intake is one of the surest ways to save money. Meat in Norway is highly expensive as farmers are subsidized by the government. In fact, Norwegians often go to Sweden to buy their meat and save money themselves. There are many other ways to get the protein you need, such as through beans, eggs (which are actually relatively inexpensive), and nuts. Even peanut butter can give you the protein boost you need.

8. Buy your booze at the airport. Along with meat, the price of alcoholic beverages is set by the government and is set mighty high. Get used to drinking Tuborg, Ringness, and other cheap Scandinavian beers and stock up on liquors in the duty free shop at the airport. The city has many Vinmonopolets (literally translated as "wine monopoly") where the government regulates the sale of wine and other alcohol. If you look hard, you can find some reasonably priced wines there, although still more expensive than what you are used to.

9. Get a membership at a student bar. Each faculty at the University of Oslo has its own bar within its building that is run by student volunteers. The faculty bars are the single cheapest place in Oslo to enjoy a drink. You will be able to drink there for an entire school year with a 30-40NOK membership and enjoy the lively Friday night gatherings of students to drink, dance, and meet new people. Each faculty has its own theme and vibe and hosts many parties throughout the year above and beyond the usual Friday night festivities.

10. Shop at H&M. It's your new Target. Get used to it.

11. If you are in Oslo for a semester or year on a student visa, the stipulations of your visa allow you to work up to 20 hours a week. Part time work is easy to find in Oslo where there is a shortage of labor, even for people who don't speak Norwegian. Holiday employment is also readily available as stores take on extra staff to help with gift wrapping and the general holiday rush. You generally can't find a job in Oslo that pays less than 120NOK an hour.