Business trip to Oslo, Norway.
Oslo is an important centre of maritime knowledge in Europe. Oslo is home to about 980 companies and 8500 employees within the maritime sector, some of which are the world’s largest shipping companies, ship brokers, and insurance brokers.
Det Norske Veritas, headquartered at Høvik outside Oslo, is one of the three major maritime classification societies in the world, with 16 percent of the world fleet to class in its register. The Oslo’s port is the largest general cargo port in Norway and its leading passenger gateway. Close to 6000 ships dock at the Port of Oslo annually with a total of 6 million tonnes of cargo and over 5 million passengers.
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The gross domestic product of Oslo totaled €33.876 billion in 2003, which amounted to 17 percent of the national GDP. This compares with €20.968 billion in 1995. The metropolitan area, bar Moss and Drammen, contributed 25 percent of the national GDP in 2003 and was also responsible for more than one quarter of tax revenues. In comparison, total tax revenues from the oil and gas industry on the Norwegian Continental Shelf amounted to about 17 percent. The Oslo region has one of the highest per capita GDPs in Europe, at €49.465 in 2003. If Norway were a member of the European Union, the Oslo region would have the 4th strongest GDP per capita, behind Inner London, Brussels-Capital and Luxembourg.
Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. As of 2006, it is ranked 10th according to the Worldwide Cost of Living Survey provided by Mercer Human Resource Consulting and 1st according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Although Oslo does have the most expensive housing market in Norway, it is comparably cheaper than other cities on the list in that regard. Meanwhile, prices on goods and services remain some of the highest of any city. According to a report compiled by Swiss bank UBS in August 2006, Oslo and London were the world’s most expensive cities. Total pay packets were the biggest in Oslo along with Copenhagen and Zurich.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
Norwegians are open, humble and direct. They have no problem with criticism.
Be very modest and do not display wealth.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
The meeting style is informal but to the point.
Little time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
If making a toast, stand up.
Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
Although small, Norway’s population of 4,7 million people is among the world’s wealthiest. The wealth is quit evenly distributed, so every Norwegian is an much enabled consumer. Several Norwegian industrial sectors are far larger than would be expected of a country of its size.
Oil and gas equipment and services, telecommunications equipment and services, information technology, medical equipment and services, and travel and tourism present outsized markets for foreign companies.
The Norwegian economy is an example of a mixed economy, featuring a combination of free market activity and large state ownership in certain key sectors. The state has large ownership positions in key industrial sectors, such as the strategic petroleum sector (Statoil), hydroelectric energy production (Statkraft), aluminum production (Norsk Hydro), the largest Norwegian bank (DnB NOR) and telecommunication provider (Telenor). Through these big companies, the government controls approximately 30% of the stock values at the Oslo Stock Exchange. When non-listed companies are included the state has even higher share in ownership (mainly from direct oil license ownership). Norway is a major shipping nation, and has the world’s 6th largest merchant fleet, with 1,412 Norwegian-owned merchant vessels (2009).
The country is richly endowed with natural resources including petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals. Large reserves of petroleum and natural gas were discovered in the 1960s, which led to a continuing boom in the economy. Norway has obtained one of the highest standards of living in the world in part by having a large amount of natural resources compared to the size of the population.
The income from natural resources includes a very important contribution from petroleum production and the substantial and well-managed income related to this sector. Norway also has a very low unemployment rate of about 3%. The hourly productivity levels, as well as average hourly wages in Norway are among the highest in the world. The egalitarian values of the Norwegian society ensure that the wage difference between the lowest paid worker and the CEO of most companies is much less than in comparable western economies.
| Currency | Norwegian krone (NOK) |
| Time zone | GMT +1 |
| Population | 4.835.685 |
| Area | 385.252 km2 |
| Population density | 12,5/km2 |
| GDP | € 158,13 billion |
| GDP per capita | € 33.160 |
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Oslo Airport is 50 kilometers north of the capital of Norway. It is a very modern airport which opened in 1998, and is the most important airport in Norway. The other airport in Oslo – Sandefjord Airport – is used especially by budget airlines.
Address
Oslo Lufthavn
PO Box 100
(Edvard Munchs veg)
NO-2061 Gardermoen, Norway
Telephone: +47(0)64 81 20 00
Fax: +47(0)64 81 20 01
Email: passasjerservice@osl.no
www.osl.no
Airport codes
IATA airport code: OSL
ICAO airport code: ENGM
Lost property
Luggage and items which are lost or forgotten either on planes arriving Oslo Airport, in the Terminal at Oslo Airport or at the Airport Express Train (Flytoget) will be handed over to the lost luggage office located in the east end of the arrival hall (opposite of the railway station). This also applies to items forgotten in the security control.
The office is open daily from 05.00 to 24.00.
Telephone hours daily from 8.00 to 22.00.
Lost luggage can also be sent to owners resident. Please contact the lost luggage office for further information.
Tel: +47 64 81 34 77 (08.00 to 22.00)
Terminal map
Connectivity from the airport
Train
An express train – Gardermobanen – leaves the airport six times per hour to the center of Oslo, travel time is 20 minutes (tel: +47(0)815 00 777). All regular trains (tel: +47(0)815 00 888) on the Skien-Oslo-Lillehammer-Trondheim line also stop at the airport.
Taxi
Taxis are outside the Arrivals Hall (tel: +47(0)23 23 23 23). There are several taxi companies which all use a fixed price. You can best order a taxi at the special information counter in the Arrivals Hall, Taxi2 (tel: +47(0)2202) charges NOK 395 for every destination in Oslo.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Oslo.
Hiring taxis in Oslo is an expensive endeavor. In addition to the regular high fares, there are huge tariffs between 17:00 and 22:00 and between 22:00 and 04:00. All taxis are metered and Norwegian taxi drivers are typically honest and friendly, but it really does cost a lot to take a taxi in Oslo. Taxi stands can be found all over the city or you can telephone for a pick up at an additional surcharge.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Oslo Taxi AS | 02323 |
| StuDrive Norway | +47 23 10 80 00 |
| Taxi 2 Bilbestilling | 02202 |
| Oslo MaxiTaxi | 22076760 |
| Norges Taxi | 08000 |
34 Mediterranean Restaurant
34 Meditteranean Restaurant offers sophisticated dishes made with southern European passion and northern African temper; 34 serves delicious Mediterranean food along with its ambience. The restaurant is located on the 34th floor of Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel with a gorgeous view of Oslo and the Oslo Fjord.
Sonja Henies plass 3, 0134 Oslo
Tel: 22 05 80 00
Fax: 22 05 80 10
www.34etg.no (Only in Norwegian)
Argent
Gourmet restaurant in a pleasant an stylish environment in the Opera House. Exquisite food made from exclusive ingredients, served as 2-, 3-, 4-, or 7-course menus. If you are on a business trip to Oslo, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, 0106 Oslo
Tel: 21 42 21 42
Fax: 850 20 320
www.operaen.no
Big Horn Steak House Møllergata
Big Horn is a popular steak house chain. Big Horn Aker Brygge serves steaks of all sizes and types with a choice of potatoes and other sides. The chain wants its restaurants to be places with excellent service, large portions and an informal and hospitable atmosphere. All meat served is guaranteed Norwegian and of the best quality. A steak house is an unusual choice for dining during a business trip, but the quality is great!
Møllergata 10, 0179 Oslo
Tel: 22 41 20 02
Fax: 22 42 14 71
www.bighorn.no (Only in Norwegian)
Solsiden Restaurant
The name Solsiden means "The sunny side", and that is where it is; on the sunny side of the pier, right below Akershus Fortress. This excellent seafood restaurant has a live lobster tank, oysters, salmon and other Nowegian delicacies prepared with natural, organic ingredients at the hands of master chefs. Open only in the summer.
Søndre Akershus kai 34
0150 Oslo
Tel: 22 33 36 30
Fax: 22 42 22 33
www.solsiden.no
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Oslo.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Oslo it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Oslo.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Hotel Bristol
Hotel Bristol is located in the heart of Oslo city centre. It is only a short walk from the hotel to shopping opportunities which is very convenient during a busy business trip, Oslo’s main street Karl Johans gate, the Royal Palace, museums and the waterfront area Aker Brygge and most of Oslo’s other attractions.
IVs Gate 7, 0164 Oslo
Tel: +47 2282 6000
Fax: +47 2282 6001
More info about Hotel Bristol Oslo
Hotel Continental
This hotel is an Oslo institution that has been run by the same family for four generations. It is over 100 years old and is situated in the heart of Oslo, next to the National Theatre. Hotel Continental is the perfect base for a business traveler in Oslo.
Stortingsgaten 24/26, P.O. Box 1510 Vika, N - 0117 Oslo
Tel: +47 22 82 40 00
Fax: +47 22 42 96 89
More info about Hotel Continental Oslo
Thon Hotel Spectrum
Thon Hotel Spectrum is located in the heart of Oslo, forming the perfect base for shopping, restaurant visits and nightlife. Such famous attractions as the Royal Palace, the National Theatre, the Norwegian Opera, Aker Brygge and Akershus Fort are in walking distance of the hotel. With gleaming white walls and striking splashes of brightly coloured furnishings Thon Spectrum Hotel exudes minimalist chic.
Brugata 7, 0186 Oslo
Tel: +47 23 36 27 00
Fax: +47 23 36 27 50
More info about Thon Hotel Spectrum Oslo
Frogner - Bygdøy allé offers a great selection of modern interior design shops. In this area you can also find small independent shops with everything from exclusive underwear to kitchen utensils. A bit further down the road to Skøyen there are several furniture and interior design shops as well. All located within walking distance.
Grünerløkka is the place to look for young, Norwegian designers. Small, independent shops with clothes, pottery and handicrafts are presented - as well as second hand book- and record shops. You will also find some of the chain stores here.In Grünerløkka you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones when your return from a business trip to Oslo.
The city centre around Karl Johans gate: Pedestrian precinct with several chains like H&M and Benetton. Larger shopping malls and department stores in the area are Oslo City, Byporten, Glassmagasinet, Steen & Strøm, Paleet and Aker Brygge. At Grensen you will find a good selection of shoes, while Møllergata is the street where you can find furniture.
Majorstuen - the streets Bogstadveien and Hegdehaugsveien: Here you will find a good mix of exclusive brands, mid-price clothing and value clothes at shops like Hennes & Mauritz and Vero Moda. Spend the whole day strolling up and down these two streets!
Norway’s Opera House
The extraordinary marble and glass building in Bjørvika, Oslo, houses both opera and other cultural events. It is also a piece of art on its own. It is the largest cultural building to be built in Norway since the construction of the Nidarosdomen Cathedral in Trondheim at the start of the 14th century. From the outside, the most striking feature is the white sloping stone roof which rises directly up from the Oslofjord allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll and take in views of Oslo.
Vigelandsparken is a must see when you have some spare time during your business trip to Oslo. The famous park is filled with 192 bronze and granite sculptures and locals enjoying outdoor life. Vigelandsparken, also known as Frognerparken, is one of the most popular places to meet for people living in Oslo. In summertime you will find hundreds of Norwegians having a picnic or barbecue, or playing among the famous sculptures. The park is also a popular place for a stroll in the winter. Vigeland Sculpture Park is a part of Frogner Park, located in Oslo, Norway, 3 km northwest of the city centre. The park covers 80 acres and features 212 bronze and granite sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. Vigeland personally sculpted every figure out of clay and individual craftsmen were contracted to fabricate the pieces into what they are today. These works of art reside along an 850 meter-long axis divided into 6 sections: The Main Gate, The Bridge, The Children’s Playground, The Fountain, The Monolith Plateau and the Wheel of Life.
The Viking Ship Museum
When you have some time left on your business trip to Oslo and it’s a rainy day, I would suggest the Viking Ship Museum.
The Viking Ship Museum displays the large Viking ships Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune, as well as founds from the chief grave at Borre in the Vestfold district. The 3 ships are the best preserved Viking ships known, found in royal burial mounds in the Oslo fjord. As burial ships, carrying the dead over to “the Other World”, the ships were equipped with unique treasures such as wagons, horses and especially textiles which are seldom preserved from the Viking age, now on exhibit at the museum.
Akershus Fortress (Akershus festning)
The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300’s, had a strategical location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. King Christian IV (1588-1648) had the castle modernized and converted into a Renaissance castle and royal residence. During the 17th and 18th century the castle fell into decay, and restoration work only started in 1899.
Aker Brygge
For more than a century Aker Brygge was the site of a shipyard, Akers Mekaniske Verksted. Since 1986, when the workshops were opened as the first stage in the Aker Brygge development, this site has become a small township with shopping malls, apartment buildings, offices, restaurants, a cinema, a theater and a health-and-fitness centre. The buildings are distinctive, with their combination of old, venerable shipyard buildings and modern architecture. This unique sea front boardwalk is one of Oslo`s primary attractions. More than 5000 people live and work in the area.
The Oslo Fjord and the islands near Oslo
The Oslo fjord is the Norway’s most popular recreation area. The Oslo fjord is a long gem, 100 km between Færder lighthouse to Oslo, and it is encircled by the Norway’s most densely populated area. In the summer the Oslo fjord comes to life. Only minutes from Oslo by ferry, you can enjoy yourself in the sun on one of the islands. On Hovedøya you can glance at the busy city while you enjoy the tranquility and fresh air on the beach.Each of the islands in the innermost part of the fjord has its own identity and history. Here you find Hovedøya (http://www.hovedoya.no), Lindøya , Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen, and Langøyene. These islands can easily be reached with the Oslo-boats from Vippetangen.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| Police | 112 |
| Medical | 113 |
| Fire | 110 |
| Police (non-urgent) | 02800 |
| Emergency at open sea | 120 |
In case of a medical emergency you will find English speaking staff in every Norwegian hospital.
Norwegian (norsk) is a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Norway, where it is an official language. Together with Swedish and Danish, Norwegian forms a continuum of more or less mutually intelligible local and regional variant. The Norwegian language has been teasingly said to be Danish spoken in Swedish due to the Norwegian and Danish vocabularies being so closely related while the language’s phonology and prosody is more similar to Swedish.
The Norwegians speak quit good English but sometimes a few Norwegian phrases can come in hand...
| Good morning! | God morgen! |
| Good evening! | God kveld! |
| How are you? | Hvordan har du det?/Hvordan går det? |
| I’m fine, thanks! | Jeg har det bra takk/Det går bra takk |
| And you? | Enn med deg? |
| Thank you (very much)! | Takk (Tusen)! |
| Good night! | God natt! |
| Good bye! | Hadet bra! |
| Can you help me? | Kan du hjelpe meg? |
| I’m looking for John. | Jeg leter etter John |
| Where is the...? | Hvor er...? |
| How much is this? | Hva koster denne? |
| Do you speak English? | Snakker du engelsk? |
| My name is ... | Mitt navn er ... |
| Nice to meet you! | Hyggelig å møte deg |
| Write It Down Please! | Skriv det ned er du grei. |
| I Don’t Understand! | Jeg forstår ikke |
| What’s that called In Norwegian? | Hvordan sier man det på ... norsk? |
| Yes/ No | Ja / Nei |
| In The Morning/ Evening/ At Night. | Om morgenen / kvelden / natta |
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