As you’ll quickly learn, in Norway things are damn expensive. On top of that, the tax is high on pretty much all goods. And while many Norwegians will tell you they enjoy paying taxes because they get so many good social services as a result, there’s one place where they truly enjoy skipping out on taxes. That place is the duty-free store.
Found at major airports such as Gardermoen in Oslo, the duty-free store sells just about everything you can imagine, from beauty care products, to candy, and of course, tobacco and alcohol. The last two are especially popular goods to purchase because you’ll save a significant amount, in some cases almost half of what you would typically pay within Norway.
So this is your chance to stock up, and stock up is what Norwegians do at duty-free. It’s almost a comical scene to see them with arms full of their beloved treats. Jet lag be damned, everyone who wants to get a good deal makes time to shop duty-free before they pick up their luggage.
Duty-free shopping is a perk enjoyed by many travelers passing through international airports. Norway, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cities, is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. In this article, we’ll explore how duty-free shopping works in Norway and what travelers can expect when making duty-free purchases.
Understanding Duty-Free Shopping
Duty-free shopping refers to the purchase of goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, and luxury items, without paying the import duties, taxes, or tariffs that are typically levied on such products. These goods are often sold at reduced prices, making duty-free shopping an attractive option for travelers looking to score a deal on their favorite items.
Duty-Free Allowances in Norway
When traveling to Norway, you can take advantage of duty-free shopping both when arriving and departing. The specific allowances and rules for duty-free shopping in Norway are as follows:
1. Arriving in Norway:
- Alcohol: Travelers aged 20 and above can bring in one liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol by volume) or two liters of wine or beer (less than 22% alcohol by volume) duty-free.
- Tobacco: You can bring 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products (like snuff or pipe tobacco) duty-free.
- Other Goods: The total value of other goods (including gifts and souvenirs) must not exceed 6,000 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) per person.
2. Departing from Norway:
When departing from Norway, you can purchase duty-free items at the airport. The allowances for departing travelers are generally as follows:
- Alcohol: You can buy up to six liters of beer, wine, and spirits in total.
- Tobacco: The allowance for tobacco varies, but you can typically buy up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products.
- Other Goods: The allowance for other goods is usually around 3,000 NOK.
Airport Duty-Free Shops
Duty-free shops in Norwegian airports offer a wide range of products, including alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, perfume, clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. These shops are typically located in the international departure and arrival areas of major airports like Oslo Gardermoen, Bergen Flesland, and Stavanger Sola. Travelers can explore the offerings, make purchases, and take advantage of reduced prices compared to regular retail stores.
Important Considerations
It’s essential for travelers to be aware of a few key considerations when shopping duty-free in Norway:
- Age Restrictions: Ensure that you meet the minimum legal drinking age and purchasing age for tobacco products if you plan to buy alcohol or tobacco.
- International Flights: To shop duty-free when departing Norway, you must be on an international flight. Domestic travelers within Norway are not eligible for duty-free purchases.
- Customs Declaration: It’s crucial to declare all purchased items when re-entering your home country, as there may be limits on duty-free items.
- Currency: Norwegian duty-free shops often accept major international currencies, credit cards, and local currency (NOK).
In conclusion, duty-free shopping in Norway can be a rewarding experience for travelers looking to indulge in some retail therapy or purchase gifts and souvenirs. By understanding the allowances and rules, you can make the most of your duty-free experience while exploring the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture that Norway has to offer.
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