There has never been a better time to do business in Norway; the Legatum Prosperity Index has named it the world’s most prosperous country for the fifth year in a row and the capital, Oslo, has long been one of Europe’s most important financial and business hubs.
Oslo at night. Courtesy image by Bernt Rostad under Creative Comms license.
If you’re soon to take an Oslo city break for business then you will find that prices reflect prosperity, and in previous years Oslo has ranked as the most expensive city in the world. However, there are a number of ways to bring down the costs and ensure your quick trip to Oslo doesn’t turn into a spending frenzy. Here are some insider tips:
Accommodation
There are several large hotels in Oslo that are perfect for business trips if you need meeting and conference facilities including the Radison Blu Scandinavia, Rica Oslo Hotel and Hotel Continental, which are all centrally located. Book your room through an online travel company rather than directly with the hotel to save money. Browse a number of accommodation websites to find the best deal at the same hotels before you commit.
If you will be attending meetings elsewhere and don’t need hotel business facilities then you might want to consider an apartment for short term rental. That way you can make yourself at home and won’t have to eat out for every meal. There are an abundance of apartments for short-term rental advertised online.
Getting Around
Oslo Nationaltheatret Station. Courtesy image by Maxxi under Creative Comms license.
The public transport system in Oslo is superb, and using it will save you a lot of money on taxis. Buses, trams, subway trains (‘T-banen’) and ferries are clean and efficient, and favoured by many of Oslo’s businesspeople for ease and convenience. Even if you are on a short visit, buy a 24 hour pass for the subway as single trips quickly add up.
A compact city centre means that you can walk around it with ease, so explore on foot to see attractions during time off from meetings. Watch the changing of the guard at the magnificent Royal Palace, climb the Holmenkollen tower or simply hang out at one of Oslo’s beaches.
If you are on a visit to Oslo lasting several days it may be worth buying the Oslo Pass, which costs around £50. Not only does it grant you unlimited access to buses and trams but you can visit a long list of Oslo’s top attractions including the Kon-Tiki Museum, Nobel Peace Centre, Munch Museum and Norway Resistance Museum. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting from October to March, many of the city museums are free to enter.
Shop Duty Free
Maybe you want to take a bottle of wine or whiskey as a gift to an associate, or will be winding down with drinks after meetings. Alcohol is extremely expensive in Oslo and even a beer costs around €4 at a supermarket. Head to duty free at the airport and stock up on the alcohol for your trip – this will save you a huge amount of money.
With a little forward-planning you can enjoy a business trip to Oslo without breaking the bank. Download travel apps and maps to your phone before you travel and browse for the best hotel or apartment deals on discount websites. Whether it’s your budget or your boss’s, plan your trip carefully and you can avoid wasting valuable spending money in this picturesque city-by-the-sea.
Images by Bernt Rostad and Maxxi, used under Creative Comms license
