Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Oslo, Norway

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid unlicensed taxis; ensure the taxi has a meter and is clearly marked with a license number.

Unlicensed Taxis: They may overcharge or take longer routes
No Meter: Driver may refuse to use a meter or set an inflated price
Unclear Markings: Legitimate taxis will have clear, visible markings and license plates

Keep belongings close and be aware of crowded areas such as Aker Brygge or Vigeland Park.

Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target busy tourist spots
Valuables in Sight: Don't display valuables openly, such as expensive cameras or jewelry
Bump-and-Snatch Tactics: Be aware of people bumping into you, then attempting to pickpocket

Check bills carefully in shops and banks; Norwegian kroner are of high quality, so counterfeits can be hard to spot.

Shops and Banks: Always check the authenticity of cash, especially large bills
Quality of Notes: Norwegian kroner are well-made, making counterfeits hard to spot
Large Bills: Counterfeits often appear on larger bills due to their higher value

Only use licensed tour guides; avoid those who approach you unsolicited in popular areas like the Oslo Cathedral.

Unsolicited Approaches: Guides may approach tourists uninvited to offer their services
No License: An unlicensed guide may provide inaccurate or misleading information
Overpriced Tours: Unlicensed guides may charge excessive prices for their services

Only buy attraction tickets from official outlets to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Official Outlets: Always purchase tickets at the official box office or website
Counterfeit Tickets: Counterfeit tickets may not allow entry or offer a lower quality experience
Overpriced Tickets: Unscrupulous sellers may charge inflated prices for the same ticket

Be wary of performers who demand payment in advance or ask for personal belongings.

Advance Payments: Legitimate performers do not usually ask for payment upfront
Personal Belongings: Avoid giving personal belongings to strangers, especially for the purpose of a performance
Busking Licenses: Legitimate performers should have a busking license and follow local regulations

Book accommodation through reputable sites or agencies to avoid scams. Be wary of overpriced or too-good-to-be-true deals.

Reputable Sites: Book through well-known travel sites or agencies for added protection
Overpriced Deals: Avoid accommodation that is significantly more expensive than others in the area
Too-Good-to-be-True Deals: Be wary of accommodation deals that seem too good to be true, as they often are

Only use trusted cybercafes and be cautious when using internet-connected devices.

Trusted Cybercafes: Choose established, reputable cybercafes for your online activities
Internet-Connected Devices: Be careful when using public computers or WiFi networks to protect personal information
USB Ports and Printers: Avoid using USB ports or printers in cybercafes, as they may be infected with viruses

Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and avoid those that look tampered with.

Well-Lit, Busy Areas: ATMs located in high-traffic areas are less likely to be tampered with
Tampered ATMs: Be aware of signs of tampering, such as unusual card readers or cameras nearby
Cover Your PIN: Protect your personal information by shielding your PIN when using the ATM

Bargain and haggle, but be wary of unusually cheap items or those sold by pushy sellers.

Unusually Cheap Items: If an item seems too good to be true, it probably is
Pushy Sellers: Be cautious of aggressive sellers who pressure you to buy quickly
Inspect Items: Always inspect items carefully before purchasing to ensure quality and authenticity

Choose reputable charities and avoid those who pressure you for money.

Reputable Charities: Research charities to ensure they are legitimate and well-regarded
Pressure Tactics: Legitimate charities will not pressure you for money or personal information
Donation Receipts: Request a receipt for your donation, as proof of the contribution

Inspect the rental car thoroughly and read contracts carefully to avoid hidden fees.

Thorough Inspection: Examine the rental car for any existing damage before driving off
Read Contracts Carefully: Understand all terms and conditions, including insurance and return policies
Hidden Fees: Be wary of unexpected charges or fees, such as additional driver fees or mileage limits

Buy tickets from authorized vendors or use contactless payment systems to avoid fines.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized ticket machines or staff members
Contactless Payment Systems: Use contactless payment cards for convenience and to avoid fines for lacking a valid ticket
Fines for Lacking Tickets: Not having a valid ticket can result in hefty fines on Oslo's public transport system

Be cautious when accepting friend requests or clicking on links from unknown sources.

Unknown Sources: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar users
Friend Requests: Accept friend requests only from people you know or are expecting to connect with
Phishing Attempts: Beware of phishing attempts, which may try to steal personal information or install malware

Avoid street food from unlicensed vendors and ensure food is fresh and properly cooked.

Unlicensed Vendors: Street food should only be purchased from licensed, official vendors
Fresh Food: Avoid street food that appears old or has been sitting out for extended periods of time
Proper Cooking: Street food should be cooked in a clean, sanitary environment to minimize the risk of foodborne illness