As a tourist visiting Norway, having constant data connectivity with Ice SIM card would be a good choice
This article will help you stay connected throughout your Norway trip.
Table of Contents
I. Quick facts about Ice
Ice Communication Norge AS, commonly known as simply Ice, is Norway’s third largest mobile operator
- Founded: 2003 under the name Nordisk Mobiltelefon Norge AS.
- Headquarters: Located in Nydalen, Oslo.
- Coverage: Popular coverage of 94% in their own network in 2020.
- Number of subscribers: Ice had over 638,000 mobile subscribers by 2020.
- Service provided: They offer mobile telephony, mobile broadband, M2M solutions and PBX for businesses.
II. Ice Coverage and Speed in Norway
Ice coverage in Norway
Ice has been working hard to make its mobile service available to as many areas of Norway as possible. By the end of 2020, Ice’s great team of engineers had already set up over 3,000 cell towers, providing a signal to 94% of the country.
So with an Ice SIM, you can stay confident of cellular and data connectivity even while traveling to remote fjords or little hamlets across Norway.
Ice speed
Ice has invested heavily in upgrading its network infrastructure to deliver fast LTE speeds across Norway. Speed tests show urban areas typically see download speeds from 50Mbps to over 150Mbps, while rural coverage reaches 10Mbps to 50Mbps as more towers are constructed. Upgrades to 5G will enable gigabit speeds in major cities.
This speed allows you to enjoy high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and video calls on their mobile devices.
III. Ice connectivity options for travelers to Norway
Ice offers the below SIM card options for tourists visiting Norway:
Connectivity Options
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
| Ice SIM Card | Local number for calls/texts | Need compatible phone |
| Cheap data-only plans available | Phone locked to SIM | |
| Works with your own phone | May require Norwegian address | |
| Pocket WiFi | Can share internet with multiple devices | Higher cost than SIM |
| No need for compatible phones | Bulkier than SIM to carry | |
| Works internationally | Limited to wifi coverage area | |
| Roaming | Uses your existing plan | Very expensive data roaming fees |
| No need to change SIM cards | Slower speeds than local SIM | |
| Calls/texts on home plan rates |
For tourists visiting Norway, an Ice SIM card would generally be the best connectivity option. This is because it allows you to purchase affordable data plans and use a local Norwegian phone number during your visit.
IV. Best Ice SIM cards for tourists & cost
Below are the latest Ice SIM cards and tourist eSIM packs for tourists and their rates.
| Plan | Data | Price per Month (USD) |
| Super 40GB | 40 GB | $34.88 |
| Try us | 30 GB | $11.32 |
| 1 GB | 1 GB | $16.84 |
| 3 GB | 3 GB | $22.41 |
| NEWS! 10 GB | 10 GB | $28.01 |
| NEWS! 20 GB | 20 GB | $34.88 |
| 30 GB | 30 GB | $40.45 |
| iceMax | Unlimited | $45.99 |
The most recommended prepaid plan for tourists would depend on their specific needs and usage habits. However, based on the provided information, the “Try us” plan with 30 GB of data for NOK 99 per month (approximately $11.32 USD) could be a suitable option for many tourists.
This plan offers a generous data allowance at an affordable price, making it suitable for browsing the internet, using social media, and staying connected while traveling.
V. Does Ice support eSIM?
Yes, Ice launched eSIM support in September 2022 initially for iPhones. It’s rolling out eSIM access for more smartphone models (Android) as well.
The Ice Tourist eSIM gives you 30 days validity with 50 GB data allowance. You can digital download and activate it instantly using the smartphone’s QR code scanner.
VI. Where can you buy a Ice SIM card and eSIM?
You can buy Ice prepaid SIM cards and tourist eSIM in Norway using the channels below:
Where to buy Ice SIM card for Norway
- Airport: At Convenience stores in arrival and departure areas
- ICE stores – ICE has their own branded stores located in major towns and cities across Norway.
- Other retailers: Narvesen shops, Rimi supermarkets
Where to buy Ice eSIM
- Online via the Ice website (ice.no): You can purchase prepaid or postpaid mobile plans as an eSIM profile that is delivered digitally. No physical SIM card needed.
- Via the Ice mobile app: The app is available for iOS and Android. You can sign up for a new eSIM plan or manage an existing one directly in the app.
VII. How to activate Ice SIM card/eSIM
How to use Ice SIM card
- Insert Ice Norway SIM in your phone
- It will auto-configure and activate
- A welcome SMS confirms activation
- Check data balance by dialing *111#
- Start using mobile data!
How to activate Ice eSIM
- Download Ice’s “My Ice” app
- Register account & language
- Choose Tourist eSIM plan
- Scan QR code shown for eSIM activation
- Takes few minutes to activate
That’s it! Both the Ice SIM and eSIM will connect quickly so you stay online through your trip.
VIII. Ice Call & SMS rates
Ice prepaid packs don’t include international calling minutes or SMS allowance. You can add a Bolt On if required.
Call & SMS Rates
| Call/SMS Type | Rate in NOK | Estimated Rate in USD |
| Call within Norway | 2-3 NOK/min | $0.20-0.30/min |
| Call back to US/Canada | 15-20 NOK/min | $1.50-2.00/min |
| Call back to Europe | 20-30 NOK/min | $2.00-3.00/min |
| Receive calls in Norway | Free | Free |
| SMS within Norway | 1-2 NOK/message | $0.10-0.20/message |
| SMS internationally | 5-10 NOK/message | $0.50-1.00/message |
| 1GB data for occasional use | 150-200 NOK | $15-20 |
| Local prepaid SIM card | Varies | $5-20 for SIM card |
Tips: For international communication, consider using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime that use data instead.
IX. Useful USSD codes for Ice SIM card/eSIM
Using USSD codes, you can check data balances or activate packs on your Ice prepaid SIM/eSIM.
Dial these codes directly on the phone dial pad and hit Call/Send.
Useful Ice USSD codes include:
*111#– Check data balance & validity*222#– Activate data packs*113#– Check billing balance*150#– Check calling minutes balance
So note these shortcodes to easily manage your Ice SIM without installing any apps.
X. How to top-up Ice SIM/eSIM
You can recharge or topup your Ice SIM/eSIM using the following simple methods:
- Online via the Ice website: Go to www.ice.no and log into your account. You can top-up securely with a credit/debit card. Funds are added instantly.
- Ice app: Download the Ice mobile app for iOS or Android. Log in and top-up from the app with just a few taps. Card payments are processed right away.
XI. Alternatives to Ice Norway
While Ice has the best network coverage in Norway, you could also consider these operators:
- Telenor: Second largest telco after Ice
- Telia: Decent coverage, affordable data packs
Norway eSIM from GIGAGO is the ideal solution for tourists staying connected while traveling in Norway. They offer flexible data plan options from 300MB up to 50GB that are valid for various periods to suit different trip lengths. Best of all, the Norway eSIM activates instantly upon arrival so tourists can start exploring Norway with navigation, translation apps and more at their fingertips.
XII. FAQs about Ice in Norway
Does Ice offer 5G in Norway?
Yes, Ice has launched 5G services in Norway starting with larger cities of Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Its peak 5G speed is up to 1000 Mbps.
Can I roam on Ice SIM to other Nordic countries?
Ice has partnerships that allow roaming on Telia (Sweden), Telenor (Denmark) etc. Some Zone 1 roaming may be enabled based on the plan. Call 121 before travel.
Are there multi-country SIM cards with Ice?
No, Ice doesn’t offer SIM cards valid in multiple countries. You can only use their tourist SIM cards in Norway due to local regulation restrictions.
XIII. Final words
Ice provides the widest and fastest coverage to keep you well connected across this Nordic paradise.
Consider to stay connected with Norway eSIM while relishing Norway’s enchanting sights!
