One of the top mobile operators in Norway is Telenor. This guide will help you to use Telenor SIM card in Norway as a tourist.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Telenor
Telenor is Norway’s leading and most reliable operator known for wide network coverage in the country:
- Established: Telenor was established in 1855 initially as a state-owned monopoly provider of telegraph services.
- Branding name: The company rebranded as Telenor in 1969.
- Services provided: Telenor provides a wide range of telecommunication services including mobile operations, fixed telephony, broadband and TV services.
- Number of subscribers: As of Q3 2022, Telenor has about 182 million mobile subscriptions across the 8 markets it operates in.
- Number of stores: Telenor has over 250 Telenor branded stores across Norway.
- Customer service: Telenor provides customer support in English and Norwegian through call centers, online chat and social media.
- Awards: Telenor has received awards for market leadership, 5G development, sustainability practices and strong customer satisfaction.
II. Why Telenor When You’re Exploring Norway – Coverage and Speed
2.1 Telenor Coverage in Norway
According to this map, Telenor has the best overall coverage in Norway covering over 99% of the population. With over 5,700 base stations throughout mainland Norway, Telenor’s 4G and 5G mobile networks extend reliably across cities, rural towns, road networks, and even into the remote fjords and mountains.
2.2 Telenor Speed
Telenor offers some of the fastest mobile data speeds in Norway. In cities like Oslo and Bergen, average 4G download speeds on Telenor are about 100 Mbps while maximum recorded speeds exceed 200 Mbps on Telenor’s new 5G network. This allows activities like HD video streaming, mobile gaming, AR apps without any lag.
👉Conclusion: With the best coverage and fastest speeds, Telenor is a great choice for tourists to stay connected across Norway. The reliable connectivity allows sharing travel experiences seamlessly.
III. Telenor Connectivity Options for Travelers to Norway
Tourists visiting Norway can access Telenor services through:
Connectivity Options
| Option | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Telenor SIM Card | Physical SIM card to insert into unlocked phones | Convenient, fast activation, lots of data options | Need an unlocked phone, limited validity |
| Pocket Wifi Rental | Portable WiFi router with Telenor SIM | Multiple device connectivity, longer validity | Extra rental cost, need to charge battery |
| Roaming on Home Network | Use roaming services from home operator | Use own number and data balance | Expensive roaming rates |
👉Conclusion: Getting a local Telenor SIM card is the most convenient and affordable connectivity option for tourists exploring Norway. It provides the best data rates for the price without any expensive roaming charges.
IV. Best Telenor SIM Card for Tourists & Cost
Telenor offers both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards for tourists in Norway. The best prepaid option for most travelers is the Telenor Tourist SIM due to its great value plans with generous data, calls and texts allowances.
| Plan Name | Monthly Cost (NOK) | Monthly Cost (USD) | Data Allowance | Speed | Other Features |
| Ubegrenset Basis | 529 | ~$53 | - | Up to 200 Mbps | Basic security features |
| Ubegrenset Medium | 599 | ~$60 | - | Up to 1000 Mbps | Enhanced security features |
| Ubegrenset Pluss | 729 | ~$73 | - | Up to 1000 Mbps | Enhanced security features + 2 extra SIM cards |
| Litt 2 GB | 329 | ~$33 | 2 GB | Up to 200 Mbps | Basic security features |
| Enkel 8 GB | 379 | ~$38 | 8 GB | Up to 200 Mbps | Basic security features |
| Data Boost Mer 8 GB | 429 | ~$43 | 8 GB | Up to 200 Mbps | Enhanced security features |
Ubegrenset Medium offers the ideal balance of speed, features and value – especially for those wanting to fully leverage 5G and robust security. It’s easy to see why it appeals to so many different customer profiles and has become a top-selling plan.
V. Does Telenor Support eSIM in Norway?
Yes, Telenor launched eSIM support in 2020 allowing activation of mobile plans through a digital eSIM instead of physical SIM card.
Some advantages of Telenor tourist eSIM for Norway:
- Easy online purchase and fast digital activation
- Convenience of not needing to go to a store
- Dual SIM devices possible (use physical SIM along with eSIM)
There are many eSIM providers offering Telenor tourist eSIM for Norway on the market. One of them is Norway eSIM from GIGAGO. Let’s see their plans:
VI. Where can You Buy a Telenor SIM Card and eSIM?
6.1 Where to Buy Telenor SIM for Norway?
- Telenor Stores – You’ll find Telenor retail stores in most major cities and airports across Norway. Stores stock all prepaid and postpaid SIM options.
- Airport – Convenience stores like 7-Eleven at airport carry multi-pack prepaid SIMs from Telenor as well as credit top-ups. Getting it at the airport on arrival is the easiest option to have connectivity right away.
6.2 Where to Buy Telenor eSIM in Norway?
- Online from Telenor website – You can order an eSIM online and have it activated remotely. Requires a Norwegian phone number for registration.
- Third-party provider: Norway eSIM offers high-speed LTE data plans for Norway with options between 3-30 days validity. It can be easily installed on compatible iOS and Android devices just by scanning a QR code, allowing users to start surfing immediately upon arrival.
VII. How to Activate Telenor SIM card/eSIM in Norway?
7.1 How to Use Telenor SIM Card in Norway?
You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready:
- Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
- Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM
- Activate the SIM card
- Set up APN settings if you cannot use the eSIM
- Check your services
7.2 How to Activate Telenor eSIM?
Getting started with a Telenor eSIM for Norway is quite easy as follows:
- Install the eSIM
- Activate the eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using the services.
Please check your detailed instructions below:
VIII. Norway Telenor Call & SMS Rates
Call & SMS Rates
| Call/SMS Type | Price (USD) |
| Call to Telenor numbers | Free |
| Call to landline in Norway | ~$0.09 per min |
| Call to cell phone in Norway | ~$0.20 per min |
| SMS to Telenor numbers | Free |
| SMS within Norway | $0.20 per SMS |
| Call to EU landline | ~$0.17 per min |
| Call to EU cell phone | ~$0.38 per min |
| Call to USA/Canada/China | ~$0.70-1 per min |
| SMS to EU | $0.20 per SMS |
| SMS outside EU | $0.60 per SMS |
In summary, domestic calls/SMS on Telenor Norway are very affordable, while international rates are reasonable by global standards. EU roaming provides significant cost savings.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for Telenor SIM/eSIM
Here are some useful USSD codes to manage your Telenor Norway SIM:
USSD Codes
| USSD Code | Description |
| #100# | Check balance and validity |
| *111# | Data usage check |
| *133# | Caller ID check/block |
| *139# | Change call forwarding settings |
| *140# | Change voicemail settings |
| *141# | Call waiting settings |
| 5pin# | Change PIN code |
| 1002oldPinnewPin# | Change PUK code |
| *101# | Check number |
| #777# | Call helpdesk |
This list of common USSD codes can help you manage your Telenor Norway SIM settings!
X. How to Top-up Telenor SIM card/eSIM
When the base data allowance is used up, there are multiple ways tourists can top-up their Telenor SIM/eSIM in Norway:
- Top-up online by linking it to the Telenor app using international credit/debit cards
- Recharge easily at any Telenor store across Norway
- Automated top-up at supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations
Most tourists opt for the convenient online top-up option to add more high-speed data and calls credit via the MyTelenor app using Google/Apple Pay.
XI. FAQs about Telenor in Norway
Does Telenor offer monthly plans in Norway?
Yes, in addition to great value prepaid tourist SIMs, Telenor has monthly contracts with larger data bundles for longer stays.
Will 5G work on my device?
Telenor has wide 5G coverage. If your device supports 5G, services will automatically upgrade to the fast 5G network.
Can I use Telenor SIM across Scandinavia?
Telenor has surplus EU roaming allowances on tourist SIMs allowing use across Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. But primary usage must be in Norway.
XII. Final Words
A Telenor SIM card is the best connectivity choice when backpacking across scenic Norway. With its combination of wide high-speed coverage, value prepaid plans and hassle-free online purchase options.
Consider Norway eSIM to make the most beautiful memories without losing touch.
