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S t a v a n g e r
I N F O R M A T I O N
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GUIDE
STAVANGER PARTNER
INFORMATION NETWORK
WB.
*S
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w w w . s p i n . n oSPIN
IS SPONSORED BY
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STATOIL
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ConocoPhillips
BG NORGE
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mojoftfons
171 relocation.no
l-W^ Re l a n e s & S0mme ASSchlumberger
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Acknowledgements
Once again many volunteers have put much time and effort into
compil-ing arid updatcompil-ing this Information Guide. This revised edition is thanks to
the efforts of: Freda,Burns, John Gibbs, Zoe.:Griffin, Paul & Lis Holtorn,
Andrew Jones, Susanne Kruse, Helene Merbur, Wendy Pagler, Louise
Pharr, .Hannah Rees, Iron Sitangang, David Smith, Caroline Townsend,
Ross'White and all of whom fitted work into their busyschedules.
Finally thank you to all our sponsors, friends and service users who give
SPIN meaning arid direction.
Printed.by :Aske Trykk
Photographs
Thank yoato Odd Furenes (www.furenes.no) for kindly donating the
cover photo again. Some of the.images on the tabs and.on the
back-cover are used by permission'from the Hermetikkmuseet, Piers T.
Crocker and Ragria Monsen Syversen. Thank you to Ellen Jepson for
Introduction
'SPIN.is pleased to publish its Nineth.Edition of the Information Guide.
Again, we have tried to restructure this guide based upon your feedback
during the past year and hope that you find, it indispensable, whether you
are new to Stavanger, are a seasoned resident or if you are getting ready
to moveelsewhere. Please^do continue to.send your comments. We
welcome your feedback!
SPIN has had a very successful year, andour website has been steadily
expanding. Please do visit it if you have not yet done so www.spin.no. *
SPIN will be holding monthly social events again, commencing August '
2006, so be sure you also join our newsletter mailing list to be kept up to
date.
We would like to thank all of our SPIN sponsors;
Shell, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Relocation.no-Reianes & Somme,
Majortrans Flytteservice, Statoil, Total, BP Norge, Marathon Petroleum
Company, Schlumbergerand BG Norge Limited.
We also send a big thank you to all the SPIN volunteers who have put in
so much time and energy working on the Guide and in particular to
Caroline Townsend, for stepping in as our Guide Project Manager.
We alsbUhank YOU for supporting SPIN by purchasing the Guide!
The SPIN Board
SPIN MAY 2006
Using the Guide
This Guide has been compiled by expatriate volunteers living in
Stavanger. Ii contains information they have found useful, and we hope
you will find the same.
If you have any comments on the guide, know of things thai have
changed ornew information you would like to sec incorporated in the
next edition, please let us know.
Throughout the Guide a number of symbols and abbreviations have been
used to help you find your way round:
Nok ■ Norwegian kroner
©
Telephone numbers
t!i
Fax numbers
<^D
Email address
B
Website address
~*
Indicates references to other sectionsin the Guide
©
Indicates the number of the'map.the.entry is shown upon
£0
Indicates a category to be found in the Yellow Pages {Gulesicier)
Information contained in this Guide was considered accurate at the lime
of priming, however it is forever changing. Listings of people and
organisations have not been compiled necessarily as recommendations.
All rights arc reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any
form without the permission of the copyright owner.
SPIN May 2006
Nincth Edition Revised Reprint
SPIN (Stavanger Partner Information Network)
^[email protected] S www.SPIN.no
Things change prices go up, businesses relocate, new names appear
nothing slays the same. So if you find things have changed from that
stated in the Guide,, please send us an email to make the next edition
better. Your emailswill beaiscd to update future editions of the Guide
and where possible, in the interim, important changes will be.noted on the
SPIN website.
U s i n g the Guide
Important Telephone Numbers
(Urgent Medical Treatment)
Stavanger Legevakt
Sandncs Legevakt
Sola Legevakt
Tan n lege
©51 51 02 02
9 5 1 97 1097
9 5 1 5.6 14 00
9 5 1 52 33 44
Legevakt - Doctor on duty
Tannlege - Dentist
Norwegian Emergency Numbers
Fire Brigade
Police
Ambulance
9 110
9 112
9 113
January February March s M T w T P S 1 2 3 .1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 M 15 16 I? '6 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 2B 29 30 31 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6' 7 6' 9' 10 11 12. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 S M T ' W T F S 1 2. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Id 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 29 '30 31 April 5 M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 i i 12' 13 14 15 16 17 16 19 20 21 ?2 23 24 25 26 27 26 29 30 May S' M T W T ,F S 1 2 .3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 16 19 20 21 22 23 2d 25 26 I f 2B 29 3C 31 June S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ' 3 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 July 5 M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1" 15 16 17 16 19 20 21 -22 23 24 25 26 27' '28 29 3D 31 August S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 B 9 10 '1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 September S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16' 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2 5 26 27 28 '29 30
October November December
S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 -17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ■26 27 28 29 30 31 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13: 14 15 16 17 -1B 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 -19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January s M T w T F s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 9 10 I I . 12 13. 14 15 16 17 .18 IS 2D 21 22 23 24 25 70 2? 2B 29 30 31
2009
February s M T w T F s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16' 17 18 19 20 21 22 2o 24 25 26 27 28 March s M T w T F s 1: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 April s M r w T F s 1 2 . 3 4 5, 6 7 8 9 10 n 12 13 14 '15 16 17 1S' 19 iQ 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 1 ' 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 June S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 10 11 12 13 .14 15 16 17 18 19 2D 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Using the Guide
Calendar
Welcome 11
Stavanger & Norway 11
Weather & Climate 11
Time 12
Language I2
:Cost of Living 12
Work/Life Balance 12
Enjoying Stavanger 12
Norwegian Food 12
Education 13
Medical 13.
Preparation 17
Travel Documents & Visa 17
Banking .-. 17
Insurance:... 17
Customs & Excise 17
Importing Cars 17
Importing Plants 19
Importing Pets-.
:19
Traveling with Pets 22
Importing Alcohol as Household Goods 22
Logistics*
27
Visas & Work Permits
27
Applying for a Residence and/or Work Permit
28
Registration
31
Social Security
..
;,
,
32
Banking
34
Housing
36
Setting up Home
37
Waste Handling
:
38
Telephone & Internet
42
Television
43
Insurance
47
Legal Advice
48
Cars& Driving
48
Adjustment
^
57
Culture shock
5.7
Working
.
63
Finding a Job
:
63
Foreign Diplomas ....;
:.. 66
■Working-Regulations....-
68
Self Employment
,
69
Voluntary-Work
71
Types
of
Norwegian
Companies
71
Taxes
72
Business Directory
74
Health
79
National Health System
79
Visiting
the
Doctor
:
80
Doctor on Duty ....T 85
The Hospital 87
Emergency Department...v. 88
Having a Baby .-. 89
Dentist .-.-.-.- 95
Other Health Services 96
Alternative Health Services 98
Crisis Centres & Support Groups 99
Therapists & Counsellors 100
Education 105
Education &Childcare 105
Primary & Secondary Education 106
Non Norwegian Education 107
College & University 108
Adult Education & Courses 109
Religion 113
Transport 117
Driving/Road Rules 117
Road Tolls 119
Parking 119
Cycling -. 121
Public Transport ;... 121
Travelling Within and Outside of Norway _..„„ 124
Shopping & Services 127
Where & When to Shop , 127
Shopping Discount Card ...,-... 129
Shopping by Merchandise Category & Services 129
Items to Buy in Norway
;>. .- 154
Entertainment & Leisure 159
General Information 159
Cinema 159
Dance 160
Hiking
:161
Leisure Activities ,
:: 162
Libraries 164
Museums. -.- 164
Music- - 169
Parks & Attractions 171
Restaurants, Care's & Bars .-.-.., 172
Sightseeing Around Stava"nger 173
Sports : 1,75
theatre .- 184
Leaving Norway 187
Appendices 193
Maps , -..- ; 207
Index 209
Welcome
Stavanger & Norway
In the year 2001, the Human Development report of the United Nations continued that Norway is ranked as the number one coun-try in the world to live. This was based on the quality of health, wealth and social out-look.
Although we think of Stavanger as one town, it's actually three separate towns: Stavanger, Sola and Sandnes, all situated in Rogaland 'county' (fylke).
Stavanger itself now has over I 13,000 in-habitants. It is Nor-way's fourth city, but number one when it comes to oil and gas. These o f f s h o r e re-sources arc the main reason for the rapid d e v e l o p m e n t o f S t a v a n g e r , and its population growth over recent decades. Stavanger's roots go back to the time of the Vikings. The town itself is almost nine cen-turies old. Its location on the sea made ship-ping and.commcrce.the most naluralindus-try resulting,in the booming.fish (canning) trade.in the 19'1' century. Due to its very
re-cent growth. Stavanger has been able to maintain the characteristics of a small, inli-mate^old town b u t w i t h the facilities oPa larger city. Il is.particularly'rich inculture with a concert hall, several art museums and numerous other museums.
Sola is knownTor its long:stretch of sandy beaches. Together with the flat and hilly ter-rain it providesopportunities for a variety of activities': Sola has developed from a niaiiily agricultural and fishing community
11
to one with a more industrial and service focus. With ncarly-20,000 inhabitants Sola is a small town,-situated only 10 km from Stavanger centre. The airport serving Stavanger and the local community is situ-ated here.Sandnes has a population of over 55,000 and is one of Norway's larger cities. It is situ-ated some 15 km south of Stavanger. His-torically known, tor its brickworks and potteries, it is now renowned for iis textile production and bicycle industry. Sandnes is known as 'Bicycle Town' both because of the manufacturing of bicycles and the bike friendly environment il has developed. Sandnes' active cultural life'also makes it an enjoyable place to live.
Randaberg, 7 km north of Stavanger. is a m a i n l y a g r i c u l t u r a l municipality of low grasslands with little industrial activity. The village has approximately 9,000 inhabitants and the small centre provides all main serv-ices. The region was one of the first perma-nent dwelling places established in Norway after the last Ice.Age and is known for its ancient monuments: stone-age caves and rock carvings. The region is alsoidcal for bicycling and outdoor activities.
Jrercn.is the 'garden' of Rogaland f y l k e stretching, from Randaberg in the north to the E39 and Egersund in the cast and south. Mostly flat, Ja;ren is surrounded by dramatic countryside and sandy beaches. With the North Sea as its nearest neighbour, you have easy access to the delicacies of the sea: fish and shellfish.
Weather & Climate
Norway lies in the path of the North Atlan-tic cyclones, hence there are frequent changes in the weather, t h e Guff Stream carrying warm seawater along the coast
12
gives the west coast of Norway a maritime
climate with relatively cool summers.and
mild winters. The thermometer seldom
drops below -4°C or rises above +24°G.
Winters don't come with a lot of snow
gen-erally, but raingear is essentia L In Stavanger
they say 'there^s no such thing as bad
weather, just bad clothing'! Winter days are
short (09.00-16.00) in contrast to the long
summer" days (03.00-23.00).
Average.temperatures in/centigrade:
Jan Mur May Jul Sop Due Oslo -5 -I II 17 II I Stavanger 1 3 10 1_5 12 6 (DL-yrce's°F= Dcyrecs°C.\ 1.8 + 32;Time
Norway is on Central European Time, which
is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
and six hours ahead of US Eastern
Stand-ard Time. The clock-is set forwStand-ard one hour
to 'summertime' the last Sunday of March,
and set back an hour the last Sunday of
Oc-tober.
Language
Norway'has;two.official languages namely
Bdkmal (''Book language") >and Nynorsk
("New Norwegian'"). Bokmalj's used by
ap-proximately 80% of the population. IfJyou
would like to start learning Norwegian
be-fore your arrival a good course in English
(casselte.and study book) is "Nokkel til
Norge". Since most Norwegians can speak
English you will not feel complclely'lost.
Cost of Living
Norway is a very expensive country by any
standards. It can take a while before one gels
"used to the high cost of living. However,
the prices can vary from shop to shop'and il
is.therefore advisable to shop around.
Work/Life Balance
The work/life balance is very "important to
Norwegians. Most employees start at 08.00
and work until 16.00. However, most
com-panies do have flexible working hours.
Enjoying Stavanger
StavangerJias lots of things to do.
Norwe-gians live outdoors as much as possible,
most hay'mg,'hyitei- (cabins) out in the
coun-tryside. In winter it'sskiing, in summer
hik-ing, boating and fishing. In addition they
have a-very activcicultural Mfe. Stavanger
has its own theatre, concert hall and lots of
museums.The library.facilities,
opportuni-ties for following or learning new hobbies
and adult education are extensive. Stavanger
is also known in Norway for the.number of
churches, missions and religious activities.
Norwegian Food
The Norwegian diet is. on the whole, a
healthy one. Breakfast {frokosl) normally
consists of bread with ham or cheese or
per-haps cereal or eggs. Pickled herring (sild)
is also a popular choice with many different
varieties such as mustard, vinegar
and'to-mato sauce. Lunch (lunsj) is traditionally a
maipakke taken to work or school and
con-sisting of sandwiches and fruit. Lunchtime
is aroiind II .00. Dinner (middag) is the only cooked meal of the day.and the dishes served largely depend on the occasion: Dinnertime varies between 16.00 aifd 17.00. Fish fea-tures heavily as expected and cod (torsk)"m various cuts and forms, along with salmon {laks) and herring (sild), are dinner staples. The hunting season in early autumn throws up some interesting temptations such as pheasant ifcisdh), grouse (ivpe); elk (elg) and reindeer (reinsdyr). Lamb (Jam) is also par-ticularly good at this time of year". Dai 17 produce has always been a staple and the Norwegian diet is still marked by its presence, special milks such as kuliur melk (soured milk) are readily available. The yo-ghurts, ice creams etc. are of the full fat de-licious variety! But you can choose to have the low fat varieties.
Fruits and vegetables are very seasonal here and the most is made of their limited avail-ability. The cherries (moreller). strawberries (jordbtvr), new potatoes, carrots (gulrotter) etc. are worth looking out for, and are often sold with other seasonal produce from stalls at the side of the road, fresh from the farm. Outside of the m a i i r meals there arc. of course, numerous coffee breaks, often served with pastries (bakverk). Blotkake. a layered cream cake, imd'kransek'ake. a multi-ringed ;almond cakciwith icing, are served
on special occasions. Lejse (griddlecakcs) afe,aholher typical Norwegian item. The Norwegian menu is also heavily de-pendent on tradition with many foods being served only on certain holidays andcclcbra-.tions:.Christmas of course brings an excel-lent variety of dishes. Littefisk (dried cod steeped in lye) is the very traditional pre-Cliristmas d|sh. Cakes and pastries such as gingcisnaps, doughnuts, cones etc. are a
13
must and many households have 'seven k i n d s ' o f Christmas biscuits on offer. Along the coast the main dish on Christmas Eve is often fresh cod, halibut or haejhk, while in Eastern Norway many prefer pork ribs with pork .sausage patties and Chnstmas'sau-sages. Dried mutton ribs {pinnekjoli) are a Wesi Coast speciality.
Lots of imported foods arc available in vari-ous different.supermarkets. The supplies have increased in the last few years but the number of brands is usually limited.
Education
Stavanger has an International School, Brit-ish School and a French School. Please look ai section Education & Childcare for more information regarding education for your children.
Medical
Anyone.residing in Norway, either tempo-rarily drpermanently, may join the National Health Service.
Don .# forg«
t!
Picnic
ID O kf^OrJM— • y k l i ^ 2 * f i / .Ji- T ; JHesyof RajSno*M(Preparation
Moving Logistics
Travel Documents & Visa
A l l foreign nationals who wish l o c n t e r Norway must have a valid passport or other identification which is officially recognisedas a' valid travel
document. O n l y Nordic nationals are exempt from t h i s passport r e q u i r e m e n t . Foreign nationals from a number.of c o u n t r i e s w i l l . f u r't h c r m o r e ,
require a visa to
enter N o r w a y . •"Appendix Seven.AM foreign nationals who intend to slay in Norway for more than three months must apply for a residence permit (oppholds-liliaiclse). A residence permit grants the holder the right to reside anywhere in Norway.
Government offices opening hours: Mon-Fri 09,00-14.00
Some government services are closed to the public on Wednesday.
Banking
In order to beiable^to open,a bank account in N o r w a y one needs a personal identification number(fodselsniimiiier). This can take some time and. therefore, i t j s advisabje to keep an accouuHn your home country so that there are no problems of getting money in the interim.
17
Insurance
There are various insurance policies, which you have to think about: Health, house, car and third party insurance.
• " L o g i s t i c s - Setting up home - Insurance •"Logistics - Cars & driving - Insurance •"Health - National health system
Customs and Excise
If you move to Norway and are bringing your household goods, you w i l l have to c o m p l e t e a customs f o r m d e c l a r i n g alcoholic beverages and certain olher goods in y o u r s h i p m e n t . The section below •"Imporlingcars has the address and phone number of the Stavanger Distrikisitillsted which deals wilh import/export of vehicles, temporary third party insurance etc. The import of CDs and books through the mail, which are for personal use. is duty free. Other products with a value of over Nok 2.000 and sent from a business address will incur import duty lax. Please check wilh Stavanger DisiriktsioKsfed.
•"Importing cars
Importing Cars
If you want to bring your motor vehicle into Norway when m o v i n g to this country, you must pay Vehicle Registration tax and VAT if.you will be living here.formore than one year as a resident. The registration tax is calculated on the weight of the vehicle, engine power and cylinder capacity. A.% reduction is made for how old the car is. It is w o r t h n o t i n g that due to the w i n t e r packages' sold with cars in Scandinavia these days, it is often more expensive to import newer cars than to buy ihem once in Norway.-,
18
There is the possibility of importing and tem-porarily using motor vehicles in Norway that are registered abroad without liability to pay duly. For a perso_n to have the right to 'import and temporarily use in Norway a motor vehicle that is registered abroad without paying diiiy.-Mhe person concerned cither has to have-permanent residence outside.Norway or tcsiay in NorwayTor a clearly limited period of less than brie year. In some.cases, 'temporary'use may also be permitted to persons who are residents of Norway. A person cannot reside lemporari ly in Norway, if he/she has resided here or been registered in the Norwegian National register formoreihan 365 days in ihe course of the two prior years.lo entry.
Motor vehicles imported duty-free under the provisions of this regulation must only be used temporarily and re-exported at a later date: As a,general rule, ihe motor vehicle must not be left behind during the period that il is exempted from duty and normally has to beje-cxported when the user leaves the,country.
What will'actuaMy be accepted as documen-tation during a check will depend on the respective-person's personal ''situation.
When in doubt. Ihe" customs, authorities should be asked.to evaluate the documen-tation prior to actually importing the motor vehicle, possibly at the point of border cross-ing..
It should be rioted that a car should .be brought'jnto the country w i t h i n the first three months after your arrival in Norway. The vehicle must be registered as soon as po.ssible after arrival. The car is.only to be used for private purposes and must be reg-istered in the name of the owner in Norway. The owner cannot sell or lend the car until two years from.the dale of registration in Norway unless.he/she pays import duty. N B . O n l y one car per person can be imported under these regulations. I l l wo cars arc-imported, one car must be registered in the spouse's name and f u l f i l the same conditions as outlined above.
Bolh ihe timeol" your arrival in Norway and Ihe lime of ihe importation of the motor vehicle must be satisfactorily documented forexamplc by travel documents/stamps in passports.
Different-rules apply when i m p o r t i n g a molor vehicle while living in Norway. Check with,the customs.
If any further i n f o r m a t i o n is required regarding importing of cars to Norway, you should contact the Customs authorities directly. Tollvesenel I n f o r m a t i o n Centre 2 0 30 12 B w w w . l o l l : n o ( i n f o in English) Toll og Avgiftsdireklnract Skansegate 2,4006 Slavanger S . 5 I 86 86 86 (registration of car)
Stavanger Trnfikkstasjon
Christian A. Thoringsveg 12, Sola
© 8 1 5 4 4 0 10'
(lest of car. collection of licence plates)
OsloTollvesenet
© 2 2 8603 00
Importing Plants
Importation of household plants is allowed
provided a Psyiosanilary Certificate has
been issued in the country of origin. The
certificate must be presented to customs
and ihe plants must be available for
inspection.
Mahilsynet Food Safety Authority
Regional office for Rogaland & Agde'r
©06040
Hwww.mattilsynet.no (info in English. German. Italian and Spanish)
19
Importing Pets
Importing your pet lo Norway can be a time
consuming and (if quarantine is mandated)
expensive proposilion. However, it is
wonderful to have the entire "family"
together while on a foreign assignment. You
will save money by doing all the "footwork"
yourself. On the other hand, if time is short
or if you feel more comfortable having a
professional handle the details, you may
choose to contact a pet transport company.
Animals can be sent lo (he local airpoil in
Sola. However, if quarantine is necessary,
your pels should be sent to Gardermoen
Airport. Oslo, where they will be collected
by a representative of the quarantine station.
Importation rules <■
The Norwegian regulations arc based upon
corresponding legislation in the European
Union, according to the EEAagrecmenl. It
the conditions slated in the regulation are
fullfilied. dogs, cais and ferrets may be
brought into Norway without permisson
from the Norwegian Food Safely Aulhorily
(Maliil.sxnet).
The rules only apply lo animals
accompanied by their owner or a person
responsible for the animals on behalf of ihe
owner during their movment and which are
riot intended lo be sold or transferred to
another owner.
The importation rules are divided into four
categories: importation from; EU countries
(except Sweden). Sweden, listed third
countries and unlisted third countries.
Please refer to the Matlilsynel websiie.
above, for further information regarding
these lists and the relevant veterinary
requirements.
The importation of the following dog breeds
(purebred or crosses) is prohibited: Pit Bull
Terrier. Tosa Inm Dogo Argehtino. Fila Brasilerio and American Staffordshire Terrier.
Quarantine
Animals must be older than 6 months and not pregnant before q u a r a r i t i n g . . The imponernuisl contact the border veicrriarian at least 48 hours priorto arrival.
Animals imported id Norway-trom unlisted third countries must spend at least four months at an approved q u a r e n l i n e in Norway.There is an additional two months oftquarantine aljiorrie: During this lime, a dog must be kept on,a leash.and a calkept indoors. The animal cannot hchoiisedin a kennel, nor presented at shows, and not be sold or given away.
After (he entire six month quarantine period is over, your pet must be taken to the local district veterinarian for the final paperwork: District Veterinarian Centre in Sandnes and Stavanger
Kyrkjevcgen 332,4325,Sandnes © 5 1 6 0 3 5 0 0 / 5 1 6 0 3 5 10
Vestberg Q u a r a n t i n e Station (Vestberg
Karantenestasjon)
Nordic Liyeiiidvei 45..l8I6Skiptvet
© 69 80 85 80 r&.69'80 85 90
H www.veslberg.no/informalion.html (in English)
B. As soon as p o s s i b l e , a p p l y to the Mattilsynei. This is to inform the Norwegian authority of your intentions and to get permission l o i m p o r l the animal. They can send you the necessary forms if you arc unable to download them from the Internet. Trust what they lell you. as information given to you within your home country may be outdated.
Food Safety Authority/Ma/ftV.vv/ie/) © 0 6 0 4 0
H www.matlilsynel.no
C. At least 30 days priorto importation, you must register with the Districl Veterinary O f f i c e r responsible for the quarantine facilities.
W h o to contact before y o u r pet arrives: There are many people lo conlacl when quarantine is involved. Start on this the m o m e n t , y o u 'find out, y o u are being transferred lo Norway and have decided lo bring your pel. There are a number ofsleps to follow and space at Ihequaranline facility is limited..
A. As soon as p o s s i b l e , contact the quarantine tacilityandireservc your place. You will have to give an arrival date, but they realise thai this may change.
They must agam be contacted 48 hours before your pet is due to arrive.
D. The district veterinarian fpr.lhc Oslo area must be,contacted 48 hours prior to pel arrival so that tliev can arrange to meet the plane al the Gardcrmocn airport in order to inspect ihe animal and Iheaccompunying documents. Give them (he flightnumber, lime and date of arrival.
Border veterinarian Gardermoen (Oslo) © 64 82 04 00 (5i 64 82 04 01
E. It's a good idea lo also let border control know that.yourpet iscoming.24 to48 hours in-advance. Give them the flight number, lime and dale of arrival:
Airline Transport
Check with the authorities in your country of origin to seeJf-there are any special re-quirements for transporting pets. The fol-lowing are general guidelines that should apply to any country as ihey are based on common sense, with the comfort and safety of your pet in mind.
Your pet must be transported in an airline-approved carrier which is.big-enough for your pel lo stand.up and turn around. The carrier must.be labelled "Live Animals" on both top and sides. Line the carrier with plenty of absorbent material, such as newspaper. Include a favourite toy.or an old shirt with your smell on it. If your dog has a choke collar, take it off or set it in a locked position. A water and (empty) food?bowl must be securely attached to the kennel door (hint- use a deep bowl for water, filled with a large chunk of ice - this helps avoid spills). Food is lo be placed in a bag and attached to'the outside of the kennel. Dogs musl be provided wilh a leash.
Important documentation must be taped to the outside of the kennel, including: • Norwegian Veterinary Certificate
( O R I G I N A L COPY)/Pel Passport showing~all vaccination details. • Rabies Certificate (optional for some
countries).
• An information sheet showing:,the pels name, full contact information forbolh poinl of origin and destination, time and date animal was accepted by airline, microchip number, feeding and watering'inHtruclions. The sheel musl besigned and dated by you.
21
Pet Arrival at Gardermoen Airport Upon arrival at Gardermoen Airport, the pet must be collected (either by yourself or the pet transport company) and taken 10 border control. The district veterinarian and a representative from the quarantine facility will be there lo check the original Veterinary Certificate and transport the animal to ihe Vestberg facility. If there are any irregularities, the Customs authorities will refuse entry.
Note - If you want your pel to have toys or special treats while in quarantine, these may be civen to the quarantine station representative at Gardermoen Airport. They will be destroyed when your pel finishes ihe quarantine period.
Travelling with pets from Norway Although bringing your cat ordog with you is allowed, there are slricl guidelines that musl be followed. This involves taking your pet lor a vet check both in Norway (before you leave), and in the country you are visiting (before you return). For'more information contact your local veterinarian.
Importing Alcohol as pari of
Household Goods
If you decideno include alcohol in your household goods shipment the following applies. Firstly ihe alcohol must be for personal use and cannot be sold. Secondly you must apply for an import-permit for alcoholic beverages, which can take two lo three-weeks.The alcohol can be'cleared by customs once the permit has.been given. You will have to pay taxes and duties. Once
22
these arc paid il can be released from the bonded warehouse.
Please note thai the two litres, which you arc allowed to import duly free, is only valid when you hand carry the goodstand not in unaccompanied baggage.
For lax free importation of goods in your hand luggage visit H. www.ioIl.no.
Things which you can not
buy here:
• Most c h i l d r e n ' s CD R O M s arc in ' N o r w e g i a n . (He adult ones are in
English.
• C h i l d r e n ' s toys you can buy. but Stavanger does not havc-a shop like Early Learning Centre.
• Please note that there arc many over ihe counter items thai are common in Ihe U.S. and V'.K. thai can only be obtained in Norway via a prescription. Rubbing alcohol. Visine (Clear eye). Midol etc.
• Adaptors and bayqnnei light bulbs. • Some,brands of drops and collars for
fleas and licks for pels.
• Get your hairdresser to write down what kind ofcolour treatment you use. including brand name and numerical codes.
Checklist
• Passport which has 10 be valid for at leasf three months after your arrival in Norway.
• Visa (applicable losome nationalities)
• Work permit, if applicable
• Curriculum vitae of your qualifications. This is needed if you want lo apply for a j d b .
• Educational certificates: If possible it is better'to haveMhenniranslaled inlo Norwegian.
• Marriage certificate.
• Divorce papers, which includes any agreement on alimony payments. This is needed for application for personal identification number (J'iX/selsnummt'r) and also for filling in income tax returns. • Children's Birth Cerlificalcs.
• Medical records if you would like lo transfer treatment lo Norway.
• Vaccination records or certificates (cspeciallyTorchildrcn).Thismighl be required by health services or the school. It is best if-the records arc transferred lo an inlcrnational'standard vaccination card.
• Car import •" Preparation - M o v i n g l o g i s t i c s - Importing Cars.
• Driving licence •" Logistics-Cars & Driving.
• N o - c l a i m c e r t i f i c a t e f r o m f o r m e r insurance company.
• If you havc-'claimcd child benefit in another country, bring a letter from lhal authority to say when you last received a p a y m e n t and the dale of de-registcring.
23
Permits on restricted items/pels •"Preparation - Moving Logistics. ProoforPurchas'e: Duly tax niighl be charged on expensive items. Therefore one must have a receipt with the purchase date and amount whenithese items arc brought into the country. Sufficient financial means forthe initial month.
24
DON'T FORGET! DON'T FORGET!
Preparation , SPIN Information Guide
V
Hermetikkfabrikk(Canning Factory)
Logistics
Visas & Work Permits
E E A c i t i z e n s ( E 0 S )
In January 1994 N o r w a y s i g h e d the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement relating to the p r i n c i p l e o f free movement of people in a j o i n l employment market. EEA citizens and their families, regardless of nationality, have simpler and greater access lo residency and work iii Norway. Nationals of EEA countries are entitled lo stay in Norway and look for work for a three-month period without having to obtain a visa, a work permit or a residence permit, provided they can support themselves. The EEA agreement includes the f o l l o w i n g countries:
EU countries Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech R e p u b l i c * , D e n m a r k , Estonia*, F i n l a n d . F r a n c e , G e r m a n y . Greece.
H u n g a r y * . I r e l a n d . ; Italy- L a t v i a * , L i t h u a n i a * . L u x e m b o u r g . M a l t a , T h e Netherlands, Poland*, Portugal. Slovakia*. Slovenia*. Spain. Sweden, Turkey and United Kingdom: * Transitional rules apply to these countries.
27
EFTAcountries (European Free Trade Area) Iceland. Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
EEA nationals have the same rights as N o r w e g i a n n a t i o n a l s r e g a r d i n g e m p l o y m e n t , r e m u n e r a t i o n and other c o n d i t i o n s o f w o r k and e m p l o y m e n t . Exceptions may apply lo public-sectbrjobs. in particularemploymenl which involves the right lo exercise public authority, for example police w o r k . W h e n g r a n t i n g residence permits, the Norwegian authorities are not permitted to lake into account applicants' fluency in Norwegian, nor their knowledge o f s p e c i f i c N o r w e g i a n r e g u l a t i o n s connected lo their professions. However,
individual employers may lake such factors into account when recruiting.
EEA citizens also have ihe right to establish or acquire businesses in Norway. This usually applies to the fields of commerce and manufacturing, but may also be of interest jo prol'essjonals, such as doctors, architects or consultant engineers who wish to set up practice in Norway. In many cases, permission from the Norwegian authorities is required, as well as registration of the enterprise.
As an EEA citizen, you may obtain work in Norway either before coming lo Norway or after your arrival. If you have obtained employment, intend to be self-employed, or plan to provide services in Norway (e.g. as a lawyer), you are entitled lo a residence permit which at the same time grants you the right lo w o r k . For EEA citizens a residence permit acts as-a work permit: A separate work permit no longer exists for EEA.nationals working in Norway. If you have found employment for an indefinite period (permanent). EEA citizens will receive
28
a residence permit valid for five years. I favour. employment is for a period'of three to twelve month's you w i l l receive a residence permit for the duration of the term of employment. When you change employer your work permit will most likely remain valid (for EEA nationals only). You do have to inform the Udendingsdirekiorai in advance. N O N - E E A c i t i z e n s
For non-EEA citizens regulations are more complicated and strict. Separate residence and\vork permits are required, and IIOUTEEA citizens should officially apply for both. You musl have been offered a j o b by an employer in.Norway before yomapply for ihese.permits. The work permit is given for one.spcciHed j o b and is valid for a limited period only. You will.have .to apply for a new work permit ifyou wish lo change jobs. N o n - E E A citizens have lo apply for a separate-work permit which will be valid for up lo one year (after which il must be renewed)..Studentsiare.normally granted a residence permit valid for a year, after-which it may be renewed. You are not allowed lo .work without a work permit. An application for a work permit may take up to three months to be processed by the authorities, who may demand a medical certificate before granting il.
As of January 2002, there has been a legislation change for specialists who have the right qualifications and documentation of their profession which'are relevant to the function they are going to fulfil in Norway. The person can only, take up a job for which he or she has the necessary s k i l l s . Specialists can apply fora. work permit.after' their arrival in Norway. They will receive a temporary permit from the ppl ice to start the
p r o c e d u r e s i f they can p r o v i d e d o c u m e n t a t i o n o f t h e i r p r o f e s s i o n a l training. If the applicant needs o f f i c i a l approval or authorisation to practise in Norway, then the organisation must-provide written documentation. Further, one has lo show the employment contract and one must-fall within the quota, or the request has to fall within the release of ike'Actaf e m p l o y m e n t survey. The person has lo contact the police locally not later than seven days a f t c r a r r i v a f i n Norway.
Persons coming from countries where a visa is required have lo apply for the visa prior lo their arrival to Norway.
^ A p p e n d i x Seven.
There are different rules again for refugees and a few m i n o r i t y groups (e.g. N A T O spouses).
Applying for a Residence and/
or Work Permit
I f y o u wish lo obtain a.residence and/or work permit" for Norway..you may either c o n t a c t the U i / c n d i n g . s k o n t o r , the U t i e n d i n g s d i r e k t o r a t . or a N o r w e g i a n foreigivservice mission abroad.
•"Appendix Eight
You w i l l be given an application form, either # G P - 7 0 2 8 E : A p p l i c a t i o n f o r f i r si'-rime residence permit or work permit, or #GP-7121E for EEA nationals. These are available in English and a few other languages and have clear instructions specifying which documents you should enclose wilh your application. I f y o u are already in Norway (for EEA nationals only!), you w i l l always need to enclose the travel document (ticket) yoLi->uscd to enter Norway'and/or a valid passport or official identity papers.
O n e o f the basic requirements the applicant for a residence and/or work permit must f u l f i l , is to have a guarantee of sufficient financial support (income from employment or private means). This means the applicant must be able to document that he/she has adequate means to support himself/herself and his/her family whilsl in Norway. An a d d i t i o n a l r e q u i r e m e n t may be the availability of accommodation during his/ her slay in Norwav; in other words, a fixed address. The most common way lo get a residence and/or work permit is (o find a job first and have your employer apply for the permit. You can also apply yourself. E m p l o y e d b y a c o m p a n y
I f you are not lo be self-employed you have lo submit documentation from your future employer slating thai you are being ofiered employment (he needs to fill in form £GP-7116: ansettelseshevis). You may have more than one employer. Employment is normally required to be al least half of a full-time position. II you work part-time, you w i l l be required lo prove that your earnings w i l l be sufficient lo support you and your family in Norway.
S e l f - E m p l o y m e n t
If you wish lo acquire or establish your own business in Norway, you must submit a detailed description of the enterprise and document thai the necessary permits have been granted by the relevant authorities. The enterprise must be of a long-term nature, i.e. not temporary or seasonal. I f y o u are taking over an established business, the p r e v i o u s y e a r ' s a c c o u n t s m u s l be submitted. You must be able lo document that you have sufficient means lo finance
29
your stay in Nonvay. An enterprise in this category might, for example, be a legal practice. In addition to the normal work permit (arheidstilki/elscj. foreigners must obtain special permission fiom the police lo conduct their business (iiHaiel.se til a drive handeh.
P r o v i d i n g s e r v i c e s
I f y o u intend to provide services in Norway without being classified as self-employed. you must submit details concerning the type of sen'ices concerned, and how long you intend lo provide these services. The provision of these services must be the principal reason for staying in Norway, and ihe time period should be limited It is not necessary to start a company in Nonvay in order lo offer services, for example as an archiieci or lawyer. I fa sen'ice company has previously been established in another EEA country, services may be p r o v i d e d in Norway on the same conditions as apply to Norwegian nationals. You must be able to document lhal you will receive sufficient income from y o u r services to support yourself whilst in Norway.
Alien Office dealing with residence and w o r k permits (Rogaland Politittisirikt-Uilendingskontorct) Lagardsveien 6.4010 Stavanger© Main switchboard S 51 89 90 00 r!3, 51 X9 9| 00 Directorate of Immigration
(Uilendingsdirektoraict)
Postboks 8108 Dep. N-0032 Oslo
S 23 35 15 00
A l l forms and information for work and residence can be found on H www.udi.no
R e s i d e n c e p e r m i t s f o r f a m i l y m e m b e r s
Family members are granted a residence permit for the same period of lime as ihe employed person. An employed person may normally be accompanied by the following family members: spouse, children, and parents. I f a couple are not married and the partner intends to lake up residence in N o r w a y w i l h the employed person, the partner must provide official documentation to show thai he/she and his/her partner have been living together for at least two years prior to theirarrival in Nonvay. Dependants of non-EEA employed persons w i l l be granted a residence permit only.
As of January 1, 2002 ihe law has slightly changed and specialists o f n o n - E E A countries can apply for their work and residence permit after their arrival in Nonvay. However this means that the family can arrive only after Ihe applicant has received a permanent work permit and residence permit. The family of the employee cannot travel to N o r w a y before their residence permit is granted. They will have lo apply for the permit at (he Nonvcgian Embassy abroad.
Persons married to a Norwegian must also apply for a residence permit. This permit
needs to be renewed yearly for the first three years, after which permanent residency is obtained.
R e n e w i n g r e s i d e n c e / w o r k p e r m i t s A residence permit may be extended if the grounds on which il was granted still apply. The procedure for renewing your residence and/or work permit is generally the same as when you first applied for it. Ensure you leave sufficient time for renewal because it may lake from iwo weeks to three months lo obtain the new permit. You need lo fill out a two-part form #GP-7031 and 7120E: Soknad omJijrnvel.se a\- oppholds- og/ellerarbeids-tillaiclsc. (available in English). Your current employer musl fill out the last portion of the second page. Some employers may take care of the renewal for you. After three years of work permits, you are eligible to apply for a permanent work permit, ifvou have not been out of Nonvay for more than seven months in a three-year period. As from 1 Oct. 2005. travel related lo work is not counted. You w i l l need lo fill out the form GP 71 I IB (Soknad om ho.se/ting.stlllatelse).
Y o u r r i g h t t o a p p e a l
If your application for a residence and/or work permit is turned down, you have the right lo appeal against ihis decision. You are always entitled lo know ihe grounds on which the decision was made and normally y o u w o u l d be entitled to sec the files concerning your case. A complaint must be made within three weeks. When the police inform you of a decision, il is their duty lo inform you, at the same time, of your right to complain. It is also their duly to direct you. i f y o u wish lo make a complaint. You have the right lo request that the police do
not enforce the decision until your complaint
has been-considered.
Registration
Ifyou have come to Norway lo work
(meaning you already have a job), you and
your family musl register with the Alien
Office (Utlendingsavsni/t) within a month
of arrival and wilh your local Population
Register (Folkeregister) within eight days
of arrival.
As an EEA (EOS) national you are likely lo
need the following documents:
• Certificate of employment (to be
provided by your employer).
• Passport.
• Two passport photographs.
• Birlh certificates, marriage/divorce
certificates.
For unmarried partners moving to
Norway for expatriation purposes, the
following is also required:
• Written proof of having lived with your
parlner-for over-two years; and/or
• Documentation indicating, partner's
employment status, salary and
relationship to applicant: and/or
• Copy of employed partner's residence/
work permit.
Before registering with eilher the Alien
Police or the Population Register, check
whether your employer is doing this for you.
Nordic citizens (Sweden, Denmark, Iceland
and Fihland)-do not.need to "report lo (he
police looblainresidcnce/work permits, but
do need: to register with the Population
Register. With your combined residence/
work permit (oppholdstjllatelse/
qrbeidsiillatel.se) you will gel .'a personal
31
identification number(fodselsnnmmer) from
the Population Register (Folkeregisteret),
which is essential for a variety of
practicalities^ such as opening a bank
account, getting a telephone and arranging
insurance (car/house). You should receive
your fodselsnnmmer within two. weeks of
application, unless your family situation is
different from the 'ordinary' husband, wife
and children formula (divorced or remarried).
Then your application can be sent to Oslo
(the government) to be judged and dealt
with. This can lake several months.
Alien Office© (Rogaland Politidistriki
Uliendingskontoret) _*
Lagardsveien 6;.4010Stavanger \:
Main switchboard -*
Q 51 S99000 rS, 51899100 '''
Alien Office
S 51 89 94 70
Open Mon. Fri 09.00-14.00, Thu 09.00-17.00
Population Register (Folkeregisteret) *«
There is aJocal Folkeregister for each
municipal ily (kommune).
Main switchboard for Rogaland:
©81532666:
Stavanger Folkeregisteret©
Bergelandsgata 30, 4012 Stavanger
(Located in Stavanger Likning.skomoret).
©519173 00 .151 917405
Sola Folkeregisteret ©
(covers Sola. Randaberg, Kvitsoy.
Rennesoy. Finnoy).
Vingcveien 3, 4050 Sola (Located in Sola
Likningskontoret)
S 8153 2666
32
Sandnes Folkeregisteret ©
l-Ioyevcicn,3(), 4306 Sandnes (Located in Sandnes-. Likningskontorel)
S ' 5 I 97 4940 ft 51 66 3026 P e r s o n a l I d e n t i f i c a t i o n N u m b e r ( f e d s e l s n u m m e r )
A l l residents of N o r w a y musl have a personal identification number..You w i l l need this number when registering wilh the local tax office (Libiingskontoret).\o obtain medical services, to open a bank account, etc.. If you have beemgfarited a residence permit, you.should contact the Population Register (Folkeregisteret) t c o b l a i i i your persona! identification number (J'odsels-nummer). N A T O personnel require a ' D ' number - allocated when opening a bank accoiint.
Social Security (Trygd)
As an EEA national, you w i l l receive social security benefits on the same basis'as Nor-wegian nationals i f y o u are employed or self-employed in Norway." Social security rights acquired in another EEA country will accompany you lo Norway. An employed person and his/her dependant family mem-bers arc normally entitled to state sickness and child benefits:
Family Allowances
If your slay in Norway is going to exceed 12 months and you are a Norwegian residcnl, you may be eligible for family benefits. Your
local "trygdekontor" gives qui pamphlets in English, look
for:-• The~fights; o f p a r e n l s o f s m a l l children :in Nonvay
• Benefits in connection with pregnancy, birth and adoption
• Child benefit
• Cash benefit
The State National Insurance organisation, the National.Employment service.and the Municipal,Social Welfare system merged in. 20061 to-form N A V -.the Norwegian L a b o u r ^ Welfare organisation (Norges Arbeids- og velferdsdirektoratet). By 2009 there w i l l be joint offices in all komnumer but until then, there could be different offices.within each council area. The website www.nav.no has several useful information pages and links in English.
C h i l d b e n e f i t ( b a r n e t i y g d )
Within the Norwegian welfare system you arc e n t i t l e d t o f a m i l y a l l o w a n c e o r b a r n e t i y g d which is administered by the kommnne. This is an amount of money paid to the carer of each child, from the month after the child is born, until the age of six-teen, on a monthly basis. As of Jan 2006.the amount is: N o k 9 7 0 per month per child. I n f a n t a l l o w a n c e ( s m a b a r n s t i l l e g g ) Infant.allowance: cash benefit for families with small children. If the child is between one and three years old. you receive an additional infant allowance. From Jan 2006 this amounted.to Nok 660 pcr.month.
33
Thcallowanccris paid from tlic month afterthe child reaches one year, until the month in which the child reaches the age of-thrce. C a s h b e n e f i t { k o n t a n t s t o t t e )
You can apply for Cash benefit i f y o u have children between the age of one lo three, depending on whether the child attends a g o v e r n m e n t - s u b s i d i s e d k i n d e r g a r t e n ( h a r n e h a g e ) . To a p p l y , request an a p p l i c a t i o n f o r m f r o m y o u r -local NAV Office: The rates vary w i l h Nok 3.303/morith maximum as of Jan 2006. S www.trygdcetaten.no
M a t e r n i t y b e n e f i t ( e n g a n g s s t o n a d ) A lump sum (fodselspenger engangsstonad vedfodsel - Nok 33.584 in Jan 2006) is paid lo non-working mothers, (who are in the Noi-wcgian National Health and lax systerii) who give birth in Norway. This one-olT payment is meant to compensate for the maternity leave facilities available for w o r k i n g m o t h e r s . You can a p p l y for fodselspenger a few weeks before ybur.baby
is due; request an application form from your local N A V O j j i c e . The maternity benefit is also applicable.in the case of adoption. To apply-for any of the family allowances, request an application form from your local NAV Office ( • " b e l o w ) .
Unemployment Benefit
EEA citizens registered as unemployed before-coming to Norway arc eligible for unemployment benefits (dagpenger) \i they meet certain criteria: You can get ni ore i n f o r m a t i o n at the E m p l o y m e n t O f f i c e website English pages. S .www.nav:no
Local NAV Offices
A l l Stavanger officesioffiec times 09.00 -15:00 daily, 09.00-17.00 Thurs.
Main switchboard for all offices 08.00 -15.30 daily S 8 1 58 1000
N A V Eiganes-Valand & Tasta T r y g d Sverdrupsgatc 27,4007 Stavanger
N A V Hillevag & H i n n a T r y g d Gullspenneluncl 1.4032 Stavanger * By the entrance to the Jatlavagen industrial area. N A V H u n d v a g & S t o r h a u g T r y g d Klubbgaten 1,4013 Stavanger Bythe Cathedral N A V Madia T r y g d Madlakrossen 6-8,4042 Hafrsfjord Opposite Post Office.
N A V Randaberg T r y g d
Jon Torbergssonvcgcn 13. 4070 Randaberg N A V Sandnes T r y g d
Gravarsveien 30-32, 4306 Sandnes N A V S o l a T r y g d
Radhusvegcn 30,4097-Sola
Banking
Norwegian banking is similar to the rest of Europe, w i l h the major exception that a crcdil.system is not.readily available, and that banks charge for almost e v e r y transaction and service, f o r example..most banks charge for using cash dispensers outside bank opening hours. Credit cards arc not always accepted in "shops and elsewhere. The main fonrisvof payment are by cash. direct debit or-bank giro..Using tlicdiiteinet or even telephone to do your banking is increasing and appealing as it is cheaper than using bank giro orbrev giro.
To open an account upon arrival y o u ' w i l l require-, so me 'form of: identification (e:g:
passport or driving licence), information about company sponsorship, and the main salary earner's personal i d e n t i f i c a t i o n number (fodselsnnmmer). The account is based upon one fodselsnnmmer. You can't open a. bank account w i t h o u t y o u r fodselsnnmmer.
Bank opening hours are usually between 08.15; and I 5 3 0 . but vary from one banklo another, and from winter to summer time. The.Poslbanken is part of the Post Office. The most c o m m o n way of transferring money and paying biljs is via bank giro. The creditor usually sends these to the payer, who must complete the giro with llicir own bank account number, name, address and signature.before remitting il lo their bank for payment- lo the creditor. H e n c e , responsibilily-for forwarding Ihe giro lo ihe bank lieswilh'the payer, and not with the creditor (as is the case with cheques in the UK and US). This should be done before the pay-by date (betalingsfrisf) stated in the lop right hand corner of ihe giro, in order lo
avciid a penalty. Cheques are no longer used in Norway. When paid at the bank counter, the'-teller. as'proof of payment, w i l l stamp the carbon copy of the giro. There is a charge levied on the payer for proecssiiig~each giro paid, making (his an.expensivemieihod of p a y m e n t . A cheaper w a y o f m a k i n g payments by giro is to use a Brevgiro form. The giros are mailed to a central clearing agency, which processes them. I f y o u ask at y o u r b a n k for B rev giro forms you w i l l ' b e se.iit several 'bar-coded personalised slips and addressed envelopes. Several giros may be-included with one-Brcv giro form in a single envelope (remember to fill in the box slajjng how. many "are included in each envelope). Another specimen" signature card w i l l be required by the bank lo enable payments by Brevgiro. I f y o u want a receipt lick the kvittering box on the giro. A receipt slicker is then sent for you lo slick on lo ihe tear-off"section remaining or lo.be used on a membership card.
The easiest..cheapest and most acceptable ways of paying-: a re by phone or'through the internet. A special code gives y o u access lo your account and allows you lo transfer money, and pay your bills.
Bank cards work as'debil cards and are w i d e l y used lo pay in shops, although there
is a small charge for each transaction. There is an annual charge for each card on an account. The bank .will also p r o b a b l y assume you want your card lOibe a Visa card, for which there is an additional annual charge. I f y o u do not want this Visa card service you need.to make this.clear al the limc:you open the account.
There are.many d i f f e r e n t loans y o u can choose from, you can even borrow up lb 100% of the needed amount. The bank just needs some son of security lhai you're able lo pay.
Banks
Den N o r s k e B a n k ( D n B ) • Statements in English.
• Share buying and investment services. • A u l o / a v t a l e g i r o ( a f o r m o f d i r e c t
debit).
• Telephone banking (money transfers and bill payments).
• Mortgage services, even in dilierent currencies.
• Internet'banking services.
• Offices around the-world and global connections.
Haakon V I I Gate 7, 4005 Stavanger S 03000 ,S, 51 67 94 30 B www.dnb.no
35
S p a r c B a n k l S R - B a n k Domkirkeplassen 1,4006 Stavanger S . 02002 9 www.sr-bank.no Fokus RogalandsbankenNedre Slrandgate 33,4005 Stavanger S 5 1 8 3 5000
S www.fokus.no
Postbanken
Klubbgale 2,4013 Stavanger
B 03800
Not many people at Postbanken speak English, i f y o u wish lodeal with Ihem you should go therein person.
Lost bank cards
Bankencs McldingscnlralS 800 30 250 / Overseas +47 22 2 I 40 55
S p a r c B a n k l . S R - B a n k •■ Internet banking. • Insurance cover.
• Global and local investment services. • Mortgage and loan rates.
• Tailored banking advice.
• T h e highest number of A T M - Cash machines in the Stavanger area. • Interesting packages where you can
have a number of-free transactions per month.
• Your personal bank contact w i l l help you with.just about'everything. SR Bank is the largest bank-in the region and offers all financial services that may be needed by expatriates.
For more information you can contact:
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Housing
Suburbs & where to live
The area housing market includes Sandnes. Sola and Stavanger. Each kommune consists of areas (bydel) which arc often referred,to in the housing market..Inlhe centre of town are Storhaug, Eiganes and V a l a n d . all close ( w i t h i n w a l k i n g distance) to the shopping, comniercial and entertainment cenlrc of town. I f y o u like g o i i i g o u l to eal and beingmear ihe centre of things,.then ihese are the areas l o - b c i n ; d r i v i n g after even one d r i n k is n o l:
recommended.(•"Section Two - Driving) and taxis are expensive. Eiganes is an area full of old. large houses where those wilh money lived as the town grew. Storhaug is an old w o r k e r s ' -area now undergoing considerable upgradingrand improvement
and very central. Valand and Kannik arc between the two.
Outside the centre but withiivten minutes drive are Hundvag. an island across Bybrua. n o w fast b e c o m i n g a d o r m i t o r y of Stavanger; M a d i a , between town and Hafrsfjord, and very convenient for Ihe International School of Stavanger; and Hinna, oh the road going-south towards Sandnes. Tananger is across the Hafrsfjord and is where a lot of the oil companies have their offices. It oilers some nice liousing hut is a distance from lown; needing a reasonable
drive in for shopping etc.
Sola provides a more rural outlook, coupled with excellent access lo the airport as well as to Tananger.-Stavanger and most of the i n t e r n a t i o n a l schools. It ;also has an intcrcsting:and useful shopping cenlrc.
Sandnes is about twenty minutes' drive from Stavangcr.and there is a metro train line link
of-eight minutes. Asia somewhat smaller-town ilis a more intimate community, but its services and facilities (especialiy.shopping) are e x c e l l e n t , o f f e r i n g a n a t t r a c t i v e alternative to living in Stavanger.
T h e h o u s i n g market in Stavanger and surrounding areas iscldsely linked wilh the oil business, w h i c h means thai there, is sometimes very litile, and sometimes a lot, ofchoice with generally high rental prices.
Renting a house
You can try to find a house ( b o l i g ) by looking in the local newspaper (under /// 7e/e).,dr by contacting a relocation or.an estate agent. In the top market these agents deal almost exclusively with companies, or individuals w i l h a company behind ihem. If you give them the order to look for a house you pay commission. You can-avoid, this fee by a s k i n g f o r houses where the commission has already been paid by the owners. However, the choice is more limited. The standard and extent of furnishings and fixtures varies from owner to owner.
Buying a house
The local newspaper advertises houses for sale: (eiendomsmarked-boliger) and has a
special Boligbi/ag in the Saturday edition. Often there is a fixed time for v j e w i n g ( f e l l e s v i s n i n g ) w h e n the eslale agent (inegler) w i l l be.there as well. You can also contact the owner of the house or the estate agent direct lo make-an appointment. The estate agents p u b l i s h n e w s p a p e r s / brochures ( H n s g n i d e n . N o t a r Avisen. Boligavisen) regularly, w i l h houses listed •for sale. Thcsc-newspapers arctdistribulcd
together with your regular mail.
I S Relocation agcni(boligformidling) Relocation Reiancs & Somme
S 5 I 5 1 0030 Swww.relocation.no £0 Estate agents (eiendomsmeglererjholigmegling) S w w w / A B C e n t e r . n o S 5 1 850800 a www.DnB.no/Eiendom S 0 9 9 9 9 H w w w . e i e n d o m s M e g l c r l . n o S 5 1 5 0 9 0 9 0 S www.Exaet.no S 5 1 859660 a www.notar.no ® 5 1 849800 8 www.sandnes-eiendom.no S 5 1 67'67 70 Finally, the website S www.finn.no has an extensive section.on properly
(eiendom).
Setting up home
Electricity
Norway has 220 volu 50 cycle current, t h i s means lharwhercasTiiiropean-220 volt and British 230 volt appliances will run perfectly, smoothly in Norway, American 110 volt ones will not. American appliances have the additional.problem of being nol'only 110 v o l t , bill also 60 cycles as opposed to Norway's 50 cycles. While you may use a transformer lo gel aiuappliaiiee working, c e r t a i n pieces of e q u i p m e n t that are dependent upon cycles, such as record players and electrical clocks, w i l l not work correctly.
Transformers arc.permitted in Norway, but can be difficult to get hold of.
Electrical equipment lhat is imported into Norway should, in principle,.not be used
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before being approved by ihe.Norwegian Electrical Material Control Board {NEMKO). Such approval on an individual basis is time-consuming, expensive and complicated. Items bearing the N E M K O mark (N) are already approved. The only exception from the above is TV sets, which can be checked and approved by a local TV dealer. N E M K O (Norges Elektriske Materiell-kon t r o l l )Gaustadalcen 30,0373 Oslo S 22 9603 30
S www.neniko.no (also in english) Yolir e l e c t r i c i t y c o n s u m p t i o n w i l l be e s t i m a t e d , based oh Ihe usage of the previous occupant of your house. The electricity mcteris read once a year and your bill w i l l be adjusted. In the interim, you receive a card for you to read your own meter, nforithly, this makes your bill more accurate for both you and them. You can choose to receive your electricity bill monthly or quarterly. You have lo pay 24% M V A (VAT) on all charges. You may also s u b m i l y o u r monthly mejer reading over
the internet at www.lyse.no (registration required). Electricity suppliers Lvse Energi AS Breifiatveien 18. Mariero. 4017 Stavanger Postbox-8124.4069 Stavangcr Cuslomer Service (kundeservice
Mon^Fri 08:00-20.00 © 5 1 9 0 8 0 9 0
Switchboard (sentralbord) B ' 5 1 908000
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Faults (melding ogfeil) S 5 1 9 0 88,17
Gas Suppliers
Norske Shell AS © 22 66 50 60Stat oil ASA
S 51 99.00 00
Water
Stavanger Kommune B-51 50 7,1 86
Foi bursl pipes and.sewage leaks.
Waste handling & recycling
Norway has an extensive recycling program and is successfully minimising its amount of residcntial-and industrial refuse. W h i l e the procedures niay be a bit confusing (especially at first), ihe effort is worthwhile and many other countries would do well to take note. Recycling in Norway is accomplished through both a residential curbside p r o g r a m and by the use of collection stations (miljostasjo'n), which are conveniently located hear residential/ shopping, cehlres. Be forewarned - your kommune may run a spot check on your (exposed).rubbish - if recyclable items arefound, you may be fined!
Residents are supplied with,colour-coded bins (request the LARGER ones!) andare given a collection calendar at ihe beginning of each year: The calendar will indicate lo you.what type of refuse is being collected that.week. R e s i d e n t i a l c o l l e c t i o n R e f u s e bins T h e c o l o u r -c o d e d s y s t e m differs slightly f r o m one kommune to the next, h o w e v e r the m a i n categories arc: • Bfowri.bin:
for organic wasle (vatorganiskavf'alf). Colleclcd'cvery iwo weeks; Note - il is unlawful lo lake organic waste to the rubbish dump (tip).
• -Blue/green b i n : for paper products ( p a p i r o g ~ p a p p ) . C o l l e c t e d once a month.
• Black/grey bin: for waste that is,not recyclable (restavjiill).- Collected bi-monthly.
• Red b o x : for s p e c i a l waste (spesialavjall). Stavanger kommune and parts of Sandnes only. Collected twice a year.- Cross-check colour of poisons .symbol to y o u r calendar- lor dales.
U n s u r e o f w h e n l o put out y o u r red " s p e s i a l a v f a i r container for collection? Look on the container itself for thesmiling skull. It w i l l be i n o n c of four colours - red, yellow, blue; or black. Now check your gar-bage collection calendar and find the match-ing symbol to-the colour-thai is on your
container. t ^
If you have ,too much s p e s i a l a \ f a i r ( t o \ \ e materials) to fit-into the container, you can, d i s p o s e of t h e m a I a f i r e s t a t i o n (Lagardsveien, Forusor Kvernevik). When you get there, ring the bell and ask i f y o u