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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Oslo, Norway: how to avoid them
Photo made by Tobias Bjørkli on Pexels.com
Oslo is a generally safe and honest city for tourists, with low violent crime and high English proficiency. The main things to watch are overpriced or unlicensed airport taxis, exchange booths with poor rates, and making sure you have a valid, validated public transport ticket as inspectors do patrol. Keep your bags close in busy transit hubs and around the central station late at night.
Updated October 2026
Common scams in Oslo, Norway and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport drivers
How it works: Drivers without official plates approach arriving passengers inside or just outside the terminal offering flat or vague fares well above normal. They may not use meters and can charge inflated amounts at arrival.
How to avoid it: Walk past them and take only marked taxis from the official rank with the medallion/license plate visible. Confirm the fare before starting.
2. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Currency exchange counters in central tourist areas advertise attractive buy rates but apply large hidden spreads and commissions, leaving you with far less in NOK than the interbank rate.
How to avoid it: Pay by card whenever possible. If you need cash, withdraw from a bank-attached ATM in NOK. Avoid airport and central exchange booths.
3. Souvenir tram tickets resold
How it works: People near stations offer to sell you their used day pass or discounted ticket for cash. These are non-transferable and can be flagged as invalid by inspectors, resulting in a fine.
How to avoid it: Only buy tickets from the official Ruter app, ticket machines, or authorized convenience stores. Never buy from individuals.
Official tickets for the top sights in Oslo, Norway
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Oslo Airport Gardermoen
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 700 kr - 1,100 kr (€65 - €100). Use the official taxi rank with licensed drivers and metered or fixed prices. Confirm the approximate fare before starting. Unlicensed drivers sometimes approach passengers inside or just outside the terminal; walk past them and use the marked rank.
Best alternative: Flytoget airport express train or Vy regional trains to Oslo Central Station (230 kr (€21.25), about 22 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 40 kr (€3.70) (Single ticket valid in zone 1 for about 90 minutes on trams, metro, buses and ferries within Oslo.)
- Validation rules
- Buy a ticket in the Ruter app before boarding, or validate paper tickets at machines on the platform or inside the tram/bus. No tap-in/tap-out system with contactless cards; you must have a valid ticket activated before travel. Inspectors can fine you even if you intended to pay.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 1,500 kr (€138.60). On-the-spot fine issued by uniformed inspectors on trams, buses and metro. Higher if not paid promptly.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards are not accepted directly on vehicles; use the Ruter app or buy tickets at ticket machines and convenience stores.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Norway. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated but optional in restaurants. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon. Service is included in prices.
Cover and service charges: No cover or bread charges are customary in Oslo; prices are shown including service. Menus must show prices. If a menu has no prices, ask or leave.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in NOK and decline dynamic currency conversion when offered at ATMs or card terminals. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks over standalone independent machines, which can carry higher fees. Cards are widely accepted, so many travelers carry little cash.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Oslo Central Station and Jernbanetorget: Around the main station late at night, keep bags closed and stay alert. The area is generally safe but pickpockets and drunks are sometimes reported in the evening.
- Grønland and around the bus terminal: This area has more reported petty crime and drug activity than the rest of central Oslo. Keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings at night.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Oslo, Norway
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated October 2026.