Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Area Code
The country code for Norway is
47.
If you're calling from out-
side the country, the city code for Oslo is
2.
Inside Norway, no area or city
codes are needed. Telephone numbers have eight digits.
Babysitters
Hotels can often enlist the help of a housekeeper for “child-
minding.” Give at least a day's notice, or two if you can. You can also con-
tact the tourist office (see “Visitor Information,” earlier in this chapter),
which keeps a list of available sitters on file.
Bookstores
Oslo has many bookstores. The most central and one of the
best stocked is
Tanum Karl Johan,
Karl Johans Gate 43 (
&
22-41-11-00
).
Currency Exchange
Banks
will exchange most foreign currencies or cash
traveler's checks. Bring your passport for identification. If banks are
closed, try automated machines at the Oslo Sentralstasjon to exchange
currency. You can also exchange currency at the
Bureau de Change
at the
main Oslo post office, Dronningensgatan 15 (
&
23-14-90-00
).
Dentists
Oslo is home to many excellent dentists, and many of them will
rearrange their schedules on short notice to handle a foreign visitor who
is in dental pain. If you're having a dental emergency, you can contact
either of these organizations at extended hours, usually 24 hours a day,
for the address of a dentist who can take a new client on short notice:
Vol-
vat Medisinske Senter (Volvat Medical Center),
Borgenveien 2A (
&
22-
95-75-00
); and
Oslo Legevakt (Oslo Emergency Hospital)
, Storgten 40
(
&
22-11-80-80;
ask for emergency services).
Doctors
Some larger hotels have arrangements with doctors in case a guest
becomes ill, or try the 24-hour
Oslo Akuttetaten (Emergencies),
Storgata 40
(
&
22-93-22-93
). A privately funded alternative is
Oslo Akutten,
Nedre Voll-
gate 8 (
&
22-00-81-60
). For more routine medical assistance, you can con-
tact the biggest hospital in Oslo,
Ullaval,
Kirkeveien 166 (
&
22-11-80-80
). To
consult a private doctor (nearly all of whom speak English), check the tele-
phone directory or ask at your hotel for a recommendation.
Drugstores
A 24-hour pharmacy is
Jernbanetorvets Apotek,
Jernbanetor-
get 4A (
&
22-41-24-82
).
Embassies & Consulates
See “Fast Facts: Norway,” in chapter 2.
Emergencies
Dial the Oslo
police
at
&
112;
to report a
fire,
call
&
110;
call an
ambulance
at
&
113.
Eyeglass Repair
Ulf Jacobsen Optiker,
Karl Johans Gate 20 (
&
22-00-83-
10
), is a big eyeglass supplier. Most contact lenses are in stock, too.
Unusual prescriptions take about 2 days. Hours are Monday and Wednes-
day to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 9am to 6pm, and Saturday 10am
to 3pm.
Internet Access
You can tap in free at the Rådhuset, the City Hall on Råd-
husplassen (
&
23-46-16-00
). There is also free service at the library (see
below, in this section), where you must sign up for slots.
Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Washing and drying can usually be completed in
an hour. You must have your coins ready to put in the machines. Dry clean-
ing is extremely expensive in Oslo, and many establishments take more
than a week to return clothing. Try
American Lincoln Norge,
Østmarkv 25
(
&
22-27-24-50
), which promises 24-hour service.
