Looking for South African Expats in Norway?

South Africans Moving to Norway: Your Questions, Answered

If you’re a new or soon-to-be expat in Norway, you probably aren’t quite sure yet what it will be like. That’s why we gathered the answers to some key questions you may have about life in Norway. If you want to ask more specific questions — or even share your own tips — join InterNations! You’ll be part of a community of new and experienced expats who love to help each other out.

What are the most common nationalities in Norway? As an expat in Norway, you'll meet people from many different cultures (especially if you're an InterNations member!) The top nationalities in the InterNations Communities in Norway currently are:

• British
• Americans
• Indians
• Germans

Which cities are most popular among expats in Norway? Some cities attract more expats than others. These are the cities with the largest expat communities in Norway:

• Oslo
• Bergen
• Tromsø

How much rent do expats pay in Norway? Your personal situation plays a role here. Single expats spend on average 1.125 USD on their accommodation per month, while expat families spend around 1.675 USD. And of course, rents can also vary greatly depending on the location and city within Norway.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some rent averages for the most popular cities in Norway.

Average rent in Oslo

• Single expats: 1.211 USD
• Expat families: 1.850 USD

Average rent in Bergen

• Single expats: 1.155 USD
• Expat families: 1.702 USD

Average rent in Tromsø

• Single expats: 995 USD
• Expat families: 1.645 USD

How safe is Norway? You may be wondering about safety. In general people perceive their personal safety situation in Norway as very safe. People rate the risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) as very low. They consider the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) very low. And, they rate confidence in the police force and related local authorities as very high.

How safe is Norway for women? Female expats rated the safety situation in Norway as very safe. This is based on the feedback of expat women living in Norway (rather than actual crime statistics). So obviously this can be highly subjective and depends on factors such as where people live.

Why South African expats move abroad (& how they like it)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our South African members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Tips and Advice on Norway from Your Fellow South African Expats

Obviously, expat life in Norway goes well beyond shipping your belongings and taking care of red tape. Socializing with fellow South Africans is an important facet of living abroad and can be a huge stepping stone in getting to know the Norwegian mentality and way of life. South Africans in Norway are a part of our community, calling cities such as Bergen, Tromsø, Oslo, and many others home. You can use InterNations to look for fellow South Africans in Oslo, for example.

Wondering where to shop for South African delicatessen, want to discuss your national team's latest match, or simply talk to someone in your native language? Become a member of the Norwegian InterNations Community!

• Our network is the best place to meet expats from South Africa.
• On the Norway Expat Forums, you can get competent answers to all your expat-related questions: how to find a babysitter fluent in your mother tongue, where to get bobotie in Oslo, etc.
• The InterNations Places database for Norway has information on the nearest South African embassy and many other institutions.

From the "Stor-Oslo-regionen" to the south to the "Land of the Midnight Sun", beyond the Arctic Circle, you can meet supportive and friendly South African expats in Norway on InterNations.

Meet and Mingle with Fellow South Africans in Norway

Additionally, InterNations hosts regular expat events and activities in Norway. Our get-togethers are sure to cater to your taste as well: as a member, you can partake in cozy gatherings to enjoy some Norwegian lutefisk, join one of our huge expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Oslo’s best locations, and much more. Want to discover Norway? Go on a weekend trip with your fellow expats to see the famous fjords of the West Norway and other beautiful landmarks.

Our meet-ups and activities offer many wonderful opportunities to mingle with expatriates hailing from South Africa and dozens of other countries in a casual setting. Just sign up for your InterNations membership and you’ll soon hear a cordial Siya namkela nonke, welkom, isibingelelo from our South Africans living in Norway!