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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Haugesund is a lively coastal town located on the west coast of Norway, known for its beautiful landscapes and maritime heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 37,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 100 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NOK ≈ 0.09 USD; the local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality, sourced from local springs. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telenor, Telia, and Ice, with good coverage in Haugesund. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services like Revolut, DNB, and SpareBank 1 are popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb rentals, with prices starting around 1,200 NOK per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and mobile payment apps are commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate websites provide numerous short-term housing options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Haugesund offers affordable dormitory and private room options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center and the harbor area are popular among tourists for easy access to attractions and dining. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The areas around the Sørhaugen and Skåla neighborhoods are recommended for longer stays due to quieter locations and community amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Haugesund Business Park is a popular coworking space focusing on startups and freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Ivan offers a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and ample charging outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetups and business networking events are regularly held at Haugesund Business Park. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Haugesund Expats Group on Facebook organizes regular social gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Haugesund, along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental is available through Haugesund Bike Share, with easy access points in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Haugesund's city beach, Amanda, is just a short walk away from the center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Widerøe is the main regional carrier, connecting Haugesund to Bergen and Stavanger. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle offer international flights, primarily from Haugesund Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E39 highway provides easy access to major cities like Bergen and Stavanger. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Haugesund does not have a train station; bus services connect to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for local bus services at around 750 NOK. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Haugesund to cities like Bergen, Stavanger, and Haugesund Airport. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Haugesund Hospital provides comprehensive medical services and is well-equipped. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Loft Haugesund offers yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | SATS Haugesund features a full gym and fitness classes for all levels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at Coin Laundry Haugesund, offering self-service facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Just Eat are popular food delivery options in Haugesund. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Fiskekaker' (fish cakes), a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Vardåsen has excellent vegetarian and vegan choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakeriet is famous for its pastries and authentic Norwegian waffles. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local supermarket, Rema 1000, offers reasonably priced fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Through local marketplaces like Finn.no, one can find various goods and services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Kolonial.no provides grocery delivery services across Haugesund. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The harbor area is popular, with various bars and live music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Haugesund Mikrobryggeri offers locally brewed craft beers and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinbaren Haugesund specializes in a curated selection of wines from around the world. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The food trucks near the harbor offer varied street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Masala serves excellent Indian cuisine in the city center. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Haugesund Town Hall and Hasseløy are essential sights in the area. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Haugaland Museum showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Avaldsnes Historical Center, near Haugesund, details the Viking heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Haugesund Church is a prominent landmark worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Norwegian Film Festival takes place every August, attracting filmmakers and international guests. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The harbor area features shops and galleries showcasing local artists. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Haugesund Theater features various local and international performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Haugesund Market spans every Saturday, with fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live performances are common at venues like Krydderspirene. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals and street art can be seen throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Haugesund Cooking School offers classes in traditional Norwegian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleri G is known for displaying contemporary local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | St. Olav's Church is a beautiful historic building to explore. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The coastal fishing heritage is vital to Haugesund's identity and is celebrated in local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Langfoss waterfall, located around an hour’s drive from Haugesund, is a stunning natural attraction. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hardangervidda National Park is a significant outdoor destination, perfect for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path around Haugesund offers scenic routes for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from The Viewpoint in Steinsland provides breathtaking panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal wetlands around Haugesund are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach are available for bonfires, perfect for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Posten Norge offer reliable shipping and parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair services are available at Elkjøp for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often host table tennis matches and practice sessions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Norwegian Language School offers courses for expats to learn the language. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Haugesund Public Library is a quiet place for studying and researching. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural events and gatherings for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming café Kicks offers a space for gamers to meet and play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Haugesund does not have a casino; gambling options are limited to online platforms. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 23,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 920,000 NOK). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 18,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 720,000 NOK). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 21,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,260,000 NOK). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 16,500 NOK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 990,000 NOK). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 19,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,520,000 NOK). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 15,000 NOK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,200,000 NOK). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 22%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 31.68%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Norwegian tax system is progressive with high rates for higher income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 47.8%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is not common; however, municipalities can levy taxes. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 2.5% is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Norway does not have specific tax benefits for digital nomads, but the legal framework is accommodating. |