Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Stavanger is a city in southwestern Norway, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 130,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Norwegian Krone (NOK). 1 NOK ≈ 0.10 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is safe and drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Telenor, Telia, and ice.net. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, and mobile payments like Vipps. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept cards widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Stavanger is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town (Gamle Stavanger) is highly recommended due to its charm and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center and Stavanger's waterfront provide great amenities and workspaces for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kuben is a popular coworking space that provides a vibrant environment for freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bøker & Børst is a cozy cafe that offers excellent coffee and a quiet atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups occur regularly at places like Stavanger’s Innovation Centre. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Stavanger Expats Facebook group for community events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are available via the Taxi Norge app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | City bikes can be rented from BYBIKE, with various locations across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sola Beach is accessible within 20 minutes by public transport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Widerøe is the main regional airline operating flights from Stavanger. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Norwegian Air and SAS provide international flights from Stavanger Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E39 connects Stavanger to other major cities along the coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Stavanger Train Station serves as the main hub for regional train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Rogaland county offers a travel card for unlimited travel on buses and ferries. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and ferries operate for easy access to nearby cities and islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Stavanger University Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room Stavanger provides various yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | SATS and ELIXIA are popular fitness centers with comprehensive facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Stavanger Laundry offers convenient laundry services in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodora and Wolt are popular food delivery apps in Stavanger. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional dish Raspeballer, which consists of potato dumplings. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Lancelot offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Møllehagen is famous for its delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Stavanger Fish Market offers fresh local produce and seafood at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Fjordkraft for local e-commerce needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Kolonial.no offers grocery delivery services throughout the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Torget and Østervåg is known for its lively nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Stavanger Brewing Company is known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinbaren is a recommended wine bar with a great selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at the Stavanger Food Festival offer an array of street food delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant 26 serves a variety of international dishes with local ingredients. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The iconic Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) offers breathtaking views and hiking experiences. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Stavanger Art Museum showcases contemporary art and local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Gamle Stavanger features well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Stavanger Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is a notable landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Stavanger International Jazz Festival is held every summer and attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Østre bydel area is known for its artistic vibe and local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Stavanger Concert Hall offers a variety of performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Stavanger's Market Square hosts weekly markets featuring local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city has a lively music scene, with various venues hosting local and international acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore unique murals and street art around the city, particularly in the historic districts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bistroen offers cooking classes focusing on local Norwegian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleri G is an independent gallery that promotes local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger are key examples of 18th-century architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Stavanger is often called the Oil Capital of Norway due to its historical significance in the petroleum industry. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lysefjord offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Fonna Glacier National Park is accessible for adventure seekers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal paths and bike trails around the city and fjords are ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Preikestolen provides one of the most famous scenic viewpoints in Norway. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sola Beach is a great spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at beaches along the fjord are available for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posten Norge provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | PC Support Stavanger offers comprehensive tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Stavanger is a popular hangout for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Stavanger Language School offers courses in Norwegian and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Stavanger Public Library offers great resources for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Stavanger Cultural Center hosts various community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameZone provides a space for gamers to meet and interact. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Royale in Stavanger offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NOK 40,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NOK 1,600,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NOK 30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = NOK 1,200,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NOK 35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NOK 2,100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NOK 28,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = NOK 1,680,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NOK 32,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NOK 2,560,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NOK 25,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NOK 2,000,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Norwegian residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 22% - 46.4% depending on income level. |
| 🧾 VAT | 25%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules regarding foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is applicable based on the property’s assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2.5% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Norway offers a relatively straightforward tax regime, but no special tax benefits for digital nomads specifically. |