The Norwegians really are a rather friendly people but they do have the international reputation for being a bit aloof. Their rap is that they really aren’t all that friendly and that they are painfully introverted. However, they do tend to act in a certain proper manner and you will find them most hospitable and talkative if you remember to leave your American manners, or the lack thereof, at home. Loud, boisterous, big mouthed Americans don’t travel too well there. Here are just a few things you should really never, ever, do while you are in Norway:
A tip about the tip and forget trading horses
Tipping is not a big thing in Norway. Quite often it tends to get included in the price of the meal or the service. What is polite in Norwegian society is to always round up on a bill or a price and pay that. If it comes to 41.54, then just pay the 42. If you do tip, never do more than 15%. If you leave more than that, they will consider it arrogant. Forget the horse trading when in Norway. They never haggle over anything. It is too unseemly for them. Every thing has a price and that’s it. Even if you come across a damaged item and your American love of a deal grabs you, forget it. The vendor will not understand and will just look at you like you have two heads.
Carry your luggage and never drink and drive
You may want to go with a backpack or hockey bag when in Norway. If you are on the coast, the sidewalks in the cities and towns tend to be covered with beach sand. Wheeling your little suitcase will be nearly impossible. Also, most of the sidewalks everywhere in the country have gutters carved into them so take your running shoes and avoid the high heels. Drinking and driving is not appreciated and not done. Even one local beer will put you over the Norway limit and if convicted their judges are not averse to handing out prison time.
No hugging or assumptions
The Norwegians tend to be rather like the English and the Japanese with regard to public displays of affection or emotion. A handshake is acceptable but a firm buddy hug or sisterly peck on the cheek is seriously frowned upon. Norway tends to be a country with rather liberal sensibilities so don’t make assumptions regarding people, especially couples. Many Norwegians start families without being married and a same sex couple just might really be that.
Don’t be the rowdy and lose your shoes
Finally, they hate anything that smacks of rowdiness. Being on time is an absolute must to avoid an insult. Never be either early or late; just exactly on time. Meals are intimate and long affairs. Leaving right after you have eaten is a supreme insult to your host. They are very Japanese that way. Also, forget the American manners. They never eat anything with their hands even sandwiches and pizza are eaten with silverware. And, as in Japan, they tend to not wear shoes inside their own, or someone else’s, home.
PHOTO CREDITS: Flickr / Flagwallpapers.com / Littlescandanavia.com