I'm organizing for a group to fly to Norway on business, but we don't have international plans on our phones. What are the options/best options for renting phones in Oslo, Norway? I'm hesitant to go after any of the deals that pop up in a google search for fear of scams.
So, what says the peanut gallery?
Renting phones is certainly not a "normal" thing to do, and if at all possible, will be expensive.
If you have unlocked GSM phones, it will be way cheaper to bring your own phone, and buy a prepaid SIM card. Heck, even buying a new phone with a prepaid card would be cheaper. You can buy prepaid SIM cards in any kiosk or gas station, and even mot convenience stores, and there are small booths selling phones and prepaid cards all over the place. The smallest prepaid cards are usually NOK 150, and filling up more is very easy. (NOK 150 on a prepaid card is approx 200min in to Norwegian phones or 25min to USA from any provider.)
Do note, that since a few years ago there is mandatory registration when buying a SIM card. You will need to show IDs, and some places like convenience stores might be reluctant to sell to foreigners.
I've actually never heard of the option of renting a phone in Norway!
Like # 1 says, it would probably work out for the best if you buy a cheap phone (some goes for as litle as 1 NOK) with a prepaid sim card. Since you're a foreigner you would probably be better of not going to a convenience store to buy the phone (since you have to register). Go to places like Telebutikken Telekiosken or perhaps Expert or Elkjop and buy your phone there. They can probably help you with registration also.
thank you for phone info, my question is regarding "pan european service" since i will be in Norway (from monday!) for 8 days and then on to spain and Austria
for 4 weeks. Are any of the companies providing service to cover all of the eu countries at a reasonable rate. (One thing i do like is that unlike the US..your minutes are not charged for INCOMING calls....is that still correct?)
thanks to all for ANY info.
Mobal.com is an option. It is a British based phone, but sold on-line - about 49 USD. We have used these for several years - not cheap calls to US or in-country (generally about $1.50 per minute), but they work well for keeping contact for emergencies. There are no other fees - just the per minute charge when you actually use them. We also now have a quad phone through T-Mobile - all it takes for the international option is the call them - no cost - BUT again, the calls are not chearp (maybe about $1.25 in most of Europe - more in Eastern Europe).