The best eSIM cards for mobile data in Norway

Introduction

Norway is a fascinating Nordic country renowned for its breathtaking fjords, majestic mountains, and magical northern lights. Each year, it attracts thousands of tourists, nature lovers, and adventure travelers who come to admire its natural beauty and experience the unique Scandinavian atmosphere.

While traveling through Norway, reliable internet connection is essential, whether for navigation in remote areas, sharing travel photos, or work responsibilities. However, standard roaming can be extremely costly in this country. That's why many visitors choose eSIM – a digital SIM card that doesn't require physical exchange and can be activated from anywhere.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to the best eSIM providers for Norway, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll explore their data packages from 2 GB through 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB up to unlimited options, so you can choose exactly according to your needs.

With eSIM, you'll avoid searching for local stores after arrival and surprisingly high roaming bills. In the following chapters, you'll find detailed information about installation, practical advice for maximizing data usage, and detailed comparisons of all available options to help you stay connected during your journey through Norwegian fjords and cities.

Best eSIM Providers for Norway

eSIM4Travel in Norway

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel uses the networks of Telenor and Telia in Norway. These two operators are among the largest in Norway and offer excellent coverage across the entire country, including remote areas and fjords. eSIM4Travel represents an economical choice for travelers to Norway, where standard prices for mobile services are relatively high. Their service doesn't require installation of any additional application, and activation happens immediately after scanning the QR code. Customer support is available 24/7 and usually responds within minutes. A major advantage is the ability to purchase additional data if your original package isn't sufficient, directly on your already installed eSIM.

Airalo eSIM in Norway

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo partners with Telenor in Norway, which provides one of the best coverage in the country. Travelers appreciate Airalo for its simplicity and reliability. The activation process is very intuitive and takes just a few minutes. The official Airalo app allows you to monitor data usage and easily purchase additional packages if needed. Users report stable and fast connections in major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, as well as in popular tourist areas such as fjords or the Lofoten Islands.

Holafly eSIM in Norway

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly uses the Telia network in Norway, which provides excellent coverage and speed in Norwegian cities like Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, and others. Holafly's uniqueness lies in offering exclusively unlimited data packages, which eliminates worries about exceeding data limits during your trip. Prices for unlimited data range from approximately 7 EUR for a one-day package to 99 EUR for 30 days.

It's important to mention that although Holafly labels its packages as "unlimited," excessive usage (especially long-term high-definition streaming or downloading large files) may result in temporary speed reduction. According to user experiences, this limitation occurs rarely, and with normal usage for social media, navigation, and web browsing, you shouldn't encounter any problems.

Yesim eSIM in Norway

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim partners with Telenor and Telia networks in Norway, ensuring smooth internet connection in Arendal, Bergen, Bodø, Hamar, Oslo, Skien, Sørum, Stavanger, Tromsø, and other Norwegian cities. Yesim offers flexible packages with various data limits and validity periods, suitable for both short-term visitors and longer stays. For more information about this service, check out our detailed overview of Yesim.

Jetpac eSIM in Norway

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac uses the NetCom network (now part of Telia) in Norway. This network provides quality coverage in most populated areas of Norway and major tourist destinations. Jetpac offers competitive prices and various data packages suitable for both short and longer stays. For more information about Jetpac's services and options, check out our detailed guide about Jetpac.

Best eSIM Plans for Norway

Below you'll find an overview of the most sought-after data packages for Norway from various providers. For a comprehensive comparison of all available options, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool for Norway, where you can filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other criteria.

Free Data in Norway

For those who need only minimal internet connection to check emails or quickly search for information, Roamless offers a free package with 500 MB of data for Norway.

Another option is GigSky, which provides a trial eSIM with 100 MB of free data without requiring credit card registration. This test package allows you to try the service before purchasing a full data plan.

More information about free data options can be found in our article Free eSIM | How to get free data for the USA and abroad. For a comprehensive overview of all available offers, including free options, use our eSIM comparison tool.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Norway

Setting up eSIM for Norway is a quick and hassle-free process that you can complete before your departure. The main advantage is that you don't need to search for local stores after arrival or deal with potential language barriers or limited opening hours.

• Complete guide for setting up eSIM on iPhone
• Clear procedure for installing eSIM on Samsung phones
• Overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: First, verify if your phone supports eSIM technology. Most modern smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers already offer this feature. To be sure, you can check our current list of phones with eSIM support or complete overview of compatible devices for 2024.

2. Select an appropriate provider: For Norway, you have several quality providers to choose from, such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO, or GigSky. When deciding, consider the length of your stay and planned data usage – for basic needs like navigation and emails, 2 GB is sufficient; for more active users, we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB. For detailed comparison of all available offers, use our eSIM comparison tool for Norway, where you can filter according to your specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After purchase, you'll receive an email containing a QR code or activation code. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Network" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, everything will be set up automatically after installation. If the connection doesn't work, you may need to manually set the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also, don't forget to activate data roaming for the eSIM profile – don't worry, within your purchased package, you won't be charged any additional fees.

We recommend performing the installation and setup of your eSIM before your trip, ideally in an environment with a stable Wi-Fi connection. This ensures that upon arrival in Norway, you'll be immediately connected without any complications. More detailed information about first-time setup can be found in our comprehensive guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Norway

Norway offers visitors unforgettable experiences from dramatic fjords to vibrant cities and pristine nature. Whether you're coming for vacation, business trip, or as a digital nomad, reliable internet connection is key to a trouble-free stay. Here are practical tips for maximizing your eSIM use during your visit:

Security and Personal Data Protection

Unlike some other countries, Norway doesn't restrict access to websites, so using a VPN isn't necessary in terms of bypassing censorship. Nevertheless, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is recommended when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, especially in tourist areas and airports. A quality VPN service will protect your personal data and ensure safe internet browsing. If you plan to work remotely or access sensitive information, a VPN is almost essential.

Monitoring and Optimizing Data Usage

Regular monitoring of consumed data will help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Many eSIM providers offer their own apps with current usage overview. At the same time, you can activate alerts in your phone settings when reaching certain limits. For maximum data savings while traveling, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Practical Advice and Tips, where you'll find useful information including:

• Pre-downloading maps of Norway and guides for offline use
• Reducing quality of streamed content on video platforms
• Deactivating automatic updates and background synchronization
• Using Wi-Fi in accommodation facilities for data-intensive activities

If you're not sure how much data you'll need, check out our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Online Activities, which will help you choose the optimal package. For the most accurate selection, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period exactly according to your needs.

Staying in Touch with Home

Most eSIMs for Norway provide only data services without standard calls and SMS. However, this doesn't present an obstacle for communicating with family and friends. With a data connection, you can use apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or FaceTime for free calls and messaging. If you need to call regular phone numbers, read our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Make Calls Cheaply from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other alternatives.

Digital Banking and Payments

Norway is a highly digitized country where cashless payments are common practice. Services like Revolut, Wise, or Curve offer advantageous exchange rates and the ability to pay in Norwegian kroner without unnecessary fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll have constant access to your financial resources and the ability to immediately react to any unexpected expenses.

Traveling Around the Region

Planning to visit other Scandinavian countries? Many providers offer regional eSIM packages for Northern Europe, which cover Norway as well as Iceland, Switzerland, and other countries. These packages are often more economical than purchasing separate eSIMs for each destination. To find the most advantageous regional eSIM, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can select exactly the countries you plan to visit.

✈️ Expert advice: In remote areas of Norway, especially in mountains and fjords, signal coverage may be limited. Before traveling to these places, download offline maps, guides, and necessary information. Also, save important contacts and documents offline, including accommodation and transportation reservations, in case you find yourself out of mobile network range.

Alternative Internet Connections in Norway

eSIM represents a modern and convenient solution for internet connection during travels, but it's not the only way to stay online in Norway. If for any reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, you have several alternatives:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Norwegian SIM cards are available at airports, shopping centers, and specialized mobile operator stores. The main providers are Telenor, Telia, and Ice, who offer prepaid cards with various data packages suitable for tourists.

Among the advantages of a physical SIM card are relatively favorable prices (approximately $20-50 for a basic package) and the ability to use a Norwegian phone number for local calls and SMS. The disadvantage is the necessity of personally visiting a store after arrival, possible complications with language barriers, and the need to physically replace the SIM card in your phone.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing only from official retailers, ideally directly at the airport or in stores of reputable operators. Keep in mind that you'll need an unlocked phone, and if you don't have a device with dual SIM support, you'll have to temporarily remove your home SIM card.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots

Travel Wi-Fi devices represent a practical alternative to SIM cards. These compact devices create a private Wi-Fi network to which you can connect multiple devices simultaneously – smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smartwatches. They are ideal for families or groups of travelers who want to share one connection.

Portable hotspots can be rented before your trip from specialized companies or purchased directly in Norway. Some models function simultaneously as power banks, which is practical during long days spent discovering Norwegian natural beauty. More information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is that they represent another item you must carry with you and regularly charge. Also, the purchase price or rental is typically higher than for eSIM or local SIM cards.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator is the simplest but often most expensive option. Roaming works based on partnerships between your American operator and Norwegian providers, allowing you to use your existing phone number and plan abroad.

Since Norway is not part of the EU, it's not subject to EU roaming regulations. This means that prices for data, calls, and SMS can be significantly higher than in EU countries. Some American operators offer special roaming packages for countries outside the EU, which may be more price-acceptable, but are still typically more expensive than local solutions.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Norway has an extensive network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in larger cities and tourist centers. Free Wi-Fi can be found in hotels, restaurants, cafes, libraries, shopping centers, and even in some parks and public spaces. The quality and speed of these connections are usually very good.

The main security risk of public Wi-Fi networks is the possibility of eavesdropping and theft of personal data. Without adequate security, your online activities may be vulnerable to cyber attacks. If you decide to use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into internet banking or entering sensitive data.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be offline whenever you move away from covered areas. This can be problematic when moving outside cities, hiking in nature, or in case you need navigation in an unfamiliar environment. Therefore, we recommend always having a backup option for internet connection.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Norway

Norway has an advanced telecommunications infrastructure with excellent coverage and fast data services. Understanding the local market will help you choose the best eSIM or other connection option for your needs.

Main Norwegian Mobile Operators

Telenor is the largest operator in Norway with the most extensive coverage in the country. This company covers approximately 99.8% of Norway's population and has excellent signal even in remote areas, including fjords, mountain regions, and islands. If you plan to travel beyond the main tourist routes, Telenor will likely offer the most reliable connection.

Telia (formerly NetCom) is the second largest operator with very good coverage in cities and tourist destinations. Their network is known for high speed and stability, especially in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and other major cities. Telia was a pioneer in implementing 5G technology in Norway and offers fast data services in many areas.

Ice is the third significant player in the Norwegian market, focusing on competitive prices and simple tariffs. Although their network is not as extensive as Telenor's or Telia's, it's sufficient for common tourist destinations. Ice has a national roaming agreement with Telenor, meaning that in areas without their own coverage, they use Telenor's network.

There are also several virtual operators (MVNOs) such as OneCall, MyCall, or Chilimobil, who use the infrastructure of the main operators and often offer more attractive prices, especially for short-term visitors.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile signal in Norway is generally excellent, especially in cities and along main transportation routes. In large cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G connection and growing availability of 5G networks. Tourist destinations like fjords, Lofoten, or Nordkapp also have good coverage from the main operators.

In some very remote areas, especially in mountains and inland, coverage may be more limited. If you plan hikes or expeditions to distant regions, Telenor is usually the best choice. On popular tourist routes like Preikestolen, Trolltunga, or Geirangerfjord, coverage is surprisingly good but may be weaker in some valleys or behind mountain ridges.

For current information about coverage in specific areas of Norway, we recommend using interactive maps from nPerf.com or official coverage maps of individual operators, which will help you determine which operator offers the best signal in places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers collaborate with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Norwegian networks are used by the most popular eSIM services:

• Airalo: Primarily uses the Telenor network
• Holafly: Exclusively partners with Telia
• eSIM4Travel: Offers access to both Telenor and Telia networks
• Yesim: Uses Telenor and Telia networks
• Jetpac: Works with the NetCom network (now part of Telia)
• GigSky: Offers access to Telenor and Telia networks

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. If you're primarily heading to major cities and tourist areas, any provider will likely work well. For trips to more remote regions, we recommend choosing a service using the Telenor network for the best coverage. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Norway, which will help you find the most suitable solution according to your needs.

How to Call from Norway

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important part of every trip. With an eSIM in Norway, you have several options for effectively communicating without unnecessarily high fees for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

Most eSIM packages for Norway contain only data services without traditional voice services. However, this doesn't present any problem because with a quality data connection, you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp represents one of the most widespread applications for communication over the internet. It offers quality voice and video calls and is popular among both tourists and locals. Other popular alternatives include Signal, which is known for its emphasis on security and encryption, and Telegram, which combines messaging features with the possibility of voice calls.

For communication with business partners, professional platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom are suitable, which, in addition to calls, also offer screen sharing and video conference organization. These services are commonly used in Norway, as a technologically advanced country.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or elsewhere in the world, there are specialized services that offer more advantageous rates than standard international calling.

Skype is a long-established service for international calling with competitive rates. It allows calling landlines and mobile phones at significantly lower prices than traditional operators. Calling to the USA via Skype costs approximately 0.05-0.10 EUR per minute, which is significantly less than standard international rates.

Viber Out is another popular alternative that offers calling to standard phone numbers at favorable prices. Viber is widely used and allows both free communication between app users and paid calling to standard phone numbers with acceptable rates.

eSIM with Calls and SMS

Some eSIM services are beginning to offer comprehensive packages that include traditional calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call similarly to a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in selected destinations, including some European countries. You can activate this service as an add-on to your data package and gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Norway

Summary

Traveling through Norway is much easier and more convenient thanks to eSIM technology. You don't have to worry about finding physical SIM cards after arrival or paying exorbitant amounts for international roaming. You can prepare everything from the comfort of your home and be online immediately upon landing in this fascinating Nordic country.

In our guide, we've presented the most reliable eSIM providers for Norway, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each offers specific advantages, and choosing the right one depends on the length of your stay, planned data usage, and personal preferences.

Among the most popular data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for shorter visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or potentially an unlimited package for demanding users, digital nomads, or those planning to stream high-quality videos.

For an economical and reliable solution, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel, which offers access to Telenor and Telia networks, ensuring excellent coverage throughout Norway. Their eSIM works immediately after activation, customer support is quick and efficient, and prices are among the most competitive on the market. The service doesn't require installation of additional applications and allows purchasing additional data as needed.

For unlimited data, the ideal choice is Holafly, which provides exclusively unlimited data packages for Norway with various validity periods.

We recommend installing and activating your eSIM before departure. This gives you confidence that you'll be connected immediately upon arrival in Norway and can fully focus on discovering the beauty of this unique country.

For the most accurate and up-to-date comparison of all available eSIMs for Norway, use our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data amount, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your requirements.