Oslo - Shopping

Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Being aware of who has the best prices can really make a difference. There is a strong competition between shops, and prices vary considerably according to region. For instance, food prices are substantially lower in ethnic shops in the area of Oslo called Grønland, compared to the western region of Oslo and the neighbouring counties of Asker and Bærum, where people in general are wealthier. As haggling is not practiced, look out for the big sales in the summer (July-August) and in the winter (December-January) when many products can be bought for very reduced prices. Opening hours are displayed in shop windows or doors and it is rare to find shops that are open 24 hours (except petrol station shops). Shops are closed on Sundays (but open on Sundays in December). Opening hours are shorter in the summer. Most shops take credit cards, but checks are rarely used.

For online shopping, use these web sites:
www.handlegaten.no
www.markedsplassen.no/

Useful vocabulary