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International Moving Information For Moving to Norway

By: Nir Dotan

Norway is not one of the top international moving destinations in Europe but it is well worth the trip if you happen to go there. Considered Europe's last great frontier, Norway is a land of majestic mountains, crystal clear fjords and rivers, and rustic villages that have stood unchanged since the 11th century. The capital city of Oslo, in contrast, is quickly becoming one of the most happening cities on the continent.

There are a number of factors that people consider when contemplating international moving and there are many reasons why people choose to leave their country of origin. The most common of these today is corporate relocation. Most Americans move to another country for job opportunities. Norway is a country that has developed in recent years and now offers many high tech jobs that were not available before.

People also leave their country of origin for political reasons. Many of the residents of war torn countries in the Middle East and Eastern Europe have chosen the international moving route to find peace and safety for their families. Norway is one of the most peaceful and crime free countries in the world.

Norway's unit of currency is the Kroner (Crown) and they are not a member of the European Union. Because of their geographical position and the ideal living conditions there, Norway is expensive. If Oslo is your international moving destination, make sure that you have a good job lined up and a hefty bankroll to start with. Also, be prepared for some really fresh air. Oslo is the most forested capitol city on earth and there is virtually no smog or pollution there.

The import and export regulations in Norway are in line with most other European countries. Personal belongings are subject to import tax and must be inventoried by your international moving company for inspection. Automobiles need to meet local emission standards and often are cost prohibitive for international moving. You will want to research the price and determine if purchasing a new vehicle when you arrive might be a better option.

International moving companies should have experience in shipping to any country you choose as a destination. Each government has a set of rules that must be followed and not all of them are the same. When you are shopping around for an international moving company, make sure that they have specific knowledge about moving and shipping to Norway. Experience can make a big difference when you arrive and are waiting for your furniture to be delivered. If the international moving company doesn't do it right your belongings could be delayed or even seized at Customs.

The American Embassy in Oslo is located at Drammensveien 18, N-0244 and the telephone country code is 47. Internet service is widespread in Oslo but may be limited in the countryside. Check with your local provider before you leave for available overseas options. Be prepared to pay a VAT (Value added tax) of 19.35% on any goods or services. This tax is generally included in the price you are given.

Geilo Norway-A Winter Sports Paradise

By: Albert Alexander

Geilo in Norway stands 800 metres high, and has one of the highest ski lifts in the world, stretching 3,887 feet. Geilo is positioned three and a half hours from the capital city, whilst having good road and rail links to the village. Set amidst amazing scenery just off the banks of Fjord, Geilo is at the heart of Norway's "Winter Wonderland". Maintaining its reputation as an excellent family resort, Geilo has seen visitors from Europe and beyond since early 1900s. Geilo remains unspoilt, with true Norwegian character firmly intact.

With more than just skiing facilities Geilo is home to the 4 star Highland Hotel, as well as numerous lodging houses, and the famous Holms Ski Bar. Although primarily a ski resort Geilo also offers sleigh rides, wildlife adventure tours, ski orienteering, tobogganing, snow shoe walking, dog-sledging, kite-skiing, night-skiing, snowboarding, freestyle snowboarding and much more.

Geilo's reputation as one the worlds top skiing resorts lies mainly in its ability to cater for family vacations. With over 10,000 families visiting the slopes each year, Geilo also offers excellent tuition in packages it refers to as the "Family Starter Pack". This involves tuition for your entire family for the equivalent of $200 a day. This means, that not only can your whole family learn together, but is also means that families with no skiing experience, can go along and after the first day, they will be able to ski on their own.

Geilo has also increased its reputation amongst Snowboarders in recent years beating off Lillehammer, Voss and Hemsedal in its bid to host the Norwegian Snowboarding Championship. With four sides of mountain each dedicated to snowboarding and skiing, Geilo is now able to call itself Norway's first skiing location to offer 5 runs dedicated to snowboarding. With 110 runs in total, Geilo has 14% expert allowing experienced skiers to enjoy themselves on the slopes, whilst maintaining the rest of its facilities for intermediates and beginners that account for a larger number of their yearly visitors.

Geilo also offers exceptional value for money with weekly family packages starting from $1000 including accommodation, bed and breakfast. The element that stands out the most about Geilo is the way it caters for families, family diners, and especially their Christmas bonanza which includes Santa visiting the slopes with his reindeer on Christmas day, and the time leading up to christmas. Geilo never fails to be fully booked for Christmas, with so many families choosing to bring their children along to experience Christmas within this winter wonderland.

Although Geilo offers amazing family packages, it would be unfair to say that Geilo is limited to family vacations. Geilo has hosted very serious world sporting events, as well as being the training ground of the national snowboarding and skiing teams. Geilo is available from August/September all the way through to late March and is also considering investing in "Avalanche Technology" which generates snow from water to provide 24/365 skiing.

If you have never been to Geilo then I would recommend that you give it a go, although the family image may put certain people off visiting the slope I would suggest that checking it out is the best thing to do. From their website it is clear to see that consistent snowfall, and a good variation in the difficulty of runs, Geilo is a facility that can genuinely cater for everyone; from beginner to professional.

It has many great options for accommodation, and with good travel links as well their really is no excuse for not hoping on a plane and going to Geilo today. With thousands of people on the slopes, from different countries and different backgrounds Geilo is suitable for families and teenagers alike. With individual price plans starting from $350 a week, and well-known DJs playing at local club venues Geilo is also becoming very popular amongst those teenagers who would have previously seen Ibiza as the only place to be seen on holiday.