why is alcohol in norway so expensive

In Norway, having a beer or glass of wine will cost two-and-a-half times the EU average. Both Norway and Sweden have state-run monopolies on alcohol, which helps keep the prices up.

Full Answer

Why is beer so expensive in Norway?

The cheapest beer I could find, a mass-market Pilsner, was about $5 for one half-liter can–just over 16 ounces. Beer is very expensive because it is heavily taxed, as are all alcoholic beverages, as part of a strategy to curb alcoholism. My Norwegian friends assured me that the plan is not working. But the bread at the store was expensive as well.

How does Norway’s alcohol and tobacco price compare to other countries?

The prices of alcohol and tobacco in Norway are 120% above the European average. Iceland is in second place, 30% behind Norway’s price level. In Europe, only Switzerland has more expensive food and non-alcoholic beverages than Norway, with Norwegian prices in this category being 51% above the European average.

How much is the tax on alcohol in Norway?

For example, drinks between 4.7% ABV and 22% ABV are subject to a tax rate of NOK 5.11 per volume percent and litre. You can find the full rates here. These taxes make all alcohol relatively much more expensive than you would see in the UK or USA, for example.

Can you buy beer in Norway?

Buying alcohol in Norway Even when you can buy beer from a supermarket, the options are limited. Unless you go to a bar, buying any kind of alcohol in Norway above 4.7% ABV must be done at the state-run alcohol store. If you are visiting Norway and you enjoy a tipple, or you're planning to move here soon, this article is a must-read!

Why does Norway regulate alcohol sales so much?

What is the tax on alcohol in Norway?

What does it mean to buy alcohol in Sweden?

Why is Norwegian beer so popular?

How to get a liquor license in Norway?

How much VAT is charged in Norway?

What time do pubs close in Norway?

See 2 more

Is liquor expensive in Norway?

In June, Norway Today reported that Norway is the most expensive country for alcohol and tobacco in Europe. This has been the case for several years. The prices of alcohol and tobacco in Norway are 120% above the European average. Iceland is in second place, 30% behind Norway's price level.

How much does alcohol cost in Norway?

How Much Does Alcohol Cost In Norway?Milk (regular), (1 liter)19 NOK (15-25)Water (1.5 liter bottle)21 NOK (7.00-34)A bottle of wine (Mid-Range)150 NOK (100-300)Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)32 NOK (25-45)Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)40 NOK (28-60)

Why is alcohol expensive in Scandinavia?

State-run monopolies on alcohol In Norway, having a beer or glass of wine will cost two-and-a-half times the EU average. Both Norway and Sweden have state-run monopolies on alcohol, which helps keep the prices up.

What is the alcohol tax in Norway?

Alcoholic beveragesSpirits-based beverages in excess of 0.7 volume percentNOK 8.22 per volume percent and litreAlcoholic beverages in excess of 2.7 percent and up to 3.7 percent by volumeNOK 12.44 per litreAlcoholic beverages in excess of 3.7 percent and up to 4.7 percent by volumeNOK 21.55 per litre2 more rows

What's the drinking age in Norway?

18 yearsTo buy wine or beer in Norway, the minimum age is 18 years. For spirits, it is 20 years. Beer can be found in most shops, but is only sold before 8 pm on weekdays or 6 pm on Saturdays. For wine, spirits or strong beer, you must visit one of the Vinmonopolet outlets, found in most large cities and towns.

Why Norway is so rich?

The oil and gas industries play a dominant role in the Norwegian economy, providing a source of finance for the Norwegian welfare state through direct ownership of oil fields, dividends from its shares in Equinor, and licensure fees and taxes.

Is alcohol cheaper in Norway or Sweden?

Even Nordic neighbours Denmark and Sweden are far cheaper than Norway for this category, with consumers in those countries paying “around half as much” for alcohol and tobacco, according to the Statistics Norway analysis.

Why is Sweden so strict on alcohol?

As Sweden was industrialized and urbanized during the 19th century, industrially produced brännvin became more available, and alcohol caused increasing health and social problems. The temperance movement rose, and since 1905, government has had a monopoly on sales of liquor.

Why is everything so expensive in Norway?

“Norwegians get a lot for their money. Norway is so expensive because it has productive workers who can be used for work that produces many valuable products in a short time. Hourly rates of pay in Norway are high. Because most products and services entail the application of manpower, labour costs are high in Norway.

Which country has the highest tax on alcohol?

Of the countries covered in the presented statistic, Finland had not only the highest excise duties but also the highest overall price for alcoholic beverages.

Can you drink alcohol in public in Norway?

Visitors should be aware that drinking in a public place is illegal in Norway, and even drinking on your own balcony where you can be seen by others is technically against the law. Urinating in public is also illegal and if caught offenders will get an on the spot fine for up to 10,000 kroner.

Can I bring alcohol into Norway?

Overview. The following items can be imported into Norway without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper. 1L of spirits over 22% volume and 1.5L wine less than 22% volume and 2L of beer up to 4.7% volume.

How much is a bottle of vodka in Norway?

Even so, it's an opportunity most Norwegians don't miss. A 1 litre bottle of vodka and four good quality wines may cost barely 600kr, easily half what the cost would be from Vinmonopolet.

How much is two beers Norway?

Cost of Living in NorwayRestaurantsEditMeal, Inexpensive Restaurant198.74krMeal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course900.00krMcMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)120.00krDomestic Beer (1 pint draught)90.00kr62 more rows

How much is a bottle of wine in Norway?

All the information above confirms my experiences in Norway. Somewhere between 12-20 dollars will buy you a bottle of good wine.

How much is a bottle of beer in Norway?

How Much Does Beer Cost In Norway?RestaurantsEditDomestic Beer (1 pint draught)90.00krImported Beer (12 oz small bottle)89.00krCappuccino (regular)42.62krCoke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)31.82kr

Alcohol and tobacco - Norwegian Customs - Toll.no

Simplified customs declaration of alcohol and tobacco As a traveller to Norway you may, in addition to the duty free quota, declare up to 27 litres of beer or wine, four litres of spirits, 400 cigarettes and 500 grams of tobacco, chewing tobacco or snuff for personal use.

Private import of alcohol - Norwegian Customs

You may import beer, wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages for private use without applying for permission. In order to import alcoholic beverages you must be over 18 years of age.

What is the alcohol level in Norway?

Furthermore, Norwegian supermarkets are only allowed to sell alcohol below 4.7% ABV. So if you are looking for anything stronger, you will need to visit a “Vinmonopol” – literally, the Wine Monopoly – which is a government-owned liquor store.

Why do people travel to Norway?

The truth is that people travel to Norway for many things, like stunning scenery and rich history, but very few travel to the country for its cheap prices.

Why the hefty prices?

The laws surrounding alcohol in Norway are many. For example, if you want to buy beer from a supermarket, you must do so before 8 PM on weekdays or 6 PM on Saturdays. On Sundays, no sale of alcohol is allowed unless you are in a bar or a restaurant.

Why are taxes on alcohol so high?

As with these measures, the high taxes on alcohol are meant to discourage excessive consumption. There are also strict measures regarding cost-based promotions on alcohol, meaning that you won’t catch your favorite wine on sale or see happy hour ads at your favorite bar.

Which Nordic country is the most expensive?

Norway is thus the most expensive Nordic country when it comes to dining.

Can you camp in Norway?

You can also camp pretty much anywhere, making it the ideal place for outdoorsy people looking to experience the full extent of Norwegian nature. For camping, it’s probably a good idea to go in the summer, as the winters get quite cold!

Do Norwegians accept pints?

While these restrictions might sound extreme to the average European, most Norwegians accept these high prices – hence why the price of a pint in Norway seems to be every Norwegian’s favorite fun fact!

Why is beer so expensive?

Beer is very expensive because it is heavily taxed, as are all alcoholic beverages, as part of a strategy to curb alcoholism. My Norwegian friends assured me that the plan is not working. But the bread at the store was expensive as well. As were restaurant food, train rides, hotel rooms, and books. And the list goes on.

How has North Sea oil helped Norway?

It has lowered the unemployment rate to an enviable 3.4%–one of the lowest in the world. (There are downsides to this which I will explain in a future post.) At the same time, it has supported a notion of a livable wage that is deeply anchored in Norwegian society. This stands in stark contrast to the United States where the working poor not just include workers in the service industry but increasingly also school teachers and other workers in the public sector.

Which country has the highest gas prices?

Norway is the only oil-producing country with high gas prices. In fact, Norway has the highest gas prices in the world. Yet, the government through heavy taxation seeks to convince Norwegians to keep their cars at home and use public transportation instead.

Is Norway a social laboratory?

But in this small Scan dinavian country that sees itself as a social laboratory, making sure that this new-found oil wealth benefits all Norwegians is a national priority. Norway is a consensus-driven, relatively egalitarian society with a high level of social cohesion.

Is Norway worth visiting?

So if you will visit Norway as a tourist any time soon, you will surely complain about the exorbitant prices. But keep in mind that the money you pay in restaurants, hotels, and other parts of the tourist infrastructure will allow real people to have a real middle-class life. And Norway is a stunningly beautiful country, well worth a visit.

Does Oslo have a living wage?

In other words, the person who sells you a hamburger or a beer in Oslo actually earns a living wage. High wages are prevalent and render the service industry expensive. But high wages are also common in education and other areas of the public sector–not to speak of the energy sector.

How much does it cost to go to Norway?

Well, the results are in! We have now received and reviewed all the bank accounts, credit card statements and toll fees. Basically, I've spent the last two weeks buried in paperwork, trying to figure out how much our little Norway road trip itinerary cost us.

How expensive is Norway compared to the UK?

If you are doing a Norwegian road trip by car and need to pay for accommodation, that could be expensive- especially if you need to buy meals and drinks each day.

How expensive are campsites in Norway?

We thought wild camping in Scotland was great, but then we can to Norway. And while we were here, we spent nearly every night wild camping with our motorhome in some INCREDIBLE places.

How much alcohol is taxed?

Tax is charged on all alcohol with more than 0.7% volume of alcohol, making all alcohol expensive.

Can you travel to Norway with a campervan?

This is one of the biggest advantages to touring Norway with a motorhome or campervan- you can save a lot of money by taking and preparing your own food.

Can you drive to Norway from the UK?

And if you're driving to Norway from the UK or anywhere else, book your ferry in advance as soon as possible, try to wild camp and avoid campsites, bring food with you (but remember the new rules about driving in Europe after BREXIT about meat and milk products from the UK) and find other ways to save money on your road trip.

Is Norway expensive to visit?

Don't get me wrong, as someone who is used to motorhoming in France and Italy, Norway is expensive to visit, but it wasn't as bad as we expected- maybe we just had really really low expectations!

Why is Norway so expensive?

To be more precise, Norway is an expensive country to visit, because of exchange rates. If you come here to live and work, you'll be earning in Norwegian kroner and spending in Norwegian kroner. This means you should stop comparing prices with your home country as soon as possible!

What are the problems expats face in Norway?

Relocation expenses. One of the biggest problems facing new expats is the initial cost of relocating. Because these costs are so high, newcomers are often the loudest objectors to Norway's cost of living.

What is MVA in Norway?

MVA, or merverdiavgift, is a form of sales tax or VAT applied to goods and services purchased in Norway. MVA is applied to the vast majority of goods and services. Unlike in the USA, the tax is always included in the price you see for consumer goods and services. For business-to-business transactions, prices are listed exclusive of MVA.

What are the first questions people ask when moving to Norway?

The first questions on the lips of almost everyone considering a move to Norway are always the same: How much does it cost to live here?

Is food expensive in Norway?

A lot of food is imported into Norway and as such, expensive. Dairy and agriculture is closely controlled, which drives up prices of everyday items like milk and butter.

Is Norwegian food expensive?

The lack of variety in Norwegian supermarkets is a constant source of frustration for expats in Norway, as is the price of certain basic goods. Yet not everything is expensive. Fresh fish and in particular salmon is cheaper than in many other countries.

Is Norway free to use?

Despite rumours to the contrary, Norway's healthcare system is not free to use. Everyone pays for doctor's appointments and prescriptions, but only up to an annual limit of around 2,200kr.

Monday, 18 February 2013

The briefest possible guide on buying alcohol in Norway from bars and shops.

Vinmonopolet - The insanity that is buying alcohol and its prices in Norway

The briefest possible guide on buying alcohol in Norway from bars and shops.

Is alcohol the cause of all life's problems?

To paraphrase Homer Simpson, alcohol is the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.*. *As long as consumed healthily and responsibly. So when you’re in need a cold one on holiday, it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting the best rate.

Is beer expensive in Norway?

Naturally, beer is a big deal in Norway, but it’s also hideously expensive. Go figure. (Picture: Geography Photos/UIG via Getty Images)

Why does Norway regulate alcohol sales so much?

The regulations aren't unique to Norway. Sweden runs a similar, yet more restrictive system, whereby only beer up to 3.5% ABV can be purchased from a supermarket.

What is the tax on alcohol in Norway?

Tax is applied to all alcoholic drinks containing more than 0.7% ABV. The Norwegian authorities do not differentiate between alcohol produced in Norway, or imports. Local beers from Røros, Norway. The only exceptions are for alcohol that's used for technical, scientific or medical purposes.

What does it mean to buy alcohol in Sweden?

Shopping for alcohol in Sweden means you are importing alcohol to Norway. That means you are subject to a quota, and will have to pay duties on anything over that quota. There's more on this below. Anything below 2.5% ABV is exempt from the quota, so many Norwegians stock up on light beers on these trips.

Why is Norwegian beer so popular?

I assume one of the reasons behind beer's popularity is simply cost. The price of wine and spirits puts a lot of people off choosing them.

How to get a liquor license in Norway?

To gain a licence to serve alcohol, the manager plus a deputy must take and pass a test of knowledge on the Norwegian Alcohol Act. The regulations also state that licence holders must be “of spotless repute.”

How much VAT is charged in Norway?

Note that alcohol and packaging duties will be added to the goods. On top of that total, Norway's 25% VAT charge is payable. Furthermore, there will also be a processing fee if you're using a forwarding agent.

What time do pubs close in Norway?

What time do pubs close in Norway? The time at which bars, pubs and clubs must stop serving alcohol varies by location. In most of the country, it is 2am. Some clubs may stay open for an additional hour, but you will only be able to drink water or soft drinks.

Most Expensive in Europe

• In June, Norway Today reported that Norway is the most expensive country for alcohol and tobacco in Europe. This has been the case for several years. The prices of alcohol and tobacco in Norway are 120% above the European average. Iceland is in second place, 30% behind Norway’s price level. In Europe, only Switzerland has more expensive food and no...

See more on norwaytoday.info

Comparing The Prices

Norway on A Budget

Why The Hefty Prices?