If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Norway and you’ve got it all planned but don’t know how you’ll be able to access the internet once you’re there, you’ve come to the right place! Although nowadays there are many ways to connect to the internet abroad, we at Passporter recommend you to get an eSIM card for your trip to Norway. That’s why, below, we’ll tell you how to find the best option for your trip so that you can enjoy a fast internet connection without paying exorbitant prices.
When choosing an eSIM card, there are several factors to consider, such as speed, data limit, support, price and plan duration. Throughout this post we have compared the main brands such as Holafly, Airalo or Simoptions, where we tell you their advantages and disadvantages to help you make a decision. eSIM cards with unlimited data like those from Holafly are a safe bet with no extra charges and 24h support.
Comparison of eSIMs for a trip to Norway
When comparing different brands of eSIM we must take into account all the features that will determine whether the card fits the needs of our trip. That’s why we have prepared this table with all the essential information about each brand to help you make your choice. We’ll go into more detail on all the important points below, so you won’t miss out on any of the information.
| Brand | Plan duration | Data sharing | Unlimited Data | App | GB per plan | Support | Price | Trustpilot | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly | 7, 10, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days15, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days | No | Yes | + | Unlimited data on all plans | English, direct chat and WhatsApp | 19-99€ | 4,6 | 4,3 |
| Airalo | 7, 15 and 30 days | Yes | No | + | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB and 10GB | In English, via bot | 4,5-36$ | 3,9 | 3,8 |
| Nomad | 7, 15, 30 days | Sometimes | No | + | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 15GB, 20GB | In English, by email or via the App | 6-35$ | 1,9 | 3,8 |
| Simoptions | 14 and 30 days | No | No | – | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 8GB, 10GB and 20GB | In English by chat | 7,9-49,9$ | 3,5 | 3 |
| Maya Mobile | 30 days | Yes | Yes | + | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10 GB, unlimited | In English by email | 5-45€ | 4,4 | 3,2 |
1. Holafly, eSIM for Norway with Unlimited Data and customer support in English
| Advantages | They offer data packages by continent and for countries. Holafly’s eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install with QR code or manually. A wide variety of eSIM cards with different prices and contract durations. They have eSIM cards for 160 destinations. Most of their eSIM plans have unlimited data. Technical support 24/7 in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Japanese. Very flexible prices. Payable in euros, dollars and Mexican pesos. Flexible duration of data plans: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days. It has an App where you can check consumption and the days remaining on the contract. |
| Disadvantages | Their eSIM cards do not include calls or sms. They are one of the most expensive options on the market, but it’s worth it because you don’t run out of data and you don’t have to recharge. Holafly’s Kenyan eSIM card does not allow data sharing. They do not allow data sharing with other devices. You cannot do the installation through their App. |
If you’re looking for options that offer unlimited internet data plans, Holafly is your perfect option for buying an eSIM for your trip. Not only will you have unlimited high speed internet, but it also offers 24-hour customer service, and you can contact an agent who can help you in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian or Japanese. And if that wasn’t enough, it is the company with the highest customer ratings on Trustpilot.
On the website of Holafly you can find 8 unlimited data plans, with prices ranging from 19€ to 99€, depending on the length of the contract you choose. The duration of these vary between 5, 7, 10, 15, 15, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days. It is an ideal option for those who want to travel for a short period of time, as well as for those who are thinking of extending their stay.
| Data plan | Euro | Dollars | Mexican Pesos |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days – unlimited data | 19€ | $19 | $339 |
| 7 days – unlimited data | 27€ | $27 | $517 |
| 10 days – unlimited data | 34€ | $34 | $699 |
| 15 days – unlimited data | 47€ | $47 | $899 |
| 20 days – unlimited data | 57€ | $57 | $1199 |
| 30 days – unlimited data | 69€ | $69 | $1399 |
| 60 days – unlimited data | 87€ | $87 | $1699 |
| 90 days – unlimited data | 99€ | $99 | $1999 |
To install your Holafly eSIM card, all you have to do is scan a QR code that will be sent to your email address once you have purchased the card. To install it, you will need to enter a code in your mobile phone settings, and you are ready to go!
After testing Holafly’s eSIM cards, we can say that they are one of the most expensive options on the market, but that in the end they are cost-effective as all their plans have unlimited data, and you won’t need to top up at any time during your trip. Here is a ranking where we evaluate from 1 to 5 all the features of Holafly’s eSIM cards for Norway based on our experience.
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Sharing data | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4,8 | 3,5 | 5 | 4,8 | 3,5 | 4,5 | 4,5 |
In this post, you can read about our experience with Holafly eSIM cards and some users’ opinions: Our opinion of Holafly eSIM.
2. Maya Mobile, one month data packs
| Advantages | They offer data packages by continent and for countries. Maya Mobile’s eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install with QR code or manually. They have eSIM cards for 194 destinations. Data plans limited to 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB that can run out quickly Flexible pricing. They have plans with unlimited data. You can set up auto-recharge after 30 days. They allow data sharing with other devices. |
| Disadvantages | Their eSIM cards do not include calls or sms. No App. The unlimited data plan is limited to 5Mbps. Technical support only in English via a bot. Only 30-day data plans |
Maya Mobile is a company that offers 30-day stay data plans, with generally set packages offering between 1GB, 3GB, 5GB and 10GB, as well as some unlimited data option. In the case of Norway, the latter option is valid for the whole of Europe, giving you more flexibility if you don’t just want to travel to Norway. However, it should be noted that browsing speeds only go up to 5Mbps and, once you have used the maximum data, the speed will drop to 1Mbps. Prices range from 5€ to 45€.
Like Holafly, Maya Mobile is characterised by the speed and simplicity of its contracting and installation process, which is also done via a QR code that arrives in the mail. In addition, they have a 100% refund policy of the purchase in the event that the data does not work, which is not usually the case as they have a minimum of two data providers in each country where they offer their services.
| Data plan | Price in Euros |
|---|---|
| 1 GB – 30 days | 5€ |
| 3 GB – 30 days | 8€ |
| 5 GB – 30 days | 13€ |
| 10 GB – 30 days | 22€ |
| unlimited (Europe) – 30 days | 45€ |
The drawback with Maya Mobile is that their plans are very inflexible and only last for 30 days. On Trustpilot, you can see that the brand has an average score of 4.4, but there are hardly any reviews. Here’s a table showing how they rate each of their eSIM card features.
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4,5 | 4,5 | 3 | 3,2 |
3. Airalo, the cheapest eSIM brand for travel to Norway
| Advantages | They offer regional, country or global data packages. Airalo’s eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. The cheapest brand on the market. A wide variety of eSIM cards with different duration, price and gigabytes. They have eSIM cards for 190 countries. You can share data with other devices. They allow you to top up the eSIM. They have an App and you can buy and install the eSIM from it. |
| Disadvantages | The gigabytes are limited to 100GB or less and they do not have cards with unlimited data. Short-term plans have very limited gigabytes at 1GB and 5GB. The duration of most plans is more than a month. Their eSIM cards do not include calls and sms. Their services and technical support is exclusively in English and takes a long time to respond. |
Airalo is, along with Holafly, one of the world’s best-known brands for buying an international travel eSIM. This company, founded in Singapore in 2019 by Turkish entrepreneurs Abraham Burak and Ahmet Bahadir Özdemir, was one of the first to offer these services, and has a wide coverage of countries where they offer eSIM cards.
Although Airalo is one of the cheapest brands on the market, it can be expensive in the long run as its data plans have very limited gigabytes that can run out at any time, and its technical service is very slow to respond.
Airalo’s eSIM card data plans for Norway have a duration of 7, 15 and 30 days, and prices range from $4.5 to $32. They also offer an eSIM card for Europe that includes 39 countries. The brand has an App through which you can purchase and install the eSIM, and later recharge it when you run out of data.
| Data plan | Price in Dollars |
|---|---|
| 1 GB – 7 days | $4,5 |
| 2 GB – 15 days | $7 |
| 3 GB – 30 days | $9,5 |
| 5 GB – 30 days | $13 |
| 10 GB – 30 days | $21 |
| 20 GB – 30 days | $32 |
Airalo’s eSIM for Norway offers 6 data plans, so you can choose the one that best suits your trip. We compared customer reviews and comments on Trustpilot and found that Airalo has one of the lowest scores at 3.7. Here is the ranking of each aspect of Airalo and in this post you can also read about our opinion of the brand: Our opinion of Airalo: is it worth it?
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4,5 | 4 | 4 | 4,5 | 3 | 3,8 |
4. SimOptions, a marketplace for eSIM cards
| Advantages | Offering regional, country or global data packages. Sim Options eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. A wide variety of eSIM cards with different duration, price and gigabytes. They have eSIM cards for 160 countries. Some plans include calls and SMS. |
| Disadvantages | Gigabytes are limited to 20GB or less and they do not have unlimited data cards. Short-term plans have very limited gigabytes. The features of eSIMs for the same country vary according to the brand contracted. The duration of data plans is limited to 14 and 30 days. Not all eSIM cards allow data top-up. Technical support depends on each brand and good customer service cannot be guaranteed. Speed depends on each brand of eSIM card. There is no App to monitor data consumption. |
SimOptions is an eSIM card marketplace where local mobile phone companies in each country sell their eSIM cards. The brand, with offices in Paris, Thailand and Hong Kong, offers data plans for eSIM cards in more than 160 countries and they also have regional and global plans.
For Norway, you’ll find 6 data plans of 7, 14 and 30 days with data limits of 1GB, 3GB, 8GB, 10GB and 20GB. Prices are a little higher than average and range from $7.9 to $49.9. On most plans, you can’t top up the installed eSIM if you run out of data and just three include calls.
The main drawback of Sim Options is that its website is a bit chaotic and the data plans, as they are from different brands, are very disparate and their features vary a lot, not only price, speed or duration, but also technical support, the possibility of recharging or sharing data. This will force you to look in detail at each brand and will make it harder for you to make a decision.
| Data plan | Price in Dollars |
|---|---|
| 7 days – 1GB | 9,9$ |
| 15 days – 6GB | 17,9$ |
| 30 days – 10GB | 24,9$ |
| 14 days – 8GB | 29,9$ |
| 14 days – 20GB | 49,9$ |
Our personal experience is that with SimOptions cards you waste a lot of time comparing cards. In addition, the price is high, you can only pay in dollars, and they don’t give you the guarantee of good technical support. Here we leave you this ranking where we rate SimOptions eSIM cards from 1 to 5 and in this post you can read about our opinion and that of other customers about the brand: Our opinion about SimOptions: is it worth it?
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3,5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
5. Nomad and its App
| Advantages | They offer regional, country or global data packages. Nomad’s eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. The App is very convenient and allows you to recharge the eSIM. They offer a wide variety of eSIM cards with different prices and amount of gigabytes. They have eSIM cards for 112 countries. Technical support both in the app and on the web. Very affordable prices. |
| Disadvantages | Gigabytes are limited to 10GB or less and they do not have unlimited data cards. Short-term plans have very limited gigabytes (1GB) Their eSIM cards do not include calls or sms. The duration of data plans is limited to 7 or 30 days. Their services and technical support are exclusively in English. You can only top up the eSIM when it is still active. |
The main feature of Nomad is that it has an App with which its customers can sign up for data plans quickly and easily, and install them directly from the App with a single click. They can also be purchased on the web and installed using a QR code or manually with a numerical code.
The brand offers data plans in over 100 countries and also by continent, so you can make use of your internet connection even if you are moving between countries. For a trip to Norway, you can choose from a total of 13 data plans. All of them last for 7, 15 or 30 days, which doesn’t allow for much flexibility.
Their data limit ranges from 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, 50GB, 100GB, although some of their plans are somewhat confusing, as they offer options with the same amount of data (1GB and 20GB) but with different prices ($6 and $7, and $19 and $20), conveying little reliability.
| Data plan | Dollars | Euros | Pounds | CAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB – 7 days | 6$ | 6€ | 5£ | 8,5$ CAD |
| 3GB – 15 days | 12$ | 11,5€ | 10£ | 16,5$ CAD |
| 5GB – 15 days | 14$ | 11,5€ | 10£ | 16,5$ CAD |
| 3GB – 30 days | 12$ | 13€ | 11,5£ | 19$ CAD |
| 5GB – 30 days | 13$ | 12€ | 10,5£ | 18$ CAD |
| 10GB – 30 days | 20$ | 18,5€ | 16,5£ | 27$ CAD |
| 10GB – 30 days | 19$ | 17,5€ | 15,5£ | 26$ CAD |
| 15GB – 30 days | 27$ | 25€ | 22£ | 36,5$ CAD |
| 20GB – 30 days | 35$ | 32,5€ | 28,5£ | 47,5$ CAD |
| 20GB – 30 days | 33$ | 30,5€ | 27£ | 45$ CAD |
However, we can say that the Nomad app is very useful for managing consumption and recharging in case you run out of data. Also, although it’s only available in English, we can reach customer service through it.
You will need to top up your eSIM before it expires if you want to top up your data, otherwise you will need to install a new one if the contract period has passed. For more information on Nomad‘s eSIM features, read on in this post. You can also see our ranking of those features here.
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3,5 | 3,5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3,6 |
Conclusion on which is the best eSIM for Norway
In this post we have seen that there are many important factors to consider when comparing eSIM cards as, for each type of travel, you will have different connection needs. That is why we have prepared this section where we tell you based on our experience which eSIM card is best for Norway.
When we travel, we don’t want to run out of data in the middle of our holiday, so eSIM cards with unlimited data are the best option. In this case, the only brands that offer unlimited eSIM data are Holafly and Maya Mobile, but remember that Maya Mobile’s unlimited data plans are not real, as after using 30GB the browsing speed will drop by half. With some companies such as Airalo you can top up the eSIM already installed through their website or App, but the best thing is not having to pay again if you run out of data. In the case of Simoptions, not all of their eSIM brands allow you to top up.
We know it can be tricky to calculate the gigabytes you’ll need during your trip, so we’ve put together this table to help you estimate if you end up choosing an eSIM card with a data limit, which we don’t recommend.
| Platform | Gigabyte consumption per hour |
| 0,12 GB – 0,18 GB | |
| 0,12 GB – 0,18 GB | |
| 0,06 GB | |
| Tiktok | 0,18 GB – 0,8 GB |
| Netflix | 0,3 GB – 7 GB |
| YouTube | 0,14 GB – 1,7 GB |
| Amazon Prime | 0,8 GB – 6 GB |
The installation process for eSIM cards is always simple and quick, but it is true that some companies make it even easier. The first thing to do is to check if your mobile is compatible with the brand’s eSIM. You can check this information on the website of each provider.
The purchase of the eSIM for Norway can be done via the web in the case of some brands such as Holafly or SimOptions, or via the app such as Truphone or Airalo. Holafly’s website is very intuitive and easy to use, while Simoptions’ website is quite complicated to understand and you will have to do a lot of reading.
The only brands that allow installation through the App are Airalo and Truphone, and in the case of Holafly, from the App you can get the code to install the eSIM manually without using a computer. You can also install the eSIM by scanning a QR code that you will receive by email as soon as you have completed the purchase with Holafly, Airalo, Simoptions or Maya Mobile.
On the other hand, it is very important to consider the technical service to help you in the installation process and solve any doubt or problem. Most brands such as Maya Mobile or Airalo have a chat bot that takes a long time to respond and only does so in English. In the case of SimOptions, technical support will depend on the brand of eSIM card you have chosen. In this aspect Holafly’s technical support is the best as it responds in less than 1 minute in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Japanese via web chat or WhatsApp, where a conversation is opened automatically after purchase.
Many times when we travel we want toshare data with other devices and only some providers like Airalo and some SimOptions brands make this possible.
But one of the most important aspects is price. The cheapest brands are Airalo and Maya Mobile, however, their data plans are very limited, and you’re likely to run out and have to pay again with the top-up. That’s why it is sometimes advisable to pay a little more and get an eSIM card with unlimited data like Holafly’s to give you peace of mind and avoid having to recharge again.
All in all, Holafly eSIM cards are the best choice for travelling to Norway for their unlimited data and multilingual technical support that responds in less than a minute.
Other options for internet in Norway?
While there are many ways to connect to the internet when abroad, it’s worth considering getting an eSIM card and enjoying its many benefits – here’s why!
1. Buy Vodafone, Norway Travel and O2 SIM cards in Norway
Buying a SIM card used to be the most common option before the advent of eSIMs, mainly due to the convenience of being able to purchase one at almost any airport. In the case of Norway, you can opt for different brands such as Vodafone, O2 or Norway Travel, and you can buy them at airports as well as in shops in town.
| Advantages | There is a variety of brands and data plans to choose from. Installation is quick. They can be purchased online or in physical shops. You can make calls and send messages with a local number. |
| Disadvantages | You have to exchange it for your regular SIM card, which can be lost or damaged. You have to open and handle the mobile phone during the installation process. When your travel SIM contract runs out, you have to replace it with another one. You have to travel to buy it or wait for the card to arrive at home. You will not be able to keep your regular phone number. |
2. Renting a Pocket WiFi for Norway
A Pocket WiFi is a wireless router that allows you to connect to the internet from anywhere in the world. These are the advantages and disadvantages of this system, which is considered to be one of the most expensive.
| Advantages | It can be used by several devices at the same time. You can choose the gigabyte package that suits you best. No need to install anything on our mobiles. |
| Disadvantages | It is one of the most expensive options. There are few brands to choose from. Long-term contracts are the norm. In addition to the data plan, you have to pay rent, insurance and shipping costs. The battery lasts at most 6 hours. If you use it with more people you have to be in the same room. You have to carry it with you wherever you go and you run the risk of losing it. |
One of the most popular brands for buying Pocket Wifi in Norway is My WebSpot. You can book a plan for as many days or weeks as you need, and the price will be adjusted to the duration of your choice. For example, an 8-day plan would cost around €76. However, it should be noted that shipping costs, insurance, extra batteries or car chargers will usually be added on.
This system may not be cost-effective for a short trip. It is therefore recommended for longer stays or business trips where the device will always be kept in one place and can be shared between several people.
3. Search for free WiFi networks in Norway
In Norway, you can find free wifi hotspots in places such as department stores, cafés, museums and hotels. However, the big disadvantage of public networks is their vulnerability to hacking. It is therefore recommended that you limit their use to a minimum and avoid at all costs making transactions that put your personal data at risk.
| Advantages | It’s free. No need to install anything on our mobiles. |
| Disadvantages | It is difficult to find free wifi networks. Public wifi networks are often slow or have connection problems. You often have to fill in forms and give your personal details. Some free wifi networks are time-limited. You should always connect close to the router. They are vulnerable to hacking. |
4. Enable roaming for Norway
Data roaming is a service offered by phone companies to continue using your local data plan when you travel to Norway. The cost of this service is usually high, so it is advisable to check with your usual carrier before you set off on your trip, to avoid surprises at the end of the month.
However, residents of countries within the European Union can continue to use the data contracted in their home country at no additional cost.
| Advantages | No installation on our mobile. No extra services to sign up for. You can receive calls, send messages and connect to the internet immediately. |
| Disadvantages | It is the most expensive option. Sometimes it is activated without realising it. Not all phone companies offer this service. |
Frequently asked questions about having internet in Norway
eSIM cards allow you to have internet on your mobile phone when you travel abroad without having to remove your usual SIM card, as is the case with SIM cards. This is possible thanks to a chip that is built into the latest generation of mobile phones.
The purchase of the eSIM data plan can be done through the website or the App of some brands. Choose your destination, the duration and the gigabytes of the data plan and pay securely.
Once you have verified that your mobile phone is compatible with the product and chosen the data plan that best suits your needs, go to the mobile data settings on your smartphone and select “add data plan”. The camera will then open, so you can scan the QR code that you will have received in the mail after the purchase. The installation and activation of your card will then begin.
This process must be carried out with an internet connection, which is why it is recommended that you do it before setting off on your trip or as soon as you arrive at the hotel.
Most models of common brands such as Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Huawei or Google are compatible as long as they are recent models. Several iPads are also compatible. However, it is best to consult the website of each provider, where they will tell you which models are compatible.
SIM cards can be purchased in physical shops or online, with delivery times ranging from 48 to 72 hours. There are also companies that offer same-day express delivery.
Most carriers offer packages with data caps. Holafly, unlike the others, offers a wide variety of unlimited data packages.
Data cards are activated as soon as they are installed in the country of origin, i.e. when the SIM card is inserted or the QR code is scanned.
Data packages usually last for 30 days, however, there are providers such as Holafly that offer more flexible packages between 5 days and 3 months.
Unlimited data plans do not normally allow data sharing, but plans with a specific number of GBs included do.
The data on unlimited plans is really unlimited. Please note, however, that local mobile operators may temporarily reduce the speed if you use applications such as Netflix or YouTube very intensively. These limits are more intended to avoid network saturation by a few users.
Holafly is a Spanish company launched in 2018 that you can trust, it has been tested by more than 400,000 customers, travel blogs and Youtubers. Holafly has been marketing eSIMs since 2019.
Holafly has over 10,000 positive experiences posted on Trustpilot, with an “Excellent” rating and 4.6 average score.
SIM Options has both positive and negative reviews, and a lower average Trustpilot rating than Holafly at 3.8. SIM Options is a Hong Kong based company.
Maya is owned by a US company, Maya Virtual Inc. Reviews of Maya on Trustpilot are good, with an average rating of 4.5.
Airalo reviews on Truspilot are good, with an average score of 3.9.
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