Electronics
Household appliances that are of non-European standard should be left back home. There are 4 important reasons for this:
- Electrical supply system: The European standard is 220-240V and 50 Hz (cycle current). Appliances made for other electrical supplies, such as 110V, 60Hz (common in North America) will not work without a transformer. That said, certain pieces of equipment that are dependent upon cycles, such as record players, electrical clocks, will not work properly. Larger appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines will run more slowly and may overheating and serious damage.
- Standard size: The European standard size for washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, cookers, microwaves, etc are usually smaller than the North American standard.
- Hot water fittings and drain dimensions: Problems might also stem from incorrectly sized pipe/drain dimensions for foreign washing machines. Foreign washing machines will also require a hot water fitting, while European machines heat up water to the right temperature.
- Norwegian regulations: Electrical equipment that is imported to Norway should, in principle, not be used before being approved by NEMKO. Items bearing the (N) mark are already approved. To get an approval is time-consuming, expensive and complicated. The only exception are television sets, which can be checked and approved by a local TV dealer.
In addition, you may not be able to find a place to service or repair your appliances, in the unfortunate situation that they break down. You can find all kinds of electronics and appliances in Norway. Adapters must be of the two-pin, round-ended European type.
Important note: In general, properties listed for rent have white goods (stove, oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer) included in the rent.
Furniture
Unless you own a lot of expensive, and/or antique furniture that you cannot bear to part with, try not to bring furniture with you. Norwegian houses are in general, smaller than what many people are used to, and there is always a chance your furniture may not fit in your new home. Very large one pieces of furniture should be avoided because of narrow stairways and aslant ceilings in Norway. Nothing is more annoying/ heartbreaking to ship your furniture all the way to Norway, and then find out that you either have to spend a large amount of money to store it, give it away or sell it. A lot of rental homes here are partly/fully furnished and you can easily find good, and moderately priced new furniture as well as gently-used furniture on FINN or at Fretex, and a few other stores. Norwegians tend to only sell/ donate items that are in good shape, and throw away things that are unusable or in a bad condition.