Ian Anderson - Expat in Norway
We’ve had the chance to talk to Ian Anderson, 46, a British expat who has moved to Norway with his family. Mr. Anderson, who has been living there for four years, now works as a construction specialist.
Read more about his experiences in the full interview below.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: UK
Q: What made you move out of the UK?
A: Originally to carry out humanitarian aid work.
Q: Where are you living now?
A: Norway.
Q: How did you come to choose this new country of residence?
A: Met a Norwegian lady in Uganda and married. Decided to move to Norway to take advantage of good schools and health care.
Q: How long have you been living in Norway?
A: Four years.
Q: What has been the most difficult experience you've had when you were new in Norway?
A: Language.
Q: Would you say that formalities like getting visas or work permits and international health insurance were particularly difficult in Norway? What was your experience with these?
A: Coming from another EU country it was easy.
Q: Are you living alone or with your family? ) If yes: How are they adjusting to the Expat Lifestyle?
A: Wife and two children. No problems with the kids, my wife spoke her mother tongue to them from birth so they already understood the language.
Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialize with other expats in Norway? How did you manage to find a social circle in Norway?
A: Wife came with ready-made friend network. Otherwise, here in Norway, some Norwegians can be slow to warm up, but most are at least initially interested in you because you’re from the outside.
Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Anything to recommend to future expats?
A: Outdoor stuff: walking, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, sledging, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, lots of beaches, etc. Also take advantage of ‘cabin’ invites, many of them are awesome. Esp. trips up into the mountains.
Q: How does the cost of living in Norway compared to your home?
A: Ouch! Many small things are double, and second-hand cars are triple, and some everyday stuff is about the same. Overall, I recon it’s about 25% more expensive here. Salary does compensate a little. But you do need to be careful, especially eating/drinking out.
- How much is a cup of coffee?
A: 20/25nok for a basic cup. 50+ for anything fancy.
- How much is a meal in an inexpensive restaurant?
A: 140nok.
- How much is a meal in an expensive restaurant?
A: 275-350nok
- How much is a bottle of wine?
A: Wine starts about 100nok and average is 125to 175nok.
- How about a pack of cigarettes?
A: Who can afford to smoke AND drink? (No idea by the way!)
Q: How do you find the local culture and people in Norway?
A: Quiet, non-controversial, try to be fair and fit in. Tolerant of others mostly.
Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in Norway?
A: Negative: you always miss your home country (and it’s expensive, language, making new friends) Positive: it’s not your home country! (great schools, good health service, great countryside, great beaches, mountains, cabins, boats, high-quality services from trains to meals out.)
Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes?
A: Of course.
Q: How do you cope with homesickness?
A: The Internet. TV.
Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?
A: Yes, but not home.
Q: What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
A: Finances.
Q: What tips can you give other expats living in that country?
A: Sort out the job first. Have some savings. Expect to drive a much older car!
Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about Norway?
A: Altinn