Sending souvenirs home from Norway is easy thanks to the country’s reliable and well‑organized postal system. Whether you’re mailing postcards, gifts, or a box of Viking‑themed treasures, here’s how to work through Posten Norge - Norway’s national postal service.
📮 Norway’s Postal Service: Posten Norge
Posten Norge is the national postal operator, known for being efficient, modern, and tourist‑friendly. You’ll find post offices and pickup points in:
- Supermarkets (Coop, Kiwi, Rema 1000)
- Dedicated Posten branches
- Convenience stores (Narvesen, 7‑Eleven)
Most towns - even small fjord villages - have at least one Posten pickup or drop‑off location.
📦 What You Can Send Home
Tourists commonly mail:
- Postcards
- Small souvenirs
- Clothing or wool items
- Books and maps
- Packaged food (non‑perishable)
Items you cannot send include alcohol, fresh food, and anything restricted by your home country’s customs rules.
📮 How to Send a Package
The process is simple:
- Buy a Posten box or padded envelope (available at most post counters).
- Pack your items securely - Norway’s weather can be wet.
- Fill out the customs form (staff can help).
- Choose standard or tracked shipping.
- Pay at the counter and get your receipt.
Most packages arrive in 5-14 days depending on destination.
📬 Finding a Post Office or Drop-Off Point
Use the Posten app or website to find:
- Nearest post office
- Opening hours
- Self‑service drop boxes
Many locations are inside grocery stores, making it easy to combine errands.
✉️ Buying Stamps
You can buy stamps at:
- Posten counters
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Tourist shops (for postcards)
Stamps for postcards are usually labeled “A‑post” (priority mail).
📦 Packaging Tips
- Use waterproof packaging - Norway’s climate is unpredictable.
- Wrap fragile items with extra padding.
- Seal boxes well - especially if sending long distances.
- Write addresses clearly in block letters.
🌍 Customs Notes for International Shipping
When sending items outside the EU/EEA, you must complete a simple customs form. You’ll need to declare:
- Contents
- Value
- Your home address
Most souvenirs are low‑value and pass through customs easily.
🧭 Practical Tips for Tourists
- Send heavy items home to avoid overweight luggage fees.
- Use tracked shipping for anything valuable.
- Check your home country’s import rules for food or wood products.
- Keep receipts in case customs asks for proof of value.
- Mail postcards early - delivery can take a week or more.
✨ Final Thoughts
Norway’s postal system is reliable, modern, and easy for visitors to use. Postcards take a week, parcels take two, and the post office is usually inside a grocery store. Simple enough.
