Latest news with #TheLocalNorway
Travel Weekly
28-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Norway considers cruise tax
Norway is moving toward authorizing a tax on cruise ships as a part of a larger effort to introduce a tourism tax, according to The Local Norway. Though the legislation previously targeted hotels, campsites and short-term rentals, the country's ruling Labour Party now intends to include cruises and campervans in the tax, the English-language outlet reported. The Labour Party has not yet determined a desired tax rate, and the Centre Party is not on board with the change, according to the report. The tax would not apply nationwide but would rather be one that municipalities could opt into. A version of the bill submitted last month would have set the rate at 3% for overnight stays, according to Forbes.
Local Norway
01-03-2025
- General
- Local Norway
What you need to know about emergency plumber callouts in Norway
Plumbing emergencies are stressful, expensive, and often happen at the worst times. That's why it's a good idea to research local plumbers before an emergency happens. This allows you to compare rates, read reviews, and find a reliable professional in advance. If you haven't done this, recommendations from friends and neighbours are often the best alternative. Panic-Googling for an emergency plumber is a close third. However, there are situations where you won't be able to wait out a problem and will need to call a plumber immediately. Scenario: What to expect when calling a plumber outside workhours Your kitchen tap is leaking uncontrollably, and your shut-off valve is useless Bonus tip: One of the most crucial things to know is where your main water shut-off valve is located. Closing it can prevent further damage from leaks and flooding. You don't have a plumber's contact at hand, so you rush to find one online. You manage to call a plumber, and fortunately, they respond. Most emergency plumbers will ask you to send them photos of the problem before they arrive. This helps them provide a preliminary cost estimate and bring the necessary tools and replacement parts. The costs If you're calling outside regular business hours, expect to pay an emergency surcharge. In western Norway, weekend emergency rates can be double the regular hourly rate, which tends to stand at around 1,000 kroner per hour as of the time of writing. That's why getting a cost estimate in advance can help avoid surprises. In our scenario, the plumber will need to replace both the faucet and the faulty shut-off valve. Purchasing these parts from the plumber usually comes at a premium, but you often don't have time to shop around in an emergency. Expect additional charges for the plumber's company vehicle and transportation costs, as well as any sealing materials and other necessary supplies that they will use to fix the issue on-site. Emergency response times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes for a local plumber. The repair itself, replacing a broken faucet and a shut-off valve, usually takes about an hour. However, you will likely be charged double the standard rate since this is an emergency intervention outside of regular working hours. Here's what your final invoice might look like for a similar emergency callout: Schreenshot: The Local Norway Photo: The Local Norway Some plumbers accept Vipps payments on-site, while others issue invoices via email or post with a typical 7-day payment deadline. Who has to pay? A guide for tenants As a renter, you are generally responsible for maintaining the apartment (unless otherwise stated in your contract), which includes keeping the drains clear up to the water trap. This means taking preventive measures if you notice issues such as slow drainage. However, the responsibility for plumbing issues in a rental property depends on several factors. Did you contribute to the problem? If a clogged drain is due to your actions (e.g., pouring food scraps down the sink), you will likely be responsible for the repair costs. How long have you lived in the apartment? If an issue results from previous tenants' neglect (e.g., years of improper disposal habits), it may not be fair for you to cover the entire cost. Remember that tenants are expected to attempt basic fixes (this applies to non-emergency situations), such as unclogging methods, before calling a plumber.
