Formal Name: Tromso ( Romsa in Northern Sami) ( Tromssa in Kven)

Country: Norway

Language: Norwegian

Country Code: 47

Area Code: 083

Postal Code: N-9000

Visa: EU members will require national ID, while non-EU members will generally require only a valid passport and return tickets. Tourists can visit without a visa for 3 months out of any 6.

Location: Tromso is on Tromsoya Island and is connected with the mainland of Norway via a bridge. It's at the same latitude as Siberia and Alaska, but is usually warmer.

Population: There are 65,000 people in the municipality with over 50,000 are in the city center itself.

Time Zone: Local time is Central Eastern Time (UTC + 1) with daylight saving time operational.

Voltage: The voltage is 230V, so bring a converter if your small appliances operate on a different current.

Outlets: The outlets require plugs C or F, the European standard plugs with two round pins.

Currency: The local currency is the Norwegian kroner (NOK).

Banking: You can change money at the bank, but it's actually more expensive than just using your card at ATMs, which are plentiful. International credit and bank cards can be used at most shops and restaurants. Don't use foreign currency as cash for payment because you'll be charged an exorbitant exchange rate.

Accommodation: There is a wide range of accommodation available in Tromso, including hostels, bed and breakfasts, chain hotels and luxury resorts.

Transportation: Steamers, ferries and express boats go north and south from Tromso daily. Buses are also regular and will take you either north or south. For both modes of transport there are only a few trips made daily. Most public transportation is closed completely on Christmas eve and day and also Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There are also fewer transportation options on the weekends. Within the city, buses and taxis are frequent and reliable, and rental cars are readily available.

Airports: Tromso Airport is 4km from the city center and offers regular shuttles and taxis into the city.

Tipping: Tipping is the norm in Norway. If the service is good, tip 10% for servers or taxis. Be aware that some restaurants include a service charge on the bill. Tip porters 20 NOK.

Emergency Numbers: In case of an emergency where you require the police, dial 112. The fire department's emergency number is 110. For an ambulance dial 113.

Interesting Facts: In Tromso you can see more of the Northern Lights than in any other part of the world. They also have two months of midnight sun in the summer, so bring your sleeping mask with you. Far from being a cold, dead city, Tromso is known as the Paris of the North.