Cruise in Norway: discover how to recover VAT thanks to Global Blue during your port calls. A simple and practical guide for cruise passengers.
🛍️ Tax refunds in Norway while on a cruise: How does Global Blue work?
Norway is a dream destination with its spectacular fjords, colorful towns, and breathtaking landscapes.
But it is also famous for one thing: its high cost of living.
Good news for cruise passengers: it is possible to get a portion of the VAT back thanks to the Global Blue system, even during a port call of just a few hours.
Few passengers know about it, and yet... it is a really great tip 💡
Here is everything you need to know, simply, without any hassle.
VAT in Norway: what you need to understand
In Norway, VAT (called MVA) is high:
25% on most products
15% on certain food items
When you go shopping during a port call, this tax is included in the displayed price... but it can be partially refunded if you reside outside of Norway, which is the case for the vast majority of cruise passengers.
💳 Global Blue: the simplest system for cruise passengers
VAT refunds are primarily processed through Global Blue, an international organization specializing in Tax Free Shopping.
👉 Key advantage for cruise passengers:
Global Blue is perfectly suited for short port calls and Norwegian ports.
🛒 Which shops are eligible?
During your strolls ashore (Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, Ålesund, Tromsø...), look for shops clearly displaying:
TAX FREE – GLOBAL BLUE
This applies to:
souvenir shops
clothing and accessories
local products
cosmetics
sports or outdoor gear
⚠️ Restaurants, bars, and services are not included.
🧾 How it works in practice (step by step)
1️⃣ Do your shopping
Minimum amount usually required (varies by shop but generally 315 NOK, or about 27 €)
Present your passport at the time of payment.
The merchant will give you a Global Blue form
2️⃣ Keep everything safe
Keep:
your receipts
the Global Blue form
the purchased items (unused)
🚢 And for cruise passengers, how does the validation work?
This is THE big question, and the answer is reassuring 👌
✔️ Most frequent case: simplified validation
For cruises:
Norway is part of the Schengen Area. Authorities know you are leaving the territory by ship
👉 In many cases, no physical customs office is required in the port
Validation can be done at the last port, or even directly on the ship (that was the case for our cruise in June 2025), or by dropping it off in a Global Blue kiosk at the airport when you return.
✈️ Refund: when and how?
Several options are available:
💳 Refund to a card or bank account (most common)
💶 Cash (at certain airports)
📱 Via the Global Blue app
⏳ Average time: from a few days to a few weeks depending on the chosen method.
⚠️ Important points to know
The refund is not 100% of the VAT (Global Blue takes a commission)
The items must leave Norway within the required timeframes
An incorrectly filled-out form = refused refund
👉 CWUS Tip:
📸 Take a photo of every form and receipt just in case.
💡 Is it really worth it?
Yes... on certain purchases only.
✔️ Very worthwhile for:
clothing
outdoor products
"high-end" souvenirs
❌ Not very useful for:
small purchases
low-priced souvenirs
🧭 In summary
✔️ Yes, cruise passengers can get a VAT refund in Norway
✔️ Global Blue is the easiest system
✔️ Planning ahead = real savings
✔️ Little time required during a port of call
✨ Conclusion
Norway is an exceptional destination... and even though it is known for being expensive, tax-free shopping helps soften the bill for savvy cruise passengers.
A small form, a little organization, and your Norwegian souvenirs already cost a bit less 😉
⚓ Traveling smart, that's also the cruise spirit.
For more advice on Norway, you can read our article and watch the video conference we participated in with the agency Planete Croisière by checking their YouTube channel right here.
And to make sure you don't forget anything, take a look at the essentials to bring with you to Norway by clicking right here!
Ulrich & Sidara