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Contact: 0047 (0) 5134 2065
LOCATION:
UKJSU Stavanger, South West Coast of Norway
LIVING:
Climate: Winters in Stavanger are not typical for what one would associate with Norway. The winters are mild and wet with average temperatures usually just above freezing, although snow is not uncommon. In the depth of winter, sunlight is from around 1000 – 1600 hours. The summers are quite warm, often reaching the high 20s, due to the Gulf Stream bringing warmer air past the west coast of Norway, it being light from around 0300 - 2300 hours.
Geography: The Norwegian coastline stretches 13 050 miles with hundreds of fjords and inlets. It is a rugged mountainous country and offers much in the way of outdoor sport.
Area: Stavanger is an attractive cosmopolitan city located on the southwest coast of Norway. It is resplendent with shops and restaurants, offers a huge range of sports and entertainment. The city embraces culture having been named European City of Culture 2008.It is also rich in history dating back to the Viking era, with several museums. With oil as its primary industry, there is a strong international influence. Stavanger is a city which is proud to have a very low crime rate.
International Transportation. There are no direct ferries from the United Kingdom to Norway, however flights are frequent between the UK mainland and Stavanger. See the "Getting to Norway" page for more information.
Initial set-up costs: Initial set-up costs can be high, especially if your arrival is during winter due to the added expense of winter clothing and winter tyres for your vehicle. Ensure that you claim for Disturbance Allowance in line with JSP 752 prior to your arrival, as this will assist with your set up costs.
Drink-Driving. There is a ZERO tolerance programme in force in Norway. The Norwegians do not tolerate drink-driving in any form and you can be expected to be tested several times in the course of your tour, especially 'the morning after the night before'.
WORKING:
Transport: Whilst it is strongly recommended that all military personnel and their spouses are able to drive and bring their own vehicle whilst stationed in Stavanger, it is by no means essential. Public transport facilities are excellent and a Service bus runs from Hundvåg Officers' patch to the Joint Warfare Centre. The Gausel Other Ranks' patch is within easy walking distance of the JWC.
Opportunities for Spouses: There are very limited opportunities for employment and those used to going to work may need to adjust accordingly. Furthermore, families used to a second income should factor the possible reduction in earnings into any financial plan, as Norway is considerably more expensive to live than in the UK. The Local Overseas Allowance (LOA) here however, is intended to compensate for the extra costs of living in a country such as this.
ARRIVAL:
Sponsorship: Arrivals are allocated a Sponsor in order to help them and their families (if applicable) settle into Stavanger. Whilst the whole arrival procedure takes about a week or so, the procedure is quite straightforward. The process of importing cars is refreshingly simple. Before personnel arrive in Theatre, they are sent an arrivals pack which will include applications for bank accounts, D numbers (a national identity number) and other information which you may find useful.
Website Administration:
Sgt Ady Lewis, Tel - 0047 51342065, Email - Afn-adm-cashier@stavangerfus.afpaa.mod.uk
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