Welcome to Sweden 😊

Quick Facts About Sweden

Money and Finances

The currency in Sweden is the Swedish krona (SEK). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 kronor, and notes in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 kronor.

ATM Network

ATMs are readily available in major cities and towns in Sweden. They can be found in banks, shopping centers, and other public areas. However, it is recommended to carry some cash with you in case you find yourself in a smaller town or village where ATMs may be scarce.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sweden, especially Visa and Mastercard. American Express is accepted in some places but may not be as widely accepted as the other two. It is also worth noting that many businesses prefer card payments over cash, so carrying a card may be more convenient.

Internet and Phones

Sweden has one of the highest average internet speeds in the world, with an average download speed of 55 Mbps and upload speed of 31 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use in Sweden.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Sweden are Telia, Tele2, and Telenor. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around SEK 300-400 ($35-45) per month. SIM cards are compatible with most unlocked phones.

Dialling to Sweden

To call Sweden from another country, dial +46 followed by the area code and phone number. The main area code for Stockholm, the capital city, is 08.

Transport Around Sweden

Air Travel

Sweden has several major airports, including Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, and Malmö Airport.

Train Travel

Sweden has an extensive inter-city train network, operated by SJ. A ticket from Stockholm to Gothenburg can cost around 400 SEK and take about 3.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Stockholm has a well-developed metro system, with 100 stations across 3 lines.

Buses

Sweden also has a good bus network, operated by companies such as Swebus and Flixbus. A bus ticket from Stockholm to Oslo can cost around 250 SEK and take about 7 hours.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Bolt operate in cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, with average prices similar to those of taxis.

Driving by Car

Driving in Sweden is relatively easy, with good roads and signposting. The speed limit is generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on rural roads. Sweden drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Sweden, tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill is common in restaurants and taxis. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake or a hug, and address each other by their first name regardless of gender. Swedes value personal space, so avoid standing too close to strangers. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to wait for them to introduce themselves before starting a conversation.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Sweden has a universal healthcare system which provides high-quality medical care to all citizens and residents. Patients are required to pay a small fee for primary care, and visits to specialists and hospital stays are often free. Travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance as medical costs in Sweden can be expensive, with a visit to a doctor costing between 150 to 500 SEK (16 to 54 USD).

COVID Situation

Sweden was criticized for its relatively lax approach to COVID-19, with few restrictions and a reliance on voluntary measures. The country saw a high number of cases and deaths early on in the pandemic, but has since seen a decrease in both. However, as of September 2021, Sweden has seen a slight increase in cases attributed to the Delta variant, and travelers should continue to follow precautions and stay up-to-date on any new restrictions.

Common Health Risks

Most of Sweden is low risk for infectious diseases, but travelers should be aware of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). It is also important to take precautions against food poisoning, as outbreaks of norovirus and salmonella do occur. Finally, travelers should be prepared for the cold and dark winters, which can lead to seasonal affective disorder and other related conditions.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Sweden, alcohol is heavily regulated and can only be sold through state-run liquor stores or licensed restaurants/bars. The legal drinking age is 18 and it is illegal to be drunk in public. Sales of alcohol are prohibited after 10pm in most places.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Sweden and penalties for possession and distribution are severe. Even possession of small amounts of cannabis can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no laws in Sweden that prohibit pre-marital relationships or cohabitation. Sweden is considered one of the most progressive countries in terms of gender equality and women's rights.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Sweden has legalized same-sex marriage and LGBTQ individuals have legal protection against discrimination. However, there have been reports of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community in recent years.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership in Sweden is heavily regulated and requires a license. Most firearms are only permitted for hunting and sport purposes. The use of firearms in self-defense is generally not considered a valid excuse for ownership.