Before you go, do some basic research on travel to Sweden. Which means of transport are available, in which currency do you pay or which public holidays are there? Here you can find out everything at a glance. You can also contact us at any time if you have any questions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN BRIEF
Entry
Travelers from EU countries and Switzerland need a valid identity card (or an identity card) to enter the country. See countryaah for all countries in European Union.
Public holidays
January 1st – New Year
January 6th – Epiphany
May 1st – Labor Day
June 6th – National
Day November 1st – All Saints Day
December 24th – Christmas Eve
December 25th – Christmas
December 26th – St. Stephen’s Day
Movable: Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day (in May), Midsummer’s Day (Friday and Saturday around June 24th).
Money
Abbreviated as SE by abbreviationfinder, Sweden’s currency unit is the krona (plural kronor, abbreviated SEK or kr), which is divided into 100 öre. International credit cards are accepted as a means of payment almost everywhere in Sweden and can usually also be used in smaller hotels, shops and restaurants. There are machines in front of the banks where you can withdraw cash (with the appropriate card and PIN code). However, cashless payments are extremely widespread in Sweden, so a credit card is recommended in many areas. For example, many taxis no longer accept cash or EC cards, and more and more hotel chains only offer card payments.
Health
There are few health risks in Sweden – the water is clean and insects and animals are not a threat. However, you have to be prepared for annoying mosquitoes (mygg) in summer – especially in the north. Therefore, take an insect repellent with you, especially for trips to the country. Anyone traveling to Sweden in winter should be equipped for heavy snowfall and low temperatures (ideally with several layers of warm clothes, hat, gloves and winter boots). Health care in Sweden is good. If you need any prescription medication, it is better to bring a sufficient amount with you. It is best to find out from your health insurance company about travel health insurance before you leave.
Communication
If you want to send postcards, put them in the yellow mailboxes (national and international addresses) – the blue ones are only for internal delivery. The public telephone booths are ideal for making calls on site (telephone cards are available in the post offices) Or buy a local SIM card for your mobile phone (make sure that your device is unlocked for this beforehand). In some remote areas of Sweden, as well as in the mountains, you may not have any reception. To call from Sweden, dial 00 + the country code (49 for Germany, 43 for Austria, 41 for Switzerland) + the area code (without 0) + the subscriber number. The country code for Sweden is 46. Internet is very popular and widespread; there is often free Wi-Fi in shops even in the smallest of towns. Many pensions and hotels now provide their guests with a computer with internet access (for a fee).
Emergencies
The pan-European emergency number is 112; then you state whether you need the police (polis), the ambulance (ambulans) or the fire brigade (brandkår). The call is free from all public telephone booths.
Public transport
Plane
If you want to explore the rest of the country in addition to southern Sweden, flying can be a huge time saver. The most important line for domestic flights is SAS, there are also regional companies.
Railroad
The trains are comfortable and reliable; But if you go north, you will need a lot more time for this type of journey because of the great distances. There are specially reserved compartments for female travelers. The SJ 2000 high-speed train is ideal for rail journeys in southern Sweden: it covers the Stockholm – Gothenburg route in around 3 hours 15 minutes and Stockholm – Malmö in around 4 hours 30 minutes, almost 2 hours faster than the usual route «Intercity trains (but the journey costs more). The Swedish State Railways offer special offers for young people under 26, students and pensioners during times of low traffic. There are last-minute tickets (sista minutes ticket) and tickets via internet auctions (biljetter via auction). If you plan to travel frequently by train, a train pass is well advised: Inquire about the offers from Eurail, InterRail and the Scandinavia Rail Pass. More information, prices and timetables can be found on the website of the Swedish State Railways (Statens Järnvägar),www.sj.se
Buses
Buses are cheaper than trains, but take longer (e.g. Stockholm – Malmö 8–9 hours). For shorter distances, however, buses are a cheap alternative to the train, especially for tourists on a budget. The most important bus companies are Swebus ( www.swebus.se ) and Svenska Buss ( www.svenskabuss.se ).
Ferries
There are 30,000 islands near Stockholm, and locals have great fun exploring as many islands as possible. The main ferry company, Waxholmsbolaget ( www.waxholmsbolaget.se ), offers five days of unlimited trips to 260 piers across the archipelago thanks to the inexpensive Båtluffarkort.
City traffic
Most cities have a good bus network, Stockholm a metro, and Gothenburg trams. In Stockholm and Gothenburg you can use public transport for free with the City Cards. The Stockholm Card is available for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days, the Göteborg City Card for 1, 2 or 3 days (at tourist offices and train stations). There are also inexpensive tickets for local transport for a period of 24-72 hours.
Taxis
Taxis are available almost everywhere, but they cost a lot. If you are traveling in a group, the trip is more worthwhile. Ask the driver to give you the approximate cost.
Opening hours
The following times are intended as guidelines:
Banks: These are open Monday to Friday 10 am–3pm, and a little longer on Thursday.
Post offices: Usually open Monday to Friday 10 am–6pm and Saturday 10 am–1pm, post offices in shops often longer. Shops: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday until 2 or 4 p.m., shopping centers often longer.
Department stores: on weekdays often until 8 or 10 p.m., on Sundays mostly 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Security
Sweden is considered a safe country to travel to; of course – as everywhere – one should not be careless in the cities. Leave your valuables in the hotel safe, beware of pickpockets in the crowd, and keep your money and IDs safe, e.g. B. in a belt or a closable inner pocket. Lock your car and leave nothing of value in a parked car.
Toilets
Toilets (toalett) are marked as Damer (women) or Herrar (men).
Tourist Information
The main office in Stockholm (Stockholm Visitor Center) is in Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg 3; in Gothenburg the address is Kungsportsplatsen 2 (near the canal bank). The staff speaks English and other languages, and English, often German, brochures are available. There are also centrally located tourist information points in all of Sweden’s larger and smaller cities. For the latest information on events, concerts and more, visit www.visitsweden.com
Tips
Although the tip is included in the restaurant, you are welcome to round the amount up to the next 10 kr.
