Top 13 things to know before you visit Sweden
Most travelers encounter few difficulties in Sweden and think it is a place that welcomes visitors from other countries.
An easy country to travel in, Sweden has well-functioning public transport, high security and a population that for the most part speaks English very well. Still, there are some things to be aware of that will help your journey go as smoothly as possible. Read on for things you should know before you travel, so that your Swedish experience will live up to expectations and be one you remember for all the right reasons.
Planning your trip to Sweden
Find out where to put your head
If you want to get the best deals on accommodation in Sweden, you must book in advance, especially if you visit a busy time of year. Reliable hotel chains with hotels throughout Sweden include Scandic, Nordic Choice Hotels, Radisson and Best Western; There are also many detached hotels, some of them simpler properties with shared bathrooms, which may be worth considering if you want to save some money.
A varied selection of hostels offers some of the most budget-friendly accommodation in Sweden, often in very attractive places. Be aware that hostel guests are often expected to bring their own bed linen or pay an additional fee to rent them. Sleeping bags are not allowed.
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Unfortunately, we have closed: avoid disappointment
On the other hand, some restaurants have been known to close for up to six weeks in the summer while staff go on holiday. Many museums are open daily during the summer high season but change to a six-day open schedule during the low season, usually with Monday as a closed day. If you have your heart set on a particular activity or attraction, do your homework and check the opening dates and times before booking your trip.
Cash is not king
Sweden has been steadily losing cash for several years, and the covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated this already strong trend. While it’s good to have some cash with you for emergencies, you can basically expect to trust your credit or debit card for most transactions. Some places, including public transport, no longer accept cash at all. If you have a contactless card, you can usually just press it to pay, but if your card does not have that option, you generally need to be prepared to enter a PIN or show ID to complete your transaction.
You can ride on the rails without spending a fortune
Train tickets in Sweden are available in both first and second class, with prices that vary between different departures, so book well in advance for the best offer. The The Swedish Railway Company’s websiteSJ, lists prices for both its own trains and lines operated by regional partners throughout the country.
If you plan to do a lot of train travel, an Interrail or Eurail train card is a great way to save money. You can buy a passport online (Interrail if you live in Europe; Eurail if you live elsewhere), but make sure to book with enough time to get the passport before your departure. For many trains, you must book a seat or sleeping compartment separately if you use a train card.
Take the road and avoid speeding fines
Sweden’s roads are safe, well-maintained and often scenic, but renting a car is expensive, as is fuel. As with all destinations, it is important to book well in advance and compare different rental agencies to get the best price. If you do not need to pick up your car at an airport, consider local agencies or even Circle K gas stations, which rent cars and may have lower rates.
When driving around Sweden, keep a watchful eye for blue signs with a white symbol for a video camera, which warns of speed cameras in front of you. If you are caught speeding, the police will eventually track you down and send you a bill.
Etiquette in Sweden
Small talk, what is it?
A saying goes that Swedes are great friends, but poor strangers. Swedes are generally helpful and welcoming to tourists, but you will rarely find them chatting with people they do not know. For visitors from more sociable cultures, it can feel strange or uncomfortable to wait at a bus stop with a group of people who all ignore each other, or that someone avoids eye contact when they pass you on the street. Do not take it personally. If you are in Sweden in the long term, it can help to break the ice by looking for clubs and activities around a common interest. Once you do, you will experience most Swedes as warm, loyal friends.
Do not be early, do not be late
If you are planning to meet someone or invited to a private home, the time indicated is when you are expected to arrive. What can be considered fashionable late in other cultures is considered rude in Sweden. It can also be difficult for your host to arrive early and should be avoided. It is also considered good to bring a host gift in the style of flowers, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. If you choose to bring wine, you must go to the nearest Systembolaget’s outlet: Sweden’s state liquor stores are the only places where you can buy drinks with more than 3.5 percent alcohol content. Please note that all Systembolaget’s stores are closed on Sundays.
Dress up to go out, down to work
In many countries, people dress for work and more relaxed to go out. In Sweden, it is often the opposite. You will see businessmen in meetings wearing jeans and jackets, with people dressed to nine to go out and have drinks or dinner. In general, a smart casual dress without gadgets will work well in most situations. You must be 18 years or older to order alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants, but at least 20 to shop at Systembolaget.
To drink or not to drink: it’s okay anyway
The custom of drinking is much less established in Sweden than in many other countries, so for the most part you can expect to pay pretty much whatever is on the bill. If you eat out, it is common to round up to the nearest large number to show your server some appreciation; if you choose not to tip, you are unlikely to be offended. For taxi fares, it is polite to add a few kroner to round up; if you travel with luggage is a little extra appreciated, though not expected. It is not necessary to provide tips for cleaning and other services in hotels.
Take a number: how to queue in Sweden
Whether you’re waiting at the bank, a ticket office or the supermarket’s deli counter, the first thing you should do is look around for a ticket machine. The majority of the queues in Sweden work on a number system, so take a ticket and find somewhere to wait where you can see the display that indicates when your number is up and which counter you should go to. Sometimes there is more than one number sequence in play for different types of services, so if you see several options at the ticket machine and can not find out which one applies to you, it is best to ask someone for help before you waste time waiting for wrong queue.
Health and safety in Sweden
Stay safe in the urban jungle and wild nature
Sweden is a very safe country, but as with all destinations, you should keep a close eye on your belongings, as there are pickpockets. Be sure to store valuables in your hotel locker, if there is one, or keep them locked in your luggage when you are out and about. If you live in a hostel, bring a padlock so you can store things safely in a locker. Pay attention to your surroundings and try to stay in well-lit areas after dark. The chance that something bad will happen is small, but it is always best not to tempt fate.
If you are on your way out into nature, make sure you are sufficiently prepared – Sweden’s wild landscapes are wonderful, but if something goes wrong you can be far from helpful. If you do not have a wilderness experience, a guided tour is the best option for outdoor activities in remote areas.
Help, I need a doctor!
If you get sick or injured while in Sweden, never fear. The country’s healthcare system is first class, but it can be confusing to find out how to access it as a visitor. If you have a health insurance card from another country within the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the right to receive care on the same terms as Swedes. If you are coming from somewhere else you usually have to pay the full cost, so it is important to have a decent travel insurance for safety.
If you need medical care while you are in Sweden and are unsure of what to do, call the national emergency number 1177 for help. In the event of an emergency requiring immediate action, call 112.
Beware! Two-wheeled hazards are everywhere
Sweden is a pedestrian-friendly country, but you have to keep a sharp eye on two-wheeled transport. Jaywalka does not and never enter a dedicated bike path without first looking in both directions; if you do, you risk life and limb, as cars and cyclists are not prepared to stop. Also look at your feet – in recent years, electric scooters have become more common in cities and are often left at random in places where they are an obstacle for pedestrians.