Sweden is a friendly country
Travel to and in Stockholm
For information about travel to and in Stockholm visit the webpage of Stockholm Visitor’s Board. You also find information on local public transport in Stockholm on the webpage of Stockholm Public Transport.
Please observe that you need to buy a valid ticket in advance when using public transport in Stockholm. For example, you cannot buy tickets on buses and trams. For this reason you find ticket machines at major bus stops and train stations. Unfortunately the ticket machines do not give change in return when you pay cash. You are advised to pay with a credit card. You may also buy your tickets in advance at an SL Center or a ticket agent.
Currency and exchange
Sweden is not a member of the European Economic and Monetary Union and uses its old currency Swedish Kronor (SEK), not the Euro. Bank notes are printed in values of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 kronor, coins 50 öre, 1, 5 and 10 kronor (1 Krona = 100 Öre).
You can buy Swedish Kronor from your local bank before departure. You may also change your money once you are in Sweden. You find exchange desks at the Stockholm Arlanda International Airport, as well as, at the Stockholm Central Railway Station.
In Stockholm you will find several cash machines in shopping districts. These usually accept major credit cards, like VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. These credit cards are typically also accepted at banks, hotels, stores, restaurants, and taxis. Most shops and restaurants require identity card (passport) while paying with credit card if you do not have a PIN code.
Electric current
European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles are used. Plugs and sockets may differ from those in other parts of the world, so travellers should bring adapters or transformers for electrical appliances such as hairdryers and shavers.
Laptop computers that are made to work on both 110 and 220 volts can be used in Sweden with an adapter. For laptop computers working on 110 volts only, transformers are necessary.
Passport and Visas
A valid passport (or identity card for European Community Nationals) is required. Visas are not necessary for citizens of EU countries, or the majority of countries outside Europe. Please contact your local Swedish Embassy, Consulate or your Travel Agency for further information.
Tipping
It is not usual to tip in Sweden because service is included in the prices. Nevertheless, a general recommendation is to do what feels comfortable to you. If you like to pay a tip it is accepted, but not expected.
- Tipping for special services provided by hotel staff is fine, but is not expected and is simply a matter of personal taste.
- At restaurants, a service charge is included in the bill, but a small gratuity is welcomed for evening meals. Swedes usually round up the payment to the nearest even 10 Kronor.
- Taxi drivers are used to that foreigners pay a few extra kronor.
- Porters and cloakroom attendants often charge fixed fees. Doormen at hotels and restaurants are tipped modestly.
Language
The official language is Swedish. Nevertheless, travellers can leave their phrase books at home when they go to Sweden. Most Swedes speak English.
Smoking
Smoking is forbidden by law in public transportation, and in closed public areas like restaurants and cafés.
Drinking water in Sweden
The tap water in Sweden is of high quality and at least as good as the bottled variety that you have to pay for. Do not get surprised if you order water in the restaurant and they bring you a glass of tap water instead of a bottle.
What to wear
In September the outdoor temperature in Stockholm is normally around 10 – 15 centigrades. A very cold day can be as low as 5 centigrades and very warm day as much as 25 centigrades. Typically it is a good idea to bring a light overcoat and a small umbrella.
Other
Please let us know if you miss any important practical information for your stay in Stockholm.
Last updated: August 02, 2010 17:14