Travel Essentials

Sweden: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types C and F (European two-pin), 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112. Tipping: Not expected; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated. Tap water: Generally safe to drink..

Open The Sweden Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C and F (European two-pin), 230 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything

112

Tipping

Not expected; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated.

Water And Health

Tap water: Generally safe to drink.
Vaccines: Routine vaccines.
Malaria: None

Apps To Download Before You Go

Swish: The mobile payment app almost every Swede uses, though it requires a Swedish bank account; cards and contactless are accepted everywhere and many places refuse cash.
Bolt: The most popular ride-hailing app in Swedish cities, alongside Uber.
SL: Stockholm's public-transport app for metro, bus, tram and commuter train tickets; Gothenburg uses Västtrafik To Go and Malmö uses Skånetrafiken.
SJ: The national rail operator's app for booking trains between Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and up to Lapland.
Foodora: The leading food and grocery delivery app across Sweden, with Wolt and Uber Eats as alternatives.
BankID: The digital ID behind nearly all Swedish services; visitors cannot get it, which explains why some sites and apps are locked to residents.
Klarna: The Swedish 'buy now, pay later' company is built into most local online shops.
Systembolaget: The state alcohol monopoly's app helps you find stores and opening hours, since supermarkets sell only low-alcohol beer.
Voi: Sweden's homegrown e-scooter and e-bike sharing service, common in all major cities.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. Swedes say "hej" and shake hands with eye contact, including women and children, saying their name. Friends hug; cheek kisses are uncommon. When arriving at a gathering, greet each person individually.

Punctuality. Swedes value punctuality highly; arrive on time for meetings and social invitations.

Personal space and quiet. Swedes generally value personal space and a reserved, understated manner; loud behavior in public draws attention.

Fika. The coffee-and-pastry break (fika) is a social institution; taking time for it is a normal part of daily life.

Safety And Scams

Sweden is very safe for travelers overall, with low violent crime and excellent infrastructure, though authorities note a moderate terrorism risk and gang-related violence concentrated in specific areas of larger cities that rarely affects tourists.

Pickpocketing near stations. Common around train stations and tourist attractions; keep bags zipped and valuables secure.

Online romance and money scams. Scammers build online relationships or pose as authorities requesting money; never send money to someone you haven't met in person.

Fake charity petitions / distraction tricks. Groups may distract with clipboards or petitions while an accomplice picks pockets; politely decline and move on.

Women travelers. Sweden is generally very safe for women travelers, with harassment uncommon; normal urban precautions apply late at night around nightlife districts.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Safe

Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1944 and same-sex marriage since 2009; Sweden is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers, though isolated harassment can occur around nightlife areas.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	SEK 46	$4.90
Local bus or metro ride	SEK 43	$4.60
Mid-range restaurant meal	SEK 200	$21
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	SEK 350	$37
Mid-range hotel (night)	SEK 1,400	$150
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	SEK 1,700	$180

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

June through August is best for mild weather, long daylight, and festivals, though it is also wettest and most crowded; December-February suits winter activities and the chance of northern lights up north.

Do You Need A Visa?

Sweden visa requirements by nationality

Phrases

Basic Swedish phrases