Sweden

Electricity

The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs are used.

Language

Swedish is the main language, though the Sami population in the north speaks Sami. Most Swedes speak and understand English; some are proficient in other European languages such as German, French and Spanish.

Money

The Swedish monetary unit is the krona or crown (SEK), which is divided into 100 ore. Banks exchange money during business hours from Monday to Friday; visitors can also change money at airports, ferry terminals, post offices, and Forex exchange offices, which are open daily. There are numerous ATMs throughout the country, most of which accept MasterCard and Visa. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Sweden, and mobile payment apps are very popular.

Tipping

Tips are always welcome but aren't expected; tipping customers generally add 10 percent of the final bill. It's common to round up to the nearest number when eating out or paying taxi fare.

Health

No health risks are associated with travel to Sweden and medical care in the country is excellent. Reciprocal health agreements exist with other European Union countries, though the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens after Brexit. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. All non-EU travellers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance.

Safety

Sweden is an extremely safe country to visit. There's some petty crime in the cities where tourists congregate, but crime is generally at much lower levels than elsewhere in Europe. Most visits to Sweden are trouble free.

Travellers who visit for adventure or artic tourism should never do so alone, and they should buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. They should also avoid venturing off marked trails, and ensure that they're properly equipped and well informed about the weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard. It's best to inform a family member or friend of their itinerary, and to have detailed information on each activity before setting out.

Local customs

Sweden is very liberal and secular, and equality is an important part of the culture. Boastfulness and open conflict are usually avoided, as is discussing work as an entry into a conversation.

Chivalry is often considered an outdated concept in Sweden, which is one of the most gender equal countries in the world. Gestures such as opening doors for women are not considered necessary.

Smoking isn't allowed in indoor establishments such as restaurants and bars; swedes have a reputation for being meticulously tidy, so it's polite to remove shoes when entering a Swedish home.

Doing business

Sweden is no stranger to corporate culture and is home to many global companies such as Skype and Spotify, not to mention popular automotive company, Volvo. Scandinavians, and Swedes in particular, value the inherent equality and dignity of all people; this is reflected in business, where consensus and compromise is valued in the decision-making process.

Decisions often take a long time to be made, as all opinions are considered. It's best to avoid overt displays of wealth or status; business practice and personal conduct should always be rational, calm and disciplined. Swedes often come across as overly reserved, but business meetings are efficient.

The business world in Sweden draws a strict line between work and social gatherings, so foreigners shouldn't expect many post-work social events or dinner invitations. The best way to circumvent the reserved nature of most Swedes in the business environment is at the twice-daily fika, or coffee break, when the general rules regarding business behaviour are relaxed a little.

Punctuality is vital and it's a point of pride for many Scandinavians, illustrating mutual respect. It's important to schedule an appointment in advance and have it confirmed shortly before any engagement. Handshakes for men and women are common after introduction and first names are often used instead of surnames.

Dress codes are conservative and smart, but suits are not always necessary. Business people in Sweden should endeavour to show honesty, transparency, professionalism and mutual respect in all business dealings. Sweden is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, making it a pleasure to do business here.

Business hours run from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. The language of business is Swedish, but English is generally spoken throughout the country and many multinationals will use it as the language of business when necessary.

Duty free

Passenger who are 18 years of age or older and from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cheroots, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these; one litre of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22 percent, or two litres of fortified or sparkling wine, and two litres of non-sparkling wine and beer are allowed duty free; other goods to the value of SEK 1,700 are also allowed. Prohibited items include drugs, other than those for medical or scientific purposes, and firearms and ammunition if they're brought in without a permit.

Communications

The country code for Sweden is +46. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. Public WiFi is widespread.

Passport & Visa

All visitors are required to have tickets and documentation for return or onward travel. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It's highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens require a passport that's valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

UK citizens require a passport that's valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Canadian citizens require a passport that's valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Australian citizens require a passport that's valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

South Africans require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay as well as a visa for entry to Sweden.

Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary.

New Zealand citizens require a passport that's valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

Useful contacts

Swedish Tourist Office: www.visitsweden.com

112 (General).

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Swedish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 467 2600.

Swedish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7917 6400.

Swedish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 244 8200.

Swedish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6270 2700.

Swedish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 426 6400.

Swedish Consulate General, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 265 0888.

Consulate-General of Sweden, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 499 9895.

Embassies / consulates in Sweden

United States Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 783 5300.

British Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 671 3000.

Canadian Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 453 3000.

Australian Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 613 2900.

South African Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 824 3950.

Irish Embassy, Stockholm: +46 8 5450 4040.

New Zealand Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Sweden): +32 2 512 1040.