Key facts
Sweden is a member state of the European Union located in Northern Europe. There are 2 countries (Finland, Norway) that Sweden shares its borders with. The official language of Sweden is Swedish. Although English isn’t the official language, the majority of people in Sweden are good English speakers.
EF EPI’s 2021 rankings placed Sweden 8th among 100 nations out of non-native English-speaking countries.
The national currency in Sweden is Swedish krona (SEK). The krona (kr) is subdivided into 100 ören.
Swedish
Banknotes
kr20kr50kr100kr500kr1000
Swedish
Coins
kr1kr5kr10
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Sweden is 227.42 Mbps and mobile is 159.53 Mbs.The global average is 194.02 Mbps and 126.09 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density When compared to the world average, Sweden has less ATMs.28.30 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Sweden, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in Sweden. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Sweden will celebrate 16 national public holidays. The next one All Saints’ Day will take place on November 2.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024Moving holiday | New Year’s DayNyårsdagen | |
| January 6, 2024Moving holiday | EpiphanyTrettondedag jul | |
| March 29, 2024Moving holiday | Good FridayLångfredagen | |
| March 31, 2024Moving holiday | Easter SundayPåskdagen | |
| April 1, 2024Moving holiday | Easter MondayAnnandag påsk | |
| May 1, 2024Moving holiday | International Workers’ DayFörsta maj | |
| May 9, 2024Moving holiday | Ascension DayKristi himmelsfärdsdag | |
| May 19, 2024Moving holiday | PentecostPingstdagen | |
| June 6, 2024Moving holiday | National Day of SwedenSveriges nationaldag | |
| June 21, 2024Moving holiday | Midsummer EveMidsommarafton | |
| June 22, 2024Moving holiday | Midsummer DayMidsommardagen | |
| November 2, 2024Moving holiday | All Saints’ DayAlla helgons dag | |
| December 24, 2024Moving holiday | Christmas EveJulafton | |
| December 25, 2024Moving holiday | Christmas DayJuldagen | |
| December 26, 2024Moving holiday | St. Stephen’s DayAnnandag jul | |
| December 31, 2024Moving holiday | New Year’s EveNyårsafton |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Sweden?
There are no Mariott hotels in Sweden.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Sweden.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Sweden.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Sweden.
There are Radisson hotels in 7 cities.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Sweden.
What fast food chains are present in Sweden?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Sweden.
The KFC chain operates in Sweden.
The Burger King chain operates in Sweden.
The Subway chain operates in Sweden.
The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Sweden.
The Starbucks chain operates in Sweden.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Stockholm?
Weather data for Stockholm (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in Stockholm.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Sweden
Sources
- Sweden Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Sweden (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.
Cananbis legality Recreational usage: Illegal
Medical usage: Legal in certain circumstances
You must be at least 20 years of age to bring alcohol into Sweden.
Alcohol allowance
Travellers from EU countries:
- 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine)
- 110L of beer
- 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22%
- 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.
Travellers from non-EU countries:
- 4L of wine
- 16L of beer
- 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume
Tobacco allowance
Travellers from EU countries:
- 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco
Travellers from non-EU countries:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
Sources
- Travelling to Sweden (Swedish Customs)
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)