|
|
|
City Guide
Maps
Directory
The Basics
Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs are used.
Money: The Swedish monetary unit is the Kronor/Krona or Crown (SEK), which is divided into 100 öre. Banks exchange money during business hours from Monday to Friday. At other times money can be changed 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. Travellers cheques and most major credit cards are widely accepted for payment throughout Sweden.
Currency Exchange Rates
| SEK 1.00 = | A$ 0.14 | C$ 0.15 | € 0.11 | NZ$ 0.18 | £ 0.09 | US$ 0.14 | R 1.21 |
Language: Swedish is the main language, with Lapp being spoken by the Sami population in the north. Most Swedes speak and understand English. Many also speak German and French.
Entry requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: To enter Sweden, US citizens require a passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey. Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals may enter Sweden with a passport, and no visa is necessary for passport-holders endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject for a stay of up to three months. Other British passports require a visa. Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport to enter Sweden, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey. Entry requirements for Australians: For entry to Sweden, Australian citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey. Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport as well as a visa for entry to Sweden. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey. The Swedish Immigration Authorities do not recognise temporary South African passports. Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to three months in any six-month period. Visitors must hold visible means of support and need to hold required documents (i.e., passport and where required, a visa) for return or onward journey.Passport/Visa Note: All visitors are required to have visible means of support as well as 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 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 is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to Sweden, but visitors should guard against ticks when travelling to forested areas or the southern coast, including the Stockholm archipelago. Medical care in the country is excellent, and reciprocal health agreements exist with other European Union countries, including the United Kingdom. UK citizens in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be entitled to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Swedish nationals. Outbreaks of bird flu have been detected in wild birds around the country, but the risk to travellers is low and no human infections have been reported. As a precaution all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked and close contact with live birds should be avoided.
Tipping: A service charge is included in restaurant bills, but an additional tip of 7 to 10% is expected for evening meals in Sweden. Generally customers round off the fare when using a taxi. Tips are welcome for exceptionally good service in hotels, but are not expected.
Safety Information: Sweden is an extremely safe country to visit. There is some petty crime during the summer months in the cities where tourists congregate, but crime is at much lower levels than elsewhere in Europe. Most visits to Sweden are trouble free.
Local Customs: Swedish culture is very liberal and secular. Despite a reputation for excess and a love for partying, drunk driving is a serious crime and public nudity is considered inappropriate anywhere other than designated nude beaches. Smoking is not allowed in indoor establishments like restaurants and bars, however many Swedes partake in snus (snuff). It is polite to remove your shoes when entering a Swedish home. Equality is an important part of Swedish culture, and boastfulness and open conflict is usually avoided. 'Chivalry' is often considered an outdated concept in Sweden, which is one of the most gender equal countries in the world, and gestures like opening doors for women are not considered necessary.
Business: Sweden hosts the headquarters for many multinational companies. Sweden is the adoption of an egalitarian mindset - Scandinavians, and Swedes in particular, value the inherent equality and dignity of all people. Most companies use flat reporting lines and consensus and compromise is valued in decision-making processes. However, decisions often take a long time to be made as all opinions are considered.Avoid overt displays of wealth or status. Business practice and personal conduct should always be rational, calm, and disciplined. This may makes Swedes come across as slightly unfriendly, but it also makes business meetings quick, efficient and to the point. The business world in Sweden draws a strict line between work and social gatherings so don'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 it is a point of pride for many Scandinavians and illustrates mutual respect. It is important to schedule an appointment in advance and have it confirmed shortly before any engagement. Keeping one's cool and not showing too much emotion is also vital.Handshakes for men and women are common after introduction and often first names are 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 there. 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.
Communications: The country code for Sweden is +46, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 08 for Stockholm. Public telephones are available and there is good coverage across the country for mobile telephones, which use different GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Internet cafes can be found in all the cities and towns.
Duty free: Travellers to Sweden over 18 years from non-EU countries and residents who arrive on a commercial flight, from a trip exceeding 20 hours 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. 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres fortified or sparkling wine, and 2 litres of non-sparkling wine and beer are allowed duty free; other goods to the value of 1,700kr are also allowed. Prohibited items include drugs, other than those for medical or scientific purposes; and potatoes that are grown outside the EU.