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Travel Tips

Currency
One Swedish krona (plural kronor) is equal to 100 öre. It's commonly abbreviated as SKr. Foreign currency can easily be bought and exchanged at foreign exchange bureaus at the airport, city centre, some hotels and banks.

Credit Cards
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club are widely accepted.

Tipping
In Sweden, most hotel bills are inclusive of a 15% service charge. Thus, extra tipping is not obligatory unless additional or exceptional services are given. Restaurants and bars also add a 13% service charge, and do note that charges are higher at night. Nonetheless, leave loose change for the waiter or bartender.

Useful Numbers
International country code: 46
Police, fire, and ambulance: 112

Electricity
220 volts. Wall outlets accept continental-type plugs, with two round pins. Bring a converter or an adapter for 110-volt equipment.

Health Risks
Medical facilities and health care systems are particularly high. Pharmacies may require prescriptions even for ordinary medications. Tap water is safe for drinking. No immunization requirements are needed to enter Sweden except when coming from infected areas.

Time Zone
GMT+1, same as Berlin and Paris.
GMT +2, from last Sunday in March until Saturday before last Sunday in September (Daylight saving time)

Business Hours
Banks are generally open on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m., except Thursdays when most banks close at 5:30 p.m. Shops are generally open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Climate
Sweden's climate varies from the northern to southern regions. Generally, the southern region has a milder and temperate climate with cloudy summers and cold winters. While further north, climate may be sub arctic; cold and dry.
During the winter, Stockholm freezes over with ice and snow and temperatures reach some degrees below zero. Winters may drag on from November to April, with January to April being the coldest months. Spring is brief, cold and rainy and experienced at the end of May.

Visit Stockholm during the summer months of June and July. Summer days are generally warm and long with the midnight sun hovering above. Summer temperatures may range from 19C to 22C.

Clothing
People generally dress comfortably and casually. Remember to carry an umbrella or a raincoat when walking around. Bring warm and thick clothing when visiting during the winter.

Government
Constitutional monarchy

Geography
Situated in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak. Sweden occupies the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, between Finland and Norway. The capital Stockholm is made up of small islands.

Population
Sweden: 8.87 million
Stockholm: 761,721

Ethnic Groups
90% Swedes, 3% Finns, 0.15% Sami (indigenous Lapp inhabitants)

Languages
Official language is Swedish. A minority of the population speaks Lapp and Finnish. English is widely spoken.

Religion
predominantly Lutheran (87%)