Driving in Sweden: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license from your home country is sufficient; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses. Car rentals cost 4,000-7,000 SEK per week; fuel averages 18-20 SEK per liter.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70-110 km/h on rural roads. Seatbelts are mandatory; the blood alcohol limit is 0.02%—fines start at 2,500 SEK.
• Road Conditions: Roads like the E4 are well-maintained but can be icy in winter—use winter tires. Toll bridges like the Öresund Bridge cost 650 SEK round-trip. Mountain roads in the north may close during heavy snow.
• Transport Options: Domestic flights (e.g., Stockholm to Kiruna) cost 600-1,500 SEK; trains like Stockholm to Gothenburg cost 500 SEK one-way; ferries to Gotland cost 300-600 SEK per person.
• Emergency Number: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services; response times are quick in cities but slower in remote areas like Lapland.

Currency in Sweden: Using the Swedish Krona for Your Trip

• Swedish Krona (SEK): The official currency. Exchange rates are stable—1 USD ≈ 10 SEK (May 2025).
• Money Exchange: Exchange money at banks or ATMs at Stockholm Arlanda Airport or in cities—avoid street vendors for better rates. ATM withdrawal fees are 20-40 SEK per transaction.
• Payment Methods: Cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay are widely accepted, even in small towns; cash is rarely needed. Carry small denominations for rural areas.
• Costs: A meal at a casual restaurant costs $15-$30, a coffee $3-$5, and a souvenir like a Dala horse costs 200-500 SEK.

Legal Guide for Sweden: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Drug possession carries harsh penalties—up to 10 years for small amounts. Public drinking is restricted in Stockholm—fines start at 500 SEK.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Respect private property, especially in rural areas—trespassing can lead to fines of 1,000 SEK. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Avoid photographing military sites like near the Boden Fortress—fines start at 3,000 SEK.
• Public Behavior: Fines for littering start at 800 SEK; smoking in indoor public spaces carries fines of 1,000 SEK. Jaywalking in Stockholm can result in a 500 SEK fine.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 10,000 SEK without declaration; alcohol limits are 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 2 liters of beer.
• Emergency Contact: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. The US Embassy in Stockholm can be reached at +46 8 783 53 00.

Travel Safety in Sweden: Staying Safe During Your Trip

• Crime: Sweden has low crime rates; Stockholm is safe, but petty theft can occur in tourist areas—keep valuables secure.
• Scams: Beware of fake Northern Lights tour operators—book with reputable companies. Avoid unofficial taxi services at Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
• Road Safety: Roads are generally safe but can be icy in winter—use winter tires on the E4. Watch for wildlife crossings, especially moose in rural areas.
• Health Risks: Tap water is safe to drink. Frostbite is a risk in winter—wear proper gear. No major health threats exist.
• Natural Hazards: Blizzards in Lapland can disrupt travel—check local forecasts. Avalanches are rare but possible in ski areas like Åre—follow resort guidelines.
• Outdoor Safety: Hiking in Abisko National Park is popular—stick to marked trails and check weather conditions. Skiing in Åre is safe—follow resort rules.
• Medical Services: Hospitals like Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm are excellent; pharmacies are widely available. Travel insurance is recommended for emergencies.
• Emergency Contacts: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. The US Embassy in Stockholm can be reached at +46 8 783 53 00.

Culture & Etiquette in Sweden: What to Know

• Greetings: A handshake is standard; Swedes often use first names, even in formal settings—don’t be surprised if someone calls you by your first name.
• Dining Etiquette: Tipping isn’t expected as service is included in the bill, but rounding up is appreciated. Don’t leave your table messy at restaurants—it’s considered rude.
• Community Respect: Be quiet in residential areas like Stockholm suburbs—noise complaints can lead to fines. Respect nature by sticking to trails in national parks.
• Festivals: Midsummer in June celebrates the solstice with dancing around a maypole; the Stockholm Culture Festival in August features music and arts.
• Language Tips: Swedish is the main language, but English is widely spoken. Locals appreciate efforts to say “tack” (thank you) or “hej” (hello).
• Social Practices: Swedes value punctuality—arrive on time for tours or reservations. Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, especially in rural areas.

Local Cuisine in Sweden: Dishes & Drinks to Try

• Swedish Meatballs: Served with lingonberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy—a classic dish—$12-$20.
• Surströmming: Fermented herring, a pungent delicacy often eaten with flatbread—$10-$15.
• Kanelbullar: Cinnamon buns, a staple of Swedish fika (coffee break)—$3-$5.
• Snaps: A traditional Swedish spirit often flavored with herbs, consumed during celebrations—$5-$8 per shot.
• Gravad Lax: Cured salmon with dill and mustard sauce, often served with bread—$15-$20.
• Where to Eat: Pelikan in Stockholm offers traditional Swedish dishes, near attractions in our Top Attractions tab. Oaxen Slip in Stockholm provides modern Swedish cuisine.

Top Attractions in Sweden: Must-Visit Places

• Gamla Stan, Stockholm: The old town with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Find tours on Tiqets.
• Icehotel, Kiruna: A hotel rebuilt annually from ice, offering unique stays and Northern Lights views. Find activities on Tiqets.
• Gothenburg: Known for its canals, Liseberg amusement park, and seafood. Find activities on Tiqets.
• Abisko National Park: A prime spot for Northern Lights and hiking. Find tours on Tiqets.
• Visby, Gotland: A medieval town with well-preserved walls and ruins. Find tours on Tiqets.
• Vasa Museum, Stockholm: Home to a 17th-century ship, a top cultural attraction. Find tickets on Tiqets.
• Where to Eat: Pelikan in Stockholm serves classic Swedish fare. Oaxen Slip in Stockholm offers modern Swedish dishes.

Flights to Sweden: Travel Options

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the main entry point, with flights from New York, London, and Amsterdam. A taxi from ARN to central Stockholm costs 500-700 SEK and takes 40 minutes. The Arlanda Express train costs 320 SEK and takes 20 minutes.

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