The Ultimate Travel Guide for Stockholm, Sweden - Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you're planning a trip to Sweden, there are a few things you should know before you go. I get a lot of questions each month about what you need to know before coming to Stockholm and this travel guide for Sweden covers everything from language and currency to weather and wifi to make your trip planning as easy as possible. So here are a few points to hopefully make your trip planning easier:

Language:

The official language of Sweden is Swedish, but don't worry if you don't speak it - nearly everyone in Sweden speaks English fluently and a lot of Swedes love an opportunity to practice their skills!

Currency:

Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK). There are a lot of money converting apps and I recommend getting familiar with the up-to-date currency exchange before coming to Sweden.

Tipping:

In general, tipping is not expected in Stockholm because staff are paid fairly (but of course a bonus is always nice). For a casual lunch or a fika (coffee & sweets) it is less common to tip. However, for a proper dinner or at more upscale lunch, it has become more common in Sweden and Stockholm and if happy with the service I usually tip around 10-15%, which is common.

The (nearly) cashfree city:

Stockholm is a city that has adopted cashless payments, and it's rare to find places that only accept cash. This means you won't need to exchange a lot of currency, many restaurants, shops, and hotels in Stockholm don't accept cash payments. I never have cash on me in Sweden and can pay basically anywhere. Make sure to bring your debit or credit card as they will be widely accepted, even at street food stalls.

Water:

The tap water in Sweden is safe to drink and of high quality and nearly only drink tap water. You will also usually get it offered for free with your food at restaurants or find a tap water station at cafés.

Weather:

The weather in Sweden can vary depending on the season and region, so be sure to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. My most trusted website/app for the forecast is www.yr.no

Electricity: The electricity in Sweden is 230 volts, 50Hz. Make sure to pack an adapter if you're coming from a country with a different voltage and don`t use a "Euro-Plug". Busses often also have USB-chargers, so you can charge your phone while commuting.

Wifi:

Wifi is widely available in Sweden, and most cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free wifi. You can also purchase a prepaid data SIM card from a local company (e.g. Tele2, Comviq, Telenor).

Plan your trip to the city from the airport:

The easiest and most convenient way to get to the city center from Stockholm's airport, Arlanda is by taking the Arlanda Express train service. It runs directly from the airport to Stockholm Central Station every 15 minutes and takes 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the station. Another option is to take the Flygbussarna Airport Coaches, it runs frequently and takes around 45 minutes to reach the City. Taxis are also available but tend to be more expensive.

Taxis:

In Sweden, taxi prices are not regulated and can vary greatly between companies and rides. It is important to check the prices beforehand to avoid any surprises. One way to do this is by checking the yellow-and-white label, which is usually located on the rear door window of the taxi. This label should display the company's pricing information, so make sure to check it before getting into the vehicle. It's always better to be informed and have an idea of the prices to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Uber and Bolt are available as well and can be cheaper options!

Hopefully, this will help you preparing your trip to Stockholm and make your planning easier. Wish you a lovely time in Swedens capital!