Sweden money: paying in Sweden

Paying in Sweden, how about that? Are there ATMs in Sweden just like in your home country? What is the price level in Sweden, and how about giving tips in Sweden after a nice dinner or drinks on a cozy terrace? On this page you will find everything about paying in Sweden.

Money

Currency

• Swedish krona (SEK)

Debit card

• Debit cards (both debit and credit cards) are accepted almost everywhere.
• Banks and credit companies provide information about the possibilities and costs of debit cards.

Cash

• Sweden still has enough ATMs (bancomat or uttagsautomat), but the number has been gradually decreasing since 2015.
• Cash is used less and less in Sweden. Cash is no longer accepted in some shops and public transport.
• Banks, post offices and exchange offices exchange money. Hotels generally trade at a less favorable rate than banks.
• Current information on banknotes and coins can be found at riksbank.se/en-gb.

Tips

• Bring a variety of payment methods with you and keep them separately: a debit card, a credit card and cash.
  Using a bank card is usually cheaper than using a credit card. The costs differ per bank, per bank card and per credit card. If a fixed amount is charged per transaction, frequent use of a debit card for small amounts is not recommended.
• There is usually a spending limit per day or per week for bank cards. The bank can increase the limit on request. Arrange this before you travel. With a credit card, you can increase the spending limit by transferring an extra amount to the credit card account or by requesting a higher credit from the bank or credit card company.
• Have your debit card blocked immediately in case of loss or theft.
• Pin payments in Swedish kronor are usually cheaper than in euros or other currencies.

Particularities

• In Sweden you can pay contactless with a telephone. Ask your bank for more information. Up-to-date information on paying with a mobile phone can also be found at support.apple.com/apple-pay and support.google.com/pay.
• Some municipalities recognize the euro as an official means of payment; beyond that, the euro is mainly accepted in tourist areas.
• The introduction of the euro is delayed, Sweden has been trying to get out of its obligation for years.

Price level

• Budget overnight: from € 40.
• Mid-range overnight stay: approximately € 85.
• Simple meal: from € 12.
• Dinner 3 courses (2 pers.): From € 66.
• Taxi ride (approx. 3 km): from € 10.
• Cup of coffee: from € 3.40.
• Beer: from € 6.

Tips

• Service charge is usually included in the restaurant or hotel bill. A tip of 5% is customary for good service.
• You can round the amount for taxi drivers.

Here you will find more information about Sweden.