£1 SEK 12.49
Today
4:54 am
+1h from you
Weather in Sweden
Sweden
8°
Moderate drizzle
Wed
5
8
Thu
3
9
Fri
2
10
Sat
1
6
Sun
2
9
SPF level in Sweden
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Sweden
Language in Sweden
Tipping in Sweden
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Sweden as it is in some other countries, such as the United States. However, it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service, or rounding up the bill.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill is common. A small tip for table service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is customary for good service.
Hotel Porter
10-20 SEK per bag, if they assist you.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping is not typical, but a small token of appreciation for exceptional service is always welcome.
Tour Guide
A tip of 50-100 SEK for a good tour is appreciated.
Safety in Sweden
Tips for British travellers
Sweden is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take particular care of your belongings in major cities as pickpockets often target tourists for passports and cash.
Violent crime, including gang-related knife crime, shootings and explosions, occurs in cities like Malmö, Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Paying for sex is illegal, and from 1 July 2025 this will include the purchase of sexual acts online.
Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited and possession can lead to long jail sentences of up to 10 years and heavy fines.
From 1 December to 31 March, all vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres.
Bonus tips:
Airports in Sweden have excellent technology used to scan baggage for illegal items, including for transiting passengers.
Physical punishment of children is illegal in Sweden.
Driving in Sweden
A valid UK driving license is accepted in Sweden.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.02%
Remember: Sweden drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Sweden
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Sweden uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type C and Type F. British travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in Sweden, even for small purchases.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Sweden
ATMs are widely available in Swedish cities and towns.
Local name
Bankomat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible, especially in urban areas. Chip and PIN is required for most transactions. Some ATMs may charge a small fee for withdrawals.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider regarding roaming charges in Sweden. Many UK providers now offer roaming packages, but it's best to confirm the costs before travelling. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper data rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 200 SEK (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Telia, Tele2, Telenor
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces.
Average speed
100 Mbps
Sweden has excellent internet infrastructure. Free WiFi is common, and mobile data speeds are typically very fast.
Health & vaccinations in Sweden
As a UK resident, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will be accepted in Sweden, giving you access to state-provided healthcare at the same cost as a Swedish resident. However, it is still advisable to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC may not cover all medical costs or repatriation.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into Sweden from the UK. Healthcare facilities are of a high standard. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Calling Sweden
Country code
+46
To call Sweden from the UK, dial 00 46 followed by the Swedish phone number (without the initial zero).
To call the British Embassy in Stockholm, which is +46 (0)8 671 3000, you would dial 00 46 8 671 3000 from the UK.
The country code for Sweden is 46. When calling from abroad, drop the leading zero from the local Swedish number.
UK Embassy in Sweden
British Embassy Stockholm
Skarpögatan 6-8, 115 27 Stockholm
Airports in Sweden
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.