Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 250–450 SEK | 800–1,500 SEK |
| Food | 100–200 SEK | 250–450 SEK |
| Transport | 0–50 SEK | 100–150 SEK |
| Activities | 0–100 SEK | 200–400 SEK |
| Drinks | 50–100 SEK | 150–250 SEK |
| Daily Total | 400–900 SEK | 1,500–2,750 SEK |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Sweden is in the Schengen Zone. EU/EEA enter with ID. US, Canadian, Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free
- Arlanda Airport (ARN): Arlanda Express train (299 SEK, 20 min), Flygbussarna bus (119 SEK, 45 min), or commuter train (156 SEK, 40 min)
- Skavsta Airport (NYO, used by Ryanair): Flygbussarna bus to Stockholm (199 SEK, 80 min)
Getting Around
- T-bana (metro), buses, trams, and commuter ferries. SL single ticket 39 SEK (75 min), 24h pass 165 SEK, 72h pass 315 SEK
- Stockholm is spread across 14 islands but very walkable. Metro art — 90 of 100 stations are decorated with art, making it the "world's longest gallery"
- Ferries to Djurgården are included in the SL pass. City bikes: 165 SEK/3-day pass via Stockholm City Bikes app
Connectivity
- Telia, Tele2, and Tre offer prepaid SIMs from 100–200 SEK for 5–20GB at the airport or Pressbyrån kiosks
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and public transport. Stockholm Free WiFi covers the city centre
- EU roaming is free for EU residents. Sweden has excellent 4G/5G coverage even in the archipelago
Money
- Swedish Krona (SEK). Sweden is virtually cashless — some places don't accept cash at all. Always have a card with contactless
- Swish is Sweden's mobile payment (like Venmo) but requires a Swedish bank account. Tourists can use Visa/MasterCard everywhere
- Tipping: not expected. Service charge is included. Round up at restaurants if you wish, but it's genuinely not required
Health & Safety
- Stockholm is very safe. The main risk is cycling — drivers give right of way, but cycle lanes are busy. Pickpocketing is rare
- Tap water is excellent. Pharmacies (Apotek) are on most high streets. Apotek Hjärtat and Kronans Apotek are the main chains
- Emergency: 112. Non-emergency health advice: 1177 (Vårdguiden). EU citizens use EHIC card. Others need travel insurance
Packing Tips
- Layers always — Swedish weather changes fast. Summer: 15–25°C with long daylight. Winter: -5 to 3°C with 6hrs daylight
- Waterproof jacket essential. Swimwear for summer (Swedes swim everywhere). Warm base layers for winter visits
- Smart casual dress code — Stockholmers are stylish. Wear dark colours and clean Scandinavian lines to blend in
Cultural tips
Fika is Sacred
Fika (coffee and cake break) is Sweden's most important social ritual — more important than meetings, emails, or deadlines. Never skip fika. Order en kopp kaffe och en kanelbulle and sit.
Shoes Off Indoors
Always remove shoes when entering someone's home in Sweden — this is non-negotiable. Hostels and some Airbnbs follow this rule too. Wear clean socks.
The Swedish Silence
Swedes value personal space and quiet. Don't talk to strangers on public transport. Don't sit next to someone if there are empty seats. This isn't rudeness — it's respect for privacy.
Systembolaget
Alcohol above 3.5% is only sold at Systembolaget (state monopoly stores). Closed Sundays and after 3pm Saturdays. Plan your weekend purchases by Friday. Swedish culture has a complicated relationship with alcohol.
Outdoor Culture
Allemansrätten (Right of Public Access) lets anyone walk, camp, and swim on any land. Swedes use it constantly — hiking, foraging, and wild swimming are deep cultural values.
Light & Dark
In summer, Stockholm gets 18+ hours of daylight. In winter, the sun sets at 3pm. The contrast shapes Swedish culture — midsummer is the wildest celebration, while winter means candles and hygge.
