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| SWEDEN |
Documentation needed to travel to Sweden
If you are a European citizen of a country belonging to Schengen or have an agreement, you only need your valid ID. It is not necessary in your case the passport to visit Sweden. This allows you to spend 90 days in Sweden. If you are a non-EU citizen you should check with the Swedish embassy in your country to see what rules apply.
Use of money in Sweden
In Sweden the Swedish krona (SEK or KR) is used. This is divided into 100 öre. Do not worry too much about changing money since almost everything is paid with a card. You find more information in this article about taking cash to Sweden and where to exchange money. Here is another article if you want to calculate an estimated budget for a trip to Stockholm, the most visited destination in the country.
The Swedish krona fluctuates in recent years between 9 and 11 crowns per euro. If it is above 10 SEK / EUR as this year 2018 it can be considered a good year to travel to Sweden. You can look here for the current exchange rate from SEK to EUR. Oh, no tips are given in hotels and restaurants usually leave 10% if the service is not included.
Climate and clothes to wear in Sweden
Sweden has a great climatic variety depending on both the latitude, that is, the more cold north and the time of year in which we find ourselves. Kiruna, to the north, in winter can have days of -30ºC. While Malmö, to the south, has temperatures above zero.
As the majority imagine that you will visit Sweden between June and September the clothes should be spring unless it is an exceptionally hot year. This means that you should always bring a light jacket for the nights. Although in summer during the day Stockholm and Gothenburg can reach 25-30ºC or more at night the temperature can drop to 10-12ºC. It is not a bad idea to take an umbrella or a rain jacket to avoid occasional drizzles.
To see how is the temperature and weather forecast in Sweden currently I recommend the website of the Swedish meteorology service SMHI.
Language in Sweden
The national language is Swedish but any Swedish, even a grandmother of 60-70 years, will speak perfect English. Some also speak a third language, among which Spanish is usually found. Not to mention the large number of Chileans, Peruvians, Spaniards and other Spanish-speaking immigrants.
Visit to the doctor in Sweden
As a European citizen you should have the TSE, the European Health Card, as it will save you headaches in case you have to go to the doctor or the hospital in Sweden. In the country the visits to the doctor and the hospital are paid (between 15-30 € to the change) but with your TSE then you return the money. You ask for it at your corresponding Social Security center.
The Swedish hospitals are called Sjukhus. Emergencies corresponds to vårdmottagning or akutmottagning. Pharmacies have the distinctive label apotek.
Vital and commercial hours in Sweden
Sweden belongs to the same time zone as Spain, that is, European Central Time or CET (Central European Time) for its acronym in English. However, in Sweden everything starts before and ends before in Spain. Many public transports and other necessities change their operating hours distinguishing between "winter time" (vintertid) and "summer time" (sommartid). Winter time usually starts operating from the second week of August, which coincides with when the children start school.
As for the hours of operation of the services, the situation is also different. The restaurants serve meals between 11:30 and 14:00. Dinners can start at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. You will hardly find an open kitchen beyond 22:30 and even earlier in small towns. The stores open between 10:00 and 18:00, and may be extended until 7:00 in the summer. It happens the same with museums. Oh, it does not close at noon and on Sunday, everything is usually open.
Driving in Sweden
You can drive with your Spanish driver's license. The speed limits are lower than those of Spain. In the few highways, in comparison, 110 km / h is usually the maximum speed. On roads 90, 70 and 50 km / h. In city 40 and 30 km / h in areas near schools and homes with children. Swedes usually respect these limits strictly, except for the lost northern roads, there are frequent speed controls. The roads are in good condition and it is usually not difficult to drive through them.
Here are some tips on driving in Sweden to which I would add be careful with possible crossings of wild animals. Check out this article about the specific Swedish rules for driving and stopping with caravan or motorhome.
Use of mobile phone in Sweden
From July 2017 you can use your mobile in Sweden at the same price as you would if you were in Spain. This is for calls made to Spanish mobiles. If you call or send messages to Swedish telephone numbers, it will be the corresponding international rate. The use of data will also be according to the plan you have contracted. Oh, by the way: you can no longer use your cell phone while driving!
As for the Swedish telephone numbers, the international prefix is +46. When you see a number with a 0 in front you should remove it. For example +46 (0) 123 456 will be for you +46 123 456.
Access to nature in Sweden
Sweden has something known as Allemansrätten that allows everyone to make use of nature for free, which allows you to plant your tent almost anywhere, pick berries, flowers and mushrooms without asking permission from anyone, etc. Read here if you want more information about the Allemansrätten and the enjoyment of Swedish nature and the responsibilities it entails.
Accessibility in Sweden
It is difficult to estimate how many percent of hotels, restaurants, museums, etc. are adapted and accessible but it is a very high figure. I would say the majority. This implies that if you travel with a disability you will not have major problems. On the other hand, museums do not usually offer free admission to the disabled (yes to the companion if needed).
Emergencies in Sweden
Emergencies in Sweden are also managed through the 112 that will put you in touch with SOS Alarm. It must be used for emergency situations that endanger life, personal belongings or the environment. For example, if you need urgent help with an ambulance, police, land, sea, air or mountain rescue services. Also for situations of poisoning by consumption of some unknown substance.
For missing children the telephone number is 116,000.
Other things to keep in mind
These are some of the ideas that can facilitate preparing the trip to Sweden. If I have forgotten some important or you want me to answer any specific questions about traveling to Sweden leave me a comment, I answer it and if it is of general interest I add it to the article.
If you are looking for specific information, here you have to prepare a trip to Stockholm, about types of cheap accommodation in Sweden and a route through Gothenburg and the West Coast of Sweden.
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