Europe
Sweden
Safe, orderly and very English-friendly, from Stockholm's island city to Lapland's snow and northern lights. Cards and apps run everything. Prices are high and locals reserved, but nature access is unmatched.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencySEKUS$1 ≈ kr10.04Details
- Price level87%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent tap water nationwide; restaurants serve it free on request.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAmong the world's most accepting countries; Stockholm Pride each summer is huge, and smaller towns are relaxed too.Details
- Internet196 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 133 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightEU/EEA licences are valid; most others work for visits if in Latin script, otherwise carry an IDP.
Where to go in Sweden
6 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StockholmCapital city | 4/5 | $2,490–3,780 | May–Sep | 23/100 |
| GothenburgCity | 4/5 | $1,990–2,990 | May–Sep | 40/100 |
| MalmöCity | 4/5 | $1,890–2,790 | May–Sep | 45/100 |
| KirunaTown | 5/5 | $2,190–3,190 | Feb–Mar, Jun–Jul, Sep | 40/100 |
| UppsalaCity | 5/5 | $1,890–2,790 | May–Sep | 55/100 |
| VisbyTown | 5/5 | $1,990–2,990 | Jun–Aug | 48/100 |
When to visit Sweden
June–August for long light days, archipelagos and lakes; December–March for Lapland snow and northern lights. November is dark and grey.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a face photo to the Entry/Exit System (EES) on first entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation isn't required yet and has no confirmed start date; check the EU site before you fly.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinks over 3.5% are sold only at Systembolaget; ID is checked if you look under 25.
- Buying sex is illegal; the buyer is prosecuted.
- Drinking alcohol in public is banned in many town centres.
Etiquette
- Take a queue ticket (kölapp) in pharmacies, shops and offices.
- Keep your voice low on public transport.
- Take shoes off when entering someone's home.
- Fika is a real coffee break; accept the invitation.
Tipping
Not expected. Rounding up or 5–10% for good table service is common; nothing at counters.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Swedish Migration Agency
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Speedtest Global Index, Aug 2026
- 1177 healthcare guide
- Systembolaget
- Bolt in Stockholm
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.