What to know when Traveling to Sweden?
Sweden is a big, beautiful country with some of the most spectacular views you will ever see. It is home to literally thousands of skiers, to wild Reindeer, open forest and to moor alike. It is a cold land in winter, where sports and outdoor activities are the norms. But it is inviting in Summer, its lakes and stunning mountains beckoning and welcoming.
Much like any other country, Sweden has its own set of rules and guidelines that you ought to take into consideration before you visit. Let’s take a closer look at some of them now.
What to know when Traveling to Sweden?
Sweden is leading the way when it comes to carving out a feasible, cashless, society. Over 80% of the transactions made in Stockholm are made without any actual cash involvement, usually through online apps or through bank transfer. Although this is a wonderful and novel prospect, it does mean that the poorest of their society are left without much spare change to collect. There is also a huge debate at present over whether or not this system leaves the elderly and the vulnerable at a disadvantage. In either case, you should prepare for your trip by making sure your cash is safely in the bank!
Swedish Aviation tax
The Swedish Aviation tax came into play as of 1st April 2018, and effectively means that the cost of your journey will be slightly increased. The tax is organized by the value of your destination and is only levied on aircraft with more than ten seats. It is divided into three categories of destination. Destinations in Appendix 1 are the minimum price with destinations in Appendix 2 slightly more costly. Most expensive of all, however, is if your destination is not marked on any Appendix, in which case your tax will soar to some 400 SEK per person! You can read more about it by following this link,
Everyone in Sweden speaks English – but particularly in the bigger towns and cities. Have you ever heard a Swedish audience sing along to Abba? They know Every. Single. Word. There are other things that you need to know before you go – such as who the current Prime Minister is or how you can find your Embassy. You can use this site to help you track those little details down.
Transport Systems
Sweden has an intricate network of underground transport systems, as well as plenty of buses, trams and railways. Of course, if you want to get out into the wilderness you might be better off to hire your own car and explore – but for those of us who can’t drive there are still plenty of ways to get around. You can read m;ore about public transport in Sweden by following this link.
Things can get a little expensive in Sweden, especially if you are on a budget and staying in the city. For the best deals and bargains, get out into the countryside where life is that little bit simpler. A rented, upscale apartment in Stockholm will cost you between 18 and 30,000 SEK per month – and that’s without food or bills. Fortunately visiting can be kept to the cheap if you are determined. Also, fortunately, someone already worked out the daily costs of travelling in Sweden, and you can view it here.
To summarize then: Sweden is a brilliant country that is well worth the visit as long as you speak English. Don’t carry any cash and be willing to spend a little money if you are staying in the city. Transport is plentiful, the people are friendly and the cities will surprise you. What else could you want from a vacation destination?
