What currency do I pay with in Sweden? How much do goods cost in a regular supermarket and how much in a restaurant? And how much does it cost to stay in Sweden? Find out in this chapter.
Book your accommodation in Sweden
Swedish krona (SEK)
Sweden is one of the few EU countries where you don't pay with the euro, but with the Swedish krona.
One krone is divided into 100 öre, but öre is not commonly used in circulation. Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 kroner, while banknotes are printed in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1 000 kroner.
- International currency code: SEK (numeric code 752)
- Currency symbol: kr
Currency exchange and card payment
In Sweden, cash is not needed at all. You probably won't see anyone using real money at all during your stay.
You can reallypay by card everywhere including markets, buses, restaurants etc. Card payments are just as prevalent in the big cities and the smallest villages completely off the tourist trails.
For this reason exchange offices are completely unnecessary and are only found at airports for those who don't find out in advance that cash is not needed in Sweden.
If you'd still prefer to use cash, choose money from ATMs in regular banks.
Also bear in mind that many operators or transport companies in Sweden do not accept cash at all, and card payment is often the only way to pay.
How much does what cost - how expensive is Sweden?
The price level in Sweden is higher than the rest of Europe and in general Sweden is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Yet prices here are slightly lower than in neighbouring Norway or Iceland, for example.
Prices are particularly high for services and alcohol.
Prices in convenience stores are only a few tens of percent higher than, for example, in Germany or Britain.
The best supermarkets are Lidl, Coop or ICA. In restaurants it is good to take advantage of lunch menus, which come out around 80-100 sek.
Example prices in Sweden
How much does basic food, tourist attractions or transport cost in Sweden? Check out this price guide.
Accommodation in a double room (prices per night):
- Cheap hotel with shared bathroom - from 50 eur
- Local 3* hotel - from 90 eur
- International 4* hotel - from 130 eur
- Search for accommodation in Sweden
Eating out:
- A hot main meal in a regular restaurant - 120 sek
- Menu in a fast-food restaurant - 110 sek
- Espresso or Cappuccino - 40 sek
- Water 0.33 l - 21 sek
- Fanta/Coca Cola/Sprite 0.5 l - 30 sek
- Draft beer - 65 sek
Supermarket food:
- Water 1.5l - 15 sek
- Packed baguette - 50 sek
- Coca Cola (and other sodas) - 40 sek
- Milk 1l - 16,50 sek
- Ice cream scoop - 20 sek
- Apples - 30 sek / kg
- Bananas - 27 sek / kg
- Rice - 36 sek / kg
- Chicken - 125 sek / kg
- Canned fish - 50 sek
Shipping:
- Public transport ticket - around 40 sek in cities, day tickets around 175 sek
- Price of petrol 1 litre - between 17 sek and 20 sek
- Car rental for the day - from 500 sek depending on the season length of the rental
- Compare car rental prices at Arlanda Airport
- Compare car rental prices at Gothenburg Airport
- Compare car rental prices in Malmö airport
- Compare car rental prices in Skavsta airport
Alcohol and cigarettes:
- A bottle of wine in the shop - 100 sek
- A can of local beer - 20 sek
- Cocktails at the bar - 140 sek
- A pack of cigarettes - 70 sek
Prices are approximate and vary depending on the city and type of shop.
Tipping and haggling
Tipping is not required. It is not customary to leave a tip. If you are very happy with the service, it is advisable to give 10%.
In Sweden, you almost never haggle. It's a good idea to always carry your student card, especially for sightseeing.
How to save money?
The best way to save is to shop for groceries at ICA, Lidl or Coop supermarkets.
Public transport is very expensive, especially if you are travelling with several people over long distances. In this case it is worth renting a car or travelling in your own car despite the high price of petrol.
Alcohol should be imported or bought from Systembolaget, which are special alcohol outlets. You will not find alcohol above 4% alcohol content in regular supermarkets.
If you like to get around by taxi, use the mobile apps Bolt or Uber, which are usually about twice as cheap as regular taxis.
Accommodation in Sweden is also quite expensive. If you want to go outdoors, definitely bring a tent. You can camp practically anywhere thanks to the "Allemansrätt" (right to be in nature for all) law for free.
