Getting Swedish Krona for Your Trip to Sweden

Sweden has embraced the cashless revolution more than almost any other country. In fact, many Swedish businesses actively refuse cash, displaying "cards only" signs. This is great news for travellers - you don't need to worry about exchanging currency before your trip. Just bring a card and you're set.

The key is bringing the right card. Swedish prices are high (though slightly lower than Norway), and foreign transaction fees of 2.75-3% add up quickly. A fee-free multi-currency card lets you pay everywhere while keeping the real exchange rate.

Whether you're exploring Stockholm's archipelago, experiencing the northern lights in Swedish Lapland, or touring the design shops of Gothenburg, your payment strategy is simple: card for everything, perhaps a tiny bit of cash as absolute backup.

Best Ways to Pay in Sweden

1. Fee-Free Debit Cards (Essential)

A multi-currency debit card from Wise or Revolut is your best friend in Sweden. You'll use it for virtually every transaction - from coffee to museum tickets to train fares. These cards offer the real exchange rate with minimal fees and work everywhere cards are accepted.

2. Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. American Express is less common but works at larger establishments. Check your card's foreign transaction fees - if they charge a percentage, switch to a fee-free alternative for your trip.

3. Mobile Payments

Apple Pay and Google Pay work widely in Sweden. Link your fee-free card for convenient tap payments. Note that the local Swish app requires a Swedish bank account, so tourists can't use it.

4. ATM Withdrawals

ATMs exist but are becoming rarer as Sweden goes cashless. If you need cash, use ATMs from major banks like SEB, Nordea, or Handelsbanken. Always decline the currency conversion offer and withdraw in SEK.

Using Cards in Sweden

Card payments are the norm in Sweden - in fact, they're often the only option:

Where Cards Are Always Accepted

• All shops, supermarkets, and department stores
• Restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Public transport (SL in Stockholm, Västtrafik in Gothenburg)
• Museums and tourist attractions
• Hotels and hostels
• Taxis and ride-sharing services
• Most market stalls and food trucks

Places That May Be Cash-Only (Rare)

• Some very small rural businesses
• Occasional flea market vendors
• Some older parking meters (most now take cards)

Important Card Tips

• Always pay in SEK: Choose Swedish Krona when prompted, never your home currency
• Contactless is universal: Tap-to-pay works virtually everywhere
• PIN required over 400 SEK: Be prepared to enter your PIN for larger purchases
• Check for "Kontanter" signs: If a shop doesn't accept cash, they'll display this

ATMs in Sweden

ATMs are becoming scarce as Sweden goes cashless, but they're still available:

Best ATMs to Use

• Bankomat: Sweden's main ATM network, operated by major banks
• SEB, Nordea, Handelsbanken: Bank ATMs with reliable service
• Forex Bank: Often in airports and train stations

ATM Tips

If offered currency conversion, always decline and withdraw in SEK. Some ATMs charge withdrawal fees (usually 35-65 SEK), so check the screen before confirming. Your fee-free card provider may also have ATM fee limits, so check their terms.

Where Cash Might Still Help

While you can easily visit Sweden without cash, there are a few situations where a small amount of SEK might be useful:

• Flea markets: Some vendors at Loppis (flea markets) prefer cash
• Tips: If you want to tip in cash (not expected, but appreciated)
• Remote areas: Very small businesses in rural Sweden might prefer cash
• Emergency backup: In case of card issues, though unlikely to need it

If you want backup cash, withdraw a small amount (500-1000 SEK) from an ATM on arrival. Don't exchange money before your trip - you'll get a worse rate.

Tipping in Sweden

Tipping is not expected in Sweden. Service charges are included in prices and staff earn good wages. However, you can round up or add 5-10% for excellent service:

• Restaurants: Not expected; round up or add 5-10% for great service
• Cafes: No tipping expected
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest convenient amount
• Hotels: Not customary
• Bars: Keep the change or round up slightly