The Don’ts of Sweden: Sweden Tips for Travelers
Greetings from the Islands of Stockholm. Today, we’re sharing the don’ts of travel in Sweden, based on some of our best Sweden tips.
Sweden Tip #1 Don’t Ignore the Line Culture
Swedes love their line etiquette, and passionately adhere to it, even when there is no obvious line. Whether it’s at the bus, or the ferry, travelers should use caution not to jump any lines and flout the line culture of Sweden.
Sweden Tip #2 Don’t Wear Shoes Inside a Swedish Home
For travelers fortunate enough to be invited into a Swedish home, it’s important to remove shoes first. There is usually a place to put shoes near the door, and often hosts will have slippers available for guests to use.
Sweden Tip #3 Don’t Expect to Get Into a Club Without Dressing the Part
Many nightclubs in Sweden, especially Stockholm, use something called “face control.” Dressing up is a required part of going to nightclubs. Bouncers can reject anyone who they deem isn’t dressed accordingly. Sweden has some great fashion, so hit up an H&M before you hit the clubs, and you’ll be good to go.
Read: What to Know Before You Visit Sweden
Sweden Tip #4 Don’t Get Freaked Out About Visiting Sweden
Sweden has been getting a lot of news attention as of late, but it’s actually a very safe place to visit. If travelers stick to the parts they are supposed to, and avoid the areas they’re not supposed to visit, they’re very unlikely to experience any problems. Just like anywhere around the world, it’s best to pay attention and be aware of your surroundings, but there’s no need to avoid Sweden for safety issues.
Sweden Tip #5 Don’t Forget a Credit Card with a PIN
They don’t always take cash in Sweden, and to use a credit card, a PIN is often required. Transactions will go much smoother in Sweden if a PIN is readily available with a credit card purchase.
Sweden Tip #6 Don’t Bring Euros
Sweden uses the Swedish Crown, or the Krona. Going back to #6, don’t take a bunch of money from the ATM, as you’ll most often use a credit card in Sweden, so you won’t need much cash to get by.
Sweden Tip #7 Don’t Expect a Cheap Vacation in Sweden
Unless you are coming from Norway, don’t expect low prices in Sweden. Drinking, eating and accommodation in Sweden are all quite expensive. A good way to balance out the expense of a vacation in Sweden is to also visit the Baltic countries, which are relatively affordable.
Read: Advice on Getting The Most Out of Traveling in Your 20’s
Sweden Tip #8 Don’t Expect Swedish Food to Wow You
New Scandinavian cuisine is actually really good, but traditional Swedish food like herring aren’t super exciting. There’s a reason you don’t see Swedish restaurants in every city. However, there are a few standouts, like Swedish cinnamon rolls.
Sweden Tip #9 Don’t Worry if You Don’t Speak Swedish
Swedish words are pretty complicated, and many times it’s not even possible to sound it or, or guess at what a word might mean. It’s OK; people throughout Sweden speak English really well. Also, don’t try out a “Swedish Chef” impression from the Muppets. They won’t get upset, but I wouldn’t recommend it!
Sweden Tip #10 Don’t Worry About Swedish Silence
Travelers are often caught off guard by the silence on buses and trains in Sweden. The Swedes are very reserved and quiet, so silence, or absence of talking, is very normal in Sweden. There’s nothing to be alarmed or upset about.
Sweden Tip #11 Don’t Let a Swede Trick You Into Surströmming
Surströmming is fermented Baltic herring, possibly the most pungent thing you can eat in Sweden. Sometimes, Swedes like to trick unsuspecting travelers into trying Surströmming. Don’t fall for it! If you decide to try it, do it outdoors, or your house/hotel will stink for a while!
Sweden Tip #12 Don’t Gawk at the Really Pretty Swedish People
People in Sweden are very good looking. The men and women are equally gorgeous. It can be unnerving, so just remember not to gawk.
Sweden Tip #13 Don’t Look for Bags of Swedish to Buy
Swedish Fish are sold in Sweden, but they come in the bulk section of the candy store. If you look for the bag you’re used to seeing in the States, you won’t find it.
Sweden Tip #14 Don’t Pronounce IKEA Incorrectly
It’s pronounced Eee-Kay-Ah, not Eye-Key-Ah as we say in the States. It’s nowhere near as popular in Sweden as it is in the United States, but you can visit one if you wish.
Our final don’t for Sweden is more personal advice. Don’t take a tour on a boat called “Broken.” Just take our word for it! Sweden is a really cool place that we highly recommend to all of our readers. For more Sweden travel tips, check out some of our other videos and blog posts: