SWEDEN
Sweden is known for its progressive values, commitment to sustainability, and excellent quality of life. It offers free tuition for EU/EEA students and generous scholarships for others, with universities highly rated in tech, social sciences, and innovation.
The work culture promotes a healthy work-life balance and gender equality. Sweden also offers stunning landscapes, from snowy Lapland to lakes and forests, and cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are full of culture, design, and vibrant social life, making it a rewarding place to study, live, or visit.
What’s taking YOU there?
General Etiquette & Culture you should know
Politeness
Swedes value personal space, quietness and modesty. Overly expressive behavior is rare in public spaces.
First names
People usually address eachother by first names, even in professional settings
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Most locals round up the bill or leave around 5-10% at restaurants if service was good.
Legal and Safety Rules
Drinking age
Legal age is 18 for buying alcohol in bars/restaurants, but 20 for purchasing from government-run Systembolaget (liquor stores)
Drugs
Sweden has strict drug laws. Possession and use of narcotics are illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.
Smoking
Smoking is banned indoors in public places, even at outdoor cafes and bus stops.
Practical Tips
Emergency Phone numbers
112 is the emergency phone number for police, ambulance and fire
What type of chargers do they use for phones/laptops?
They use the Type F plug. Also referred to Schuko plugs.
What is the currency?
They use SEK, this converts from 1 SEK to USD $0.10 or EUR €0.091
Swedes love silence
It is not awkward, it is comfortable. Do not feel pressured to fill every pause in conversations
How to pay for parking?
In Sweden, you can pay for parking by using apps such as EasyPark and Parkster, as well as pay-on-display machines where you enter your cars registration/plate and pay for the amount of time you will be at that location