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Sweden Travel Guide
A practical Sweden travel guide for international travellers: the Swedish krona (not the euro), cards versus cash, ETIAS and Schengen entry, city budgets, transport, VAT refunds and money tips.
Sweden money at a glance
Currency
Swedish krona (SEK), written kr. NOT the euro. Notes are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kronor.
Paying
One of the most cashless countries; many venues are card-only, so a working card is essential.
Cash for a week
SEK 500 to 1,000 is plenty for many card-using visitors, if you carry cash at all.
Entry
Depends on the passport held. Sweden is in the Schengen area; ETIAS is planned but not yet in force. See the entry section.
Daily budget
Roughly SEK 1,600 to 3,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip, higher in Stockholm, peak summer and the north.
Tax
VAT is 25%, included in prices; eligible non-EU visitors can claim a refund on qualifying goods.
Sweden is one of Europe's easiest destinations for card-first travel, and many venues are card-only, so a working card is essential rather than optional. It uses the Swedish krona, not the euro. Carry a small SEK reserve at most as backup, choose SEK at terminals to avoid dynamic currency conversion, and use bank ATMs. Advertised costs can feel high once accommodation, intercity trains and seasonal demand are added.
Best places to visit in Sweden
Stockholm suits a compact first visit; Gothenburg and the west coast offer a slower food-and-island trip, while Gotland, Dalarna and Swedish Lapland reward more time.
Central-eastStockholm
Old Town, museums, design and the archipelago.
West coastGothenburg
Food, islands and a relaxed city break.
Skane, southMalmo and Lund
Architecture, food, a university city and regional trips.
NorthSwedish Lapland
Northern lights, snow activities and Arctic nature.
| City | Region | Daily budget | Paying | In short |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | Central-east | SEK 1,900-3,500 | Walk, metro, bus, ferry | Old Town, museums, design and the archipelago. |
| Gothenburg | West coast | SEK 1,600-3,000 | Tram, bus, ferry | Food, islands and a relaxed city break. |
| Malmo and Lund | Skane, south | SEK 1,500-2,800 | Train, bus, bike | Architecture, food, a university city and regional trips. |
| Swedish Lapland | North | SEK 1,800-3,500 | Train, car, tours | Northern lights, snow activities and Arctic nature. |
Stockholm’s metro combines efficient travel with striking underground art.
What things cost in Sweden
| Coffee | SEK 40 to 60 |
|---|---|
| Casual meal for one | SEK 120 to 220 |
| Sit-down dinner for two | SEK 600 to 1,300 |
| Stockholm transit single | around SEK 42 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | SEK 1,100 to 2,400, higher in central Stockholm |
| Stockholm to Gothenburg train | SEK 300 to 1,200 by operator and booking |
Budget roughly ₹14,100 to ₹26,400 per person per day on the ground, two sharing a room and excluding flights.
Budget ranges are editorial planning estimates based on typical mid-range travel costs reviewed in July 2026, for one person, two sharing a room, including accommodation but excluding international flights. Actual prices vary by city, season and choices.
Entry and tax to know
The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is planned but not yet in force; the 2026 launch was dropped and 2027 is now expected. Once live, visa-exempt travellers will need it (about EUR 20) for short stays. Travellers whose passport requires a Schengen visa should apply for one instead. Check the official EU ETIAS site.
European Union (ETIAS) →25% VAT included in displayed prices. Eligible non-EU visitors can claim a refund on qualifying purchases above the minimum spend, validated at the airport on departure.
Money in Sweden, in detail
Sweden uses the Swedish krona, not the euro, and is one of the most cashless countries in the world, with many venues card-only, so a working card is essential. Entry depends on the passport held; Sweden is in the Schengen area and the EU's ETIAS is planned but not yet in force. Budget around SEK 1,600 to 3,000 per person per day, rising in Stockholm, peak summer and the north. Carry most spending on a low-fee card with a backup, a small SEK float at most, and choose SEK at terminals.
Understanding the Swedish krona exchange rate
SEK exchange rates float, so compare the final customer rate after card foreign-transaction fees, ATM charges and any conversion offer rather than a headline number. Sweden uses the Swedish krona, not the euro, so make sure your card and any travel-money product handle SEK.
How much Swedish krona to carry
Sweden is one of the most cashless countries, and many venues are card-only, so a working card is essential. Keep a small SEK reserve for the rare cash-only moment, top up at bank ATMs, and put day-to-day spending on a low-fee card. Avoid changing large sums at airport counters, where rates are usually poor.
Cards, cash and paying in SEK
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. The key money trap is being offered a currency choice.
- Dynamic currency conversion: when a terminal or ATM offers SEK or your home currency, choose SEK. Home-currency billing lets the operator set the rate and add a margin.
- Not the euro: Sweden is in Europe but uses the Swedish krona; do not assume euro prices or euro acceptance.
- Backup: carry a second card from a different provider, as some venues are card-only.
The best ATM approach in Sweden
Use ATMs operated by recognised banks rather than standalone tourist machines, which often charge high fees and push conversion. Review the operator fee, withdraw a sensible amount rather than many small ones, and decline any offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.
ETIAS and Schengen entry
Short-stay entry depends on nationality: some visitors travel visa-free, others need a Schengen visa. Sweden is part of the Schengen area. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is planned but not yet in force (see the fees panel); once it launches, visa-exempt travellers will need it, while travellers whose passport requires a Schengen visa should apply for one. Check the official sources for your passport before booking.
Official EU ETIAS information →
VAT and tourist shopping refund
Prices include VAT. Eligible non-EU visitors can usually claim a VAT refund on qualifying purchases above a minimum spend, by requesting a refund form in-store and validating it at the airport on departure (see the fees panel for the rate). Allow extra time at the airport for the refund process, and keep goods and receipts available for inspection.
Cash declaration
Notify Swedish Customs when carrying EUR 10,000 or more in cash or equivalent assets across Sweden's border. Declaring is a reporting requirement, not a penalty; keep exchange receipts where relevant.
Sweden money FAQs
No. Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK), not the euro. Make sure your card handles SEK and choose SEK at terminals rather than home-currency billing.
It depends on the passport held. Sweden is in the Schengen area; some travellers visit visa-free, others need a Schengen visa. The EU's ETIAS is planned but not yet in force. Check the official sources for your passport.
One of the most cashless countries; many venues are card-only, so a working card is essential. Carry only a small SEK reserve, if any.
Choose kronor (SEK). Home-currency billing (dynamic currency conversion) usually gives a poorer rate.
Little to none; SEK 500 to 1,000 covers the rare cash moment. Sweden is overwhelmingly card and mobile.
Eligible non-EU visitors can claim a refund of the 25% VAT on qualifying purchases above the minimum spend, validated at the airport on departure.
Notify Swedish Customs when carrying EUR 10,000 or more in cash or equivalent assets across the border.
A low-foreign-transaction-fee card or multi-currency travel card supporting SEK, a backup card, and at most a small SEK float. Compare rates and fees before travel.
Largely yes; it is one of the most cashless countries, though a small SEK reserve is sensible for the rare exception.
Yes, though you will rarely need them; use bank-operated ATMs, review any fee and decline home-currency conversion.
Stockholm has metro, commuter rail, buses, trams and ferries with contactless and app tickets; intercity trains connect major cities.
Late spring to early autumn has long days and the best weather; winter suits the north for snow and northern lights. Peak summer raises prices.
Sort your Swedish Krona before you fly
Lock the rate, carry the right mix of cash and card, and know today’s SEK rate before you book.
Official sources reviewed
- Sveriges Riksbank — Currency and exchange
- Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) — VAT and tourist refunds
- European Union — ETIAS travel authorisation
- Swedish Customs (Tullverket) — Cash declaration
- Visit Sweden — General travel guidance
Last reviewed 31 July 2026 by Matrix Forex Editorial Team. Next review due 31 October 2026.
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