Sweden, a land of vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and modern cities, offers a journey through nature, culture, and innovation. From the historic streets of Stockholm and the ancient Viking sites of Gotland to the stunning archipelago of islands and the wilderness of Lapland, Sweden is a country of contrasts and beauty. Navigating this Scandinavian gem requires an understanding of the local cash, ATMs in Sweden and the available payment options. This guide will provide you with the financial insights needed to explore Sweden’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes with ease and confidence, ensuring a journey filled with unforgettable moments and the warmth of Swedish hospitality.
Will I need cash in Sweden, or can I just use my card?
Sweden is one of the world’s most card-friendly countries, with plans to transition to a completely cashless society. Cards are almost universally accepted, and many businesses do not accept cash at all. Tourists should have no trouble using credit and debit cards for almost every transaction.
You can swipe your card almost anywhere, including public transportation, taxis, retail stores, restaurants, and bars, hotels, museums, and tourist attractions throughout the country. Only place where cash may be needed is small local markets or rural events where vendors do not accept cards.
What currencies are accepted?
The Swedish Krona (SEK) is the local currency, with notes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 SEK. This is the most commonly accepted currency.
US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds are not commonly accepted in Sweden, with card or digital payment methods in Swedish Krona being preferred.
How to obtain local currency and money in Sweden?
There are three main ways to get cash in Sweden. They are ATMs, currency exchanges, and money transfers.
The Swedish Krona is a moderately popular currency worldwide, but it is not always available in all countries, so it may be difficult to find at home, and even if you do, the exchange rate will be low.
Where can you find ATMs in Sweden?
There are more than 2,100 ATMs in Sweden.
ATMs are common at:
Major Airports
Market and town squares
Every major town has its main tourist streets.
Shopping Malls
Food lanes
Bank branches
Several corporate buildings
The following are the locations where ATMs will be difficult to find:
Small airports
Islands
Regional bus stops
Interior of the villages
In small towns, off the main roads
Remote resorts and retreats
Currency exchanges in Sweden
You can use these places to exchange money in Sweden:
Authorised currency exchange centres: You will find them in touristy spots in Stockholm mainly.
Banks: Bank branches can also easily convert your currency to krona, especially from currencies like US dollars, Euros, Pounds, Japanese Yen, Thai Baht, and Singapore dollars. Expect a pay a commission of 0.5% to 2% per transaction.
Hotels and airports: Airports have lots of currency exchanges and so do many large and small hotels. But the exchange rates are not great.
Pro-tips:
Don’t exchange at airports – Rates are poor
Bring new notes – Damaged, dirty notes will get you lesser rates or higher fees.
Which types of cards are accepted in Sweden?
ATMs in Sweden will primarily accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and American Express cards. Do not expect them to accept JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover, or Rupay cards.
The same cards are also accepted for swiping.
Currency exchanges prefer hard cash to exchange. Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted. Please be aware of the fees you will incur if you use your card at a currency exchange.
Are ATMs in Sweden comparable to other countries?
Yes. The ATMs are modern in appearance and operation, similar to those in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Some of them take your card completely inside during the transaction, so remember to take it after withdrawing cash from such ATMs.
ATMs can also offer currency conversion options such as ‘With Conversion’/’Accept Conversion’ or ‘Without Conversion’/’Decline Conversion’. To avoid optional extra fees, select ‘Without Conversion’ or ‘Decline Conversion’.
Popular banks with ATMs
Danske Bank
Handelsbanken
Nordea
SEB
Swedbank
Forex Bank
Bankomat
What are ATMs called in Sweden?
The term ‘Bankomat’ is widely used, and signage includes the bank name with or without the word ‘ATM’. Bankomat is a shared ATM network owned by five banks: Nordea, Handelsbanken, Swedbank, SEB, and Danske Bank.
PIN types in Sweden
ATMs in Sweden typically accept 4-digit PINs.
To swipe, chip-and-PIN cards are standard, and magnetic stripe cards are being phased out.
Languages at currency exchanges and ATMs in Sweden
ATMs and currency exchanges in Sweden offer two language options by default: Swedish and English. If you don’t understand these languages, you can use Google Translate’s camera to translate the options on your phone in real-time. Remember that these translations are not always completely accurate, so don’t rush through the transaction.
You can also interact in the two languages mentioned above at currency exchanges in Sweden to get your money.
Withdrawal limits and ATM Fees in Sweden
In Sweden, ATM withdrawal limits range from Kr 2000 to Kr 5000 per transaction, with Kr 2000 being the most common amount.
ATM fees: Bank ATMs in Sweden do not charge ATM fees to foreign cardholders, except those in supermarkets and pharmacies that may charge a fee.
The ATM Fee Saver mobile and web app can help you find fee-free ATMs in Sweden, as well as currency exchange and money transfer services. It specifies the fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders using these ATMs. Use the app’s calculator to determine the exact fees for your withdrawals in Sweden. When you select an ATM, the app will direct you to it using its navigation feature. It provides information for 50 countries, including Sweden.
Tips to avoid high fees at Swedish currency exchanges and ATMs
Use fee-free ATMs throughout the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to locate fee-free or low-cost ATMs.
Select Decline Conversion or Without Conversion during ATM transactions.
Consider receiving fee-free cards from your home country.
For currency exchange:
Avoid using no-fee exchange offices to get money in Sweden. If they say no fee, it means they factor their fee into the exchange rate.
Avoid using credit or debit cards for direct transactions.
Do not buy krona in your home country. It is not a popular currency, so you will get poor exchange rates.
Don’t bring a lot of krona back home; the exchange rate to sell will be poor.
Are Sweden’s currency exchanges and ATMs safe?
In general, Yes. many ATMs feature cameras. Crime rates near ATMs are low.
Use ATMs at Bank Branches: These are generally more secure and resistant to skimming devices.
Monitor Your Card Transactions. Report any unauthorised transactions as soon as they occur.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to increase security.
Keep your card in sight. Avoid giving your card to merchants who keep it out of sight.
Carry Two Cards. This way, if one card fails, you still have a backup option.
Only use authorised and registered currency exchange locations.
Is it safe to carry cash while travelling in Sweden?
Yes, carrying cash while travelling in Sweden is generally safe. Here are some tips for keeping your money safe:
Instead of keeping all of your cash in one place, spread it out across multiple pockets or wallets.
Consider keeping some cash in a safety belt or fanny pack.
Avoid flashing a lot of cash in public.
When paying, try not to reveal all of your cash.
It is safer to carry your wallet in your front pockets.
Keep your purses, wallets, and bags secure and close to your body in crowded areas such as streets, trains, and buses.
FAQs
Can I withdraw cash in Sweden for free?
Yes, most bank ATMs in Sweden do not charge foreign cardholders a fee.
Are US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other credit cards accepted in Sweden?
Definitely yes! ATMs in Sweden typically accept credit cards from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and other countries.
Are there bitcoin ATMs in Sweden?
Yes, there are several Bitcoin ATMs, especially in Stockholm.
Are there any Bank of America ATMs in Sweden?
There are no Bank of America ATMs in Sweden.
Any Barclays Bank ATMs in Sweden?
There are no Barclays ATMs in Sweden.
Any HSBC ATMs in Sweden?
There are no HSBC ATMs in Sweden.
Any Standard Chartered ATMs in Sweden?
There are no Standard Chartered ATMs in Sweden.
