GENERAL INFORMATION FOR NEWCOMERS IN SWEDEN

Sweden is a country in Northern Europe, known for its stunning natural beauty, high standard of living, and innovative culture. It is home to over 10 million people and is the largest country in Scandinavia. The capital city, Stockholm, is spread across 14 islands and is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Sweden is famous for its welfare system, focus on sustainability, and traditions like fika (coffee breaks) and Midsummer celebrations.

As a newcomer, there are some important things to know that can help you settle in more easily, here is a couple of them.

GETTING AROUND IN THE COUNTRY

Getting to and travel around Sweden is easy and accessible, with almost every part of the country being accessible with Trains, Busses and Boats

Sweden’s rail network covers swathes of the country, all served by different rail companies: Sweden’s national rail company SJ, Snälltåget, Vy and Inlandsbanan operate nationally and internationally. MTRX operate between Stockholm and Gothenburg. Buy your tickets on each train operator's website or in the station before travelling – keep in mind that tickets cannot be purchased on board.

And even if your route is operated by another train company, it’s worth checking the SJ site for an overview of rail routes and destinations.

DOING GROCERIES

Sweden has many supermarket chains but also many local small shops with international food.

The main one’s that can be found in almost every city are...

Lidl: By far the cheapest grocery store you will be able to find. Lidl has their own brands that you won’t be able to find in other stores.

WIlly’s: Willy’s will be your second cheapest option. This store has a very large selection of everything you might need from meats, cheeses, vegetables, canned goods, etc. Willy’s has typical Swedish brands in stock.

ICA: ICA is the third most expensive option on this list. There are different types of ICA stores to look out for. ICA nära means it is smaller and might be a little more expensive. There is also ICA Maxi which means it is a bigger ICA store with all kinds of items.

Coop: Coop is a great store with great produce and items but it can be expensive. It has all the same things as a normal grocery store but just at a higher price tag.

Hemköp: Hemköp will be your most expensive option although it will have everything you need when it comes to a typical grocery store.

And while we are on the topic of shopping it is good to know that Sweden is mostly a cashless society and many places will only accept debit/credit cards

IN CASE YOU GET SICK

Getting sick outside your home country can be tricky but seeking help in Sweden is not that difficult...

If you require care but are not acutely ill, contact a health centre ("vårdcentral") to book an appointment. Visit 1177.se or call

+46 771-11 77 00 if you need help finding a health centre. At the health centre, there are general practitioners and nurses who can refer you to specialist care should you need it. Many medications are by prescription only. You may need to see a doctor at a health center to get a prescription. If you don’t speak Swedish, you may get an interpreter to help you. Notify the staff if you need an interpreter when booking your appointment.

If its something more serious you can go directly to your nearest emergency department or “Akutmottagning” in Swedish. Call emergency number 112 for an ambulance if someone is seriously ill or injured. You may also visit a hospital emergency room or a walk-in care center.

If you are a EU citizen it's always best to have your blue European health insurance card with you to avoid paying anything extra

BUYING ALCOHOL

Buying alcohol in Sweden is not as simple as it is in many other countries. You can’t buy alcohol at any store or at any hour

If you want to buy alcohol in Sweden you have to visit Systembolaget (by many Swedes it’s called just Systemet, or just Bolaget). Systembolaget is a government-owned chain of liquor stores and the only store that is allowed to sell alcohol with an alcohol percentage higher than 3.5% You can find light beers, light ciders and completely alcohol-free options at any convenient store or grocery store. But if you want to buy wine, liquor, and beer with a higher alcohol percentage than 3.5% you have to visit Systembolaget.

You have to be 20 years old to shop there, and everyone under 25 has to show their ID at the checkout. Of course, you can still buy alcohol at restaurants, bars, night clubs and pubs all around the country. To buy alcohol at any of these establishments you have to be over 18 years old. Some places do set their own rules, meaning the age limit can be higher (but it can never be lower than 18 years old).

Also be aware that Systembolaget stores are closed in the evenings, on Sundays and on holidays and have shorter opening hours on Saturdays