(Last updated: 2 Jul 2011)

Visas

Australian citizens need a valid passport, but do not need a visa. Contact the Embassy of Sweden for more details.

Climate

Sweden has warm but short summers and moderate cold winters tempered by the Gulf Stream from the west. Although the summers, May-August, can be quite hot at times, it is always advisable to bring warm and waterproof clothes. Swedes tend to dress casually, but for business meetings, elegant restaurants, and social functions formal dress is expected.

For weather details in Sweden, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

The Stockholm airport, Arlanda is located north of Stockholm's main city area, about 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic conditions.

Use taxis from a recognised company, if unsure, ask the taxi warden outside the arrival hall. Official taxis are on fixed rates from the airport to inner Stockholm and back so always ask beforehand. Fixed rates vary between SEK350-450 and while a tip is included an additional 10 per cent is always appreciated.

There is also a fast train from Arlanda Airport to the Central Station, takes around 20 minutes.

Flygbussarna airport coaches is the largest airport bus company in Sweden, with routes to and from all major airports and cities nationwide.

Ground transport

Public transport in Sweden is usually clean, safe, and cheap. In Stockholm there are buses and an underground. Gothenburg has buses and trams, while Malmö has buses only. It is advisable to always use recognised taxi companies.

Hotels

Most of the main hotel chains are represented in Sweden with single rooms ranging from SEK1500 to SEK2000 per night.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Sweden. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

Information about health care is available (in Stockholm), Tel: 463 9100.

In case of any emergency call 112. Most hotels have arrangements for non-emergency medical care for their guests.

No special health precautions are necessary and tap water is safe to drink.

There are many pharmacies (apotek) open during normal shopping hours and the Apotek C. W. Scheele, Klarabergsgatan 64 (opposite the Central Train Station) is open 24 hours every day.

Tipping

Service charges are included in Swedish hotels and at restaurants, except for porters and cloakroom attendants' fees. Tipping at restaurants is discretionary but if the service is good an additional 10 per cent is not uncommon.

Time zones and time differences

Sweden is nine hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Stockholm, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Sweden's country code is 46.

For calls to Sweden from Australia dial: 0011 + 46 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Sweden to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
January 6 – Epiphany
May 1 – Labour Day
May 13 – Ascension
May 23 – Whit Sunday
June 26 –Midsummer’s Eve
November 1 – All Saint’s Eve
December 24-26 – Christmas

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The national currency is the Swedish krona (SEK) and the sub-unit is öre. 100 öre = a krona.

Electricity and water

Sweden’s power supply is 240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Good restaurants are easy to find in Sweden, especially in major city areas. You can eat basically anywhere with no health fears. Restaurants are normally reasonably priced unless they are listed in guidebooks for their supreme quality.