Money in Sweden: The Complete Guide for Visitors
Sweden uses the krona, not the euro, and runs on cards — cash is down to 5% of purchases. What to bring, how much cash, and why Swish isn't for you.
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Can You Pay With Cash in Sweden?
Cash is legal tender in Sweden — and shops may still refuse it. Where notes work, why buses won't take them, and how much cash to actually bring.
Swish for Tourists: Why You Can't Use It and What to Use Instead
Swish needs a Swedish bank account and BankID, so visitors can't get it. Why that matters less than you think, and what to use at markets instead.
Guides
- Using Credit and Debit Cards in Sweden Visa and Mastercard work everywhere in Sweden. The two things that cost you money: accepting home-currency billing, and travelling without a PIN.
- ATMs in Sweden: Fees and How to Find One Sweden's banks share one ATM network, Bankomat. It charges no fee of its own, but caps many foreign cards at 2,000 kr. How to find one and what to press.
- Exchanging Currency in Sweden: Where and Whether to Do It Cards cover 92% of in-store purchases in Sweden: skip the exchange desk. Where to get kronor, how to sell leftovers, how to redeem old notes (300 kr fee).
- Tipping in Sweden: When and How Much Tipping isn't expected in Sweden - staff earn a normal collective-agreement wage. Round up or 5-10% for great service, and "no tip" is always fine.
- Paying by Phone in Sweden: Apple Pay and Google Pay Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere in Sweden with a foreign card. When you need the plastic card, and the transit rule that charges twice.
- Always Pay in Kronor: Dynamic Currency Conversion Explained Always choose kronor. What the other button costs, the EU rule that makes it show its mark-up, and what to do if you were converted without asking.