Sweden Travel Guide

Sweden reminds travelers of the pure nature of the north, the fields and forests of Scandinavia. Whether you like outdoors or like to see fashionable men and women with excellent figures on the street, don't miss Stockholm, the largest city in Northern Europe. From here, you can head all the way to Kiruna in the north for skiing, viewing the aurora, staying in ice and snow hotels, or you can take a Baltic cruise to visit other countries such as Finland.

Best time to travel May to September is the best time to travel in Sweden. Sweden is located at a higher latitude and the North Pole passes through its northern territory, so the temperature is lower. However, due to the influence of the North Atlantic Warm Stream, Sweden's climate is milder than other areas at the same latitude. In January, the average temperature in southern Sweden is minus 1 degrees Celsius and minus 14 degrees Celsius in the north. Winter in the capital Stockholm starts in December and ends at the end of March of the second year, with the average temperature of minus 3 degrees Celsius. There is a lot of snow in normal times. The average temperature in most areas in July is 15 to 17 degrees, and the average temperature in Stockholm is around 18 degrees.

transportation notice There are currently direct flights from China to Sweden. You can take a direct flight from China from Beijing to Stockholm. The flight time is about eight hours and three flights a week. There are no direct flights from Shanghai to Sweden. You can take SAS, Austrian Airlines, Air France, KLM, etc. to transit to Stockholm via third countries. The airport has high-speed trains and buses to the city center, which is very convenient.

Sweden is a Schengen Agreement country. The stay period for a Schengen visa issued at a time generally does not exceed 90 days. When traveling to the Schengen Area, China citizens should submit visa applications to the embassies and consulates of the main destination country in China. If the main destination country cannot be determined, it should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country with the longest stay in China. When visits to each Schengen Agreement country are of equal duration, they should be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the first country of entry in China.

China citizens traveling to Sweden for sightseeing, business visits, attending meetings, visiting relatives and friends, or transit should apply for entry visas in advance. Residents of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui need to submit visa applications to the Swedish Consulate General in Shanghai; residents of Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi and Hainan need to submit visa applications to the Consulate General of Norway in Guangzhou (escrow); residents of other mainland regions can submit visa applications to the Swedish Embassy in China.

Applicants can submit visa applications as early as three months before departure and must submit them in person. The length of time when Swedish embassies and consulates in China accepts visas varies, and a decision on whether to issue a visa is usually made within one month after accepting the application. In addition, applicants must obtain travel insurance covering the entire period of stay in the Schengen Area (until 24:00 p.m. European local time on the day of departure). When entering from the Schengen country, you should carry the original insurance policy with you for border inspection.

Special note: The UK is not a member of the Schengen Agreement. Any China citizen who transfers from the UK through Sweden must obtain a Schengen visa in advance. The entry visa processing fee is 520 yuan, and the Swedish Embassy only accepts payment of the application fee with a bank card. There is no charge for the following: -Children under 6 years of age-Students accompanying teachers on travel for teaching and research purposes-Third-country studies scholars traveling for scientific research purposes.

Entry and Exit Instructions Sweden implements stricter customs inspections and controls in accordance with relevant EU laws. China citizens need clothing and personal use items such as cameras during their travel in Sweden can enter the country duty-free. Entering Sweden from outside the European Union by plane or ferry, there is no need to pay tax if you carry on items (excluding alcohol and tobacco) that do not exceed SEK 4,300 (approximately 430 euros); if you enter by other means of transportation, there is no need to pay tax if the amount does not exceed SEK 3,000 (approximately 300 euros).

China citizens entering Sweden must pay special attention to whether they carry alcohol, tobacco, food, cash, medicines and dangerous goods with them. If a passenger carries no more than the amount of alcohol or tobacco specified by customs and uses it for personal use, there is no need to pay customs duties when entering Sweden. Those who bring alcohol must be 20 years old or older, and the duty-free limit is 1 liter of beverages with an alcohol content of more than 22%, or 2 liters of wine with an alcohol content of more than 15% but less than 22%, or 4 liters of wine with an alcohol content of less than 15%, or beer not exceeding 16 liters. For those entering the country with cigarettes, the duty-free limit is 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco.

In terms of food, there are usually no restrictions on food purchased from other EU countries and used for personal use, but food brought into Sweden from non-EU areas faces strict control. Entry rules for different foods are different. Meat, dairy products, etc. require health certificates and will be quarantined at the border guard. In terms of cash, passengers who carry more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent in cash entering and leaving the country must declare to the customs. In terms of medicines, passengers can carry prescription drugs for their own health reasons. Only after obtaining permission from the Swedish police can passengers bring dangerous items including switchblades, pepper spray, batons, rivet gloves, hammers, guns and ammunition, etc. into the country.

local people's lives are simple, novel, simple, sentimental, attached to nature, and returned to their original nature. They are the soul of the Swedish nation. Swedes have high cultural quality, hospitality, simplicity and honesty, civilized conversation, rules of conduct, and promises and punctuality.

The people of this country attach great importance to environmental protection, love flowers, birds and other wildlife, and love nature. In Sweden, people like to use their spare time to carry out wild activities, hike in forests and fields, pick wild fruits and mushrooms, and go to sea and lakes to swim, rafting, and fishing. In the summer when the days and nights are short, people travel at home and abroad. Sweden has become one of the countries with the largest number of tourists in the world. Sports activities are a hobby for Swedes.

Sweden is a country that prohibits alcohol, and you need to buy alcohol in a specialty store. Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public places, airports, public transportation facilities, shops, restaurants, etc. in Sweden, and some hotels have smoking rooms.

Consumption level Sweden's price level is generally high. 5kr for going to the toilet and 25kr for taking the bus is already cheap. 100kr can buy four bottles of water, and in a China store, you can buy three bottles of Lao Gan Ma. Supermarket prices: rice: 7.10kr/500g, mushrooms: 29.8kr/1kg, tomatoes: 13.5kr/1kg, beef: 88.5kr/1kg, fresh oranges 18.9kr/1kg, celery 18.5kr/1kg. High-tech things are relatively cheap, such as: a monthly rent of 27.5kr for 10 megabytes of broadband, free text messages between customers with the carrier, and a monthly plan is generally paid for pure phone charges of 50- 75kr).

Sweden is a high-tax and high-welfare country, with personal income tax ranging from 30% to 33%. In addition to the positive price of the product, relevant taxes and fees are listed separately on the purchase receipt.

Currency exchange for domestic Swedish krona is rare. It is recommended to exchange it after arriving in Sweden. You can exchange money at Forex Bank (yellow sign) and X-change (red sign). There are many currency exchange points at the airport and Central Railway Station. You can also find it in the city center, but it is rare in other places. Forex Bank is recommended for exchange. The exchange rate between Swedish krona and RMB fluctuates around 1:1. Sweden has a very good environment for using cards. It is not recommended to bring a large amount of cash. If the stay time is short, you may not even need to exchange foreign exchange.

Sweden has a very good card environment. Most shops and major taxi companies accept credit cards, so you don't need to carry a large amount of cash, and you can use credit cards even for small purchases. However, since Swedish bank cards generally only have a 4-digit password, domestic 6-digit password cards may not be able to enter the password when swiping their cards. Therefore, it is recommended to carry your passport with you. If you encounter a situation where the password cannot be entered, the salesperson will directly cancel the entry and use your passport to verify your identity and swipe your card. In some places, you can swipe your card by simply pressing 4 digits. Sweden has popularized a large number of bank cards with chips, and some places only accept cards with chips, so try to use cards with chips to avoid unnecessary trouble.

In Sweden, you can use a UnionPay credit card (card number starting with 62), but you cannot use a UnionPay card to withdraw cash. When you swipe a UnionPay card at a merchant, the cardholder does not need to pay a handling fee. If you choose to spend on the UnionPay network, compared with other bank card networks, you will be exempted from currency conversion fees ranging from 1% to 2%. The amount of local currency consumed will be directly converted into RMB amount according to the market exchange rate, and will be credited to the cardholder's RMB account in a timely manner by the issuing bank.

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communication and network Swedish telephone international code is 0046, mobile phone signal and wireless network coverage are high, and the Internet is also very popular. China's GSM network mobile phones can be used directly after they are enabled for global roaming, or the mobile phone cards of local communication operators Telia, Tele2 and Telenor can be replaced. For travelers, it is recommended to use Comviq's prepaid card. There are three packages, two of which are more suitable for short-term tourists: the 70 kroner Kompis Surf package is more suitable for surfing the Internet. The data traffic comes with 1GB, and the excess is 0.99 per MB, and the first 100MB per day is 6 kroner.

The connection fee for a call is 0.99 per call. Calls to COMVIQ and Tele2 networks are free, and other networks such as Telia, Telenor, etc. are 0.99 per minute. Text messages to COMVIQ and Tele2 networks are free, while other networks worldwide are 0.99 per message. If there are many calls back to China, it is recommended to choose the Amigos plan, 50 kroner: calls to fixed phones in China are 0.15 kroner per minute, and mobile phones are 0.25 kroner per minute. You can buy it at convenience stores Pressbyrån and 7-11, as well as at large supermarkets such as ICA.

On the Internet, many coffee shops, hotels, libraries and other places can access wireless networks for free. Sidewalk Express provides Internet services in many places, such as convenience stores (most 7-Eleven and Pressbyrån), some shopping centers, many public places including the central lobby of Stockholm Central Railway Station, etc. Detailed locations can be found on the company's website. However, most Internet devices are not very convenient to use, such as metal keyboards, can only access the Internet while standing, etc.) and are expensive. However, the unused Internet time paid in one place can be used in another place within 5 days.

The geographical environment along the coast of Sweden breeds fish such as salmon, salmon and perch, bamboo fish, perch, and turtle fish. Due to the cold climate in Sweden, fish grow slowly, so the grown fish are even more delicious. Swedish citizens have a strong awareness of environmental protection, which is also reflected in their eating habits. Swedes prefer raw and cold food, with meat slices and fish pieces being semi-cooked. Since the growth environment of fish is itself clean waters with little pollution, this ensures healthy eating.

Swedes are more accustomed to eating European dishes, which have a light taste. They usually add less seasoning and try to maintain the original flavor. They don't like to eat too greasy food. The foods commonly eaten by Swedes include ham, beef and mutton, chicken, fish, game, eggs and fruits, vegetables, cream cakes, etc., and they are required to be tender, smooth and fragrant. In Sweden, there are many shops selling small dishes. The small dishes are raw and cooked, and even canned fish are raw and cooked. There are countless types of fish, but there are few types of vegetables and fruits and the prices are high because Sweden's cold climate is not suitable for plant growth.

It should be noted that there are no hotels in Sweden, and all restaurants and restaurants are only allowed to serve a small amount of wine at dinner. If people want to drink at home, they must also hold a "liquor purchase license" to buy it at a designated place. Those who hold such a "license" will also have to pay a considerable amount of tax. The Swedish government can earn more than US$100 million a year from alcohol taxes. Except for restaurants and bars, beverages with an alcohol content of 3.5% or more can only be purchased at state-owned stores. Beer with an alcohol content below 3.5% can be purchased at ordinary food stores. However, beer with an alcohol content of more than 2.25% is only sold to customers over the age of 18.

There are alcoholism hospitals in both urban and rural areas of Sweden. There are also various restrictions on drinking in society. If the police find a drunk person, they can detain him at any time. If the alcohol content exceeds 1‰ based on blood tests, he will be sent to a alcoholics hospital for forced treatment for three months. If you drink alcohol again after leaving the hospital, you will need to undergo longer periods of forced treatment.

Special food reindeer meat: Reindeer is a specialty of northern Sweden. It's a typical sami meal. If you are planning to go to the North Pole (kiruna), pay attention and be sure to taste it locally.

Pea soup: Pea soup is a very Swedish dish. When drinking pea soup, the best staple food is toast, and sprinkle some mustard spices on the soup is also an essential seasoning. If you like, you can also have a glass of Swedish Punsch Liqueur while drinking the soup. I believe it will add to the cake.

Sandwich cake: Sandwich cake is a popular Swedish festival food. There are many combinations, but people usually use eggs and mayonnaise as the bottom layer, and then top them with minced meat, olives, shrimp, ham, caviar, and smoked salmon. Usually eaten as a dessert, it is a cold dish that is usually cut into small pieces like a cake when served.

Potato dumplings: Potato dumplings are very similar to China's bean dumplings. China's bean buns are spherical dough made by wrapping bean fillings with white flour; it is a spherical dough made by wrapping onion and pork fillings (or onion and bacon meat) with potato flour. Serve with butter, cream and cranberry jam.

Swedish meatballs: Swedish meatballs are arguably the most representative Swedish dish. Swedes prefer to eat meatballs with boiled potatoes, broth and jam; sometimes they are served with fresh pickled cucumbers. The vast majority of Ikea home cafeteria around the world serve Swedish meatballs.

Shopping tips Someone said that if you want to shop in Milan, New York, London and Paris, fly to Stockholm. This is at least partially true. Stockholm is a place with great design and fashion awareness, as reflected in its stores. All major fashion brands and designers are displayed here, many of which have exclusive stores. There are countless bizarre shops on the street selling knickknacks from around the world, as well as many junk and antique shops, large department stores, and of course shops selling glass crafts and interior decoration, perhaps the two most well-known areas of Swedish design. In northern Europe, there is a popular saying: Norway people think first, then Swedes make it, and then Danes are responsible for sales. It shows the creativity of the Swedes. And in Sweden, the purchase price of goods usually includes value-added tax. Non-EU residents can receive tax refunds when leaving Europe through Global Refund.

Duty-free shopping If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you can enjoy a shopping tax refund policy. In Sweden, like other European countries, product label prices include value-added tax.

Specific tax refund process: Ask for a tax refund form when purchasing items. Fill out the tax refund form and hand it over to the customs to stamp and inspect the physical objects after departure. Please be sure to refund the tax first and then check the goods.) Finally, go to the cash refund point to withdraw cash or choose to refund the tax into a credit card.

Notes: Try to choose cash tax refunds. Credit cards are very risky, and people often cannot receive tax refunds.Try to choose local currency for tax refunds. Now there are tax refund points in all first-tier cities in China. In addition, this situation should be avoided. For example, Sweden has its own currency. If you leave Sweden and choose euros as the tax refund currency, the tax refund for items purchased in the euro zone will be poured from euros to Swedish krona and then to euros, so that the exchange rate loss will be more than 5 percentage points.

Entertainment Tips Stockholm's stage is rich and colorful, including rock music, opera, jazz, classical music, dance, ethnic and other performances, and everyone can enjoy it. There are new shows to welcome you here in any season. Night owls and party fans have found the right place in Stockholm. Stockholm is the busiest city in Europe. People go to bars and clubs to enjoy themselves, go to music, or look for new trends. Bar lovers often hang out in S0 dermalm and Kungsholmen, and there are many bars and restaurants in the city center, especially in Kungstradgarden and SturePlan.

Medical Notes Sweden has good medical and health conditions and a high level of medical care, but there are not many hospitals. Medical expenses are very expensive. China citizens with residency rights in Sweden can enjoy preferential local medical expenses, but ordinary tourists need to bear all the expenses themselves. When issuing entry visas, Schengen Area countries already require travelers to take out travel medical insurance that covers all expenses that may arise from return for medical reasons, emergency medical care, emergency hospitalizations or death. If there is a sudden illness, injury, etc., please contact the insurance company as soon as possible. Ambulance telephone number: 112.

Tips ※

Sweden is 6 hours slower than China in summer time and 7 hours slower than China in winter time.

* Sweden's social security situation is generally good, and the criminal crime rate is relatively low. However, theft cases against China have occurred from time to time in recent years. China citizens and groups in Switzerland are requested to take special care of their passports, air tickets, cash and other important items, and do not separate people and bags. The hotel lobby should be strictly guarded against thieves and do not let your bag out of your sight when dining. At the same time, carry a copy of your passport and several photos separately from the original ID for urgent needs.

※ Vehicles in Sweden abide by traffic regulations, and pedestrians should not run red lights when crossing the road. Vehicles must use winter tires in winter and summer tires in summer.

※ Due to the short sunshine in winter in Sweden, local motor vehicles will abide by the rule of turning on the lights whenever they are on the road in winter, summer, day or night. There are few pedestrians and vehicles on the road. In order to avoid danger in places with insufficient lighting, you can bring a reflective sign to Sweden in winter, or buy it at a local convenience store and hang it on your bag or coat so that drivers can slow down in time after seeing the reflection. Avoid.

※ Since drunk driving is severely punished, one person is usually designated as the driver at social gatherings, and this person is not allowed to drink alcohol.

※ Prices in Sweden are expensive, please prepare enough budget. Especially food, ordinary meals at 80-90 SEK a meal. Sweden's tap water is straight drinking water, there is no need to buy bottled water.

※ Bottled or tinned water or drinks purchased in supermarkets include a bottle deposit, worth 1-2kr. After drinking, you can return the bottle at the automatic bottle return machine in the supermarket and collect the receipt. You can cash it out or exchange it for cash at the supermarket.

* In Sweden, tipping is not mandatory. You can tip appropriately after a meal, or you can not tip (completely voluntary).

※ Swedes attach great importance to environmental protection. In order to recycle more effectively, the community has a complete garbage classification system. If you need to cook in a youth hotel, please pay attention to distinguishing recyclable garbage (recycled plastics, metals, colored glass, colorless glass, paper products, batteries, etc.) and non-recyclable garbage (kitchen waste, etc.).

※ Smoking is prohibited indoors in almost all buildings in Sweden, so tourists are advised to go to designated places outdoors when they need to smoke. Smoking indoors will cause alarms.

※ If China citizens in Switzerland encounter emergency situations, such as first aid, alarm, fire alarm, air and sea distress, request mountain patrols, or call a priest, etc., please report the case immediately to the nearest police station and ask for a police report. Emergency alarm number 112, non-emergency number 11414, China mobile phones please dial 0046-77-1141400.​