Includes information on business customs, travel advisory, visa requirements, acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, etc.
Last Published: 7/23/2019

Business Customs
In general, social and business protocol is similar between the U.S. and the Nordics. In Sweden, scheduling and planning are a way of life and punctuality is extremely important, both professionally and socially. Meetings are scheduled well in advance and begin on time, if delayed this must be promptly communicated. Sticking to the agenda and a firm handshake with all present upon arrival and departure is expected. The 24-hour clock is recommended to avoid confusion.

Swedes value quality and that is also true in regard to clothing. Conservative dress is appropriate for business appointments. Business entertaining is usually done at lunch and not dinner, and upscale restaurants expect men and women to dress well. Restaurant bills include service charges, but after an evening meal, a small gratuity is expected. Smoking is not allowed in places of business, including restaurants. Business cards are commonly used. Gifts are appropriate when closing transactions but not at the beginning of a business relationship.

Travel Advisory
Due to the relatively generous leave that Swedish employees are entitled to (minimum 25 days/year) and a general work life balance, it is advantageous to plan business travel to Sweden during Sept thru mid-December and mid-January thru mid-June. Many Swedes take extended vacation during July and August and some small businesses close. See below a link to Swedish bank holidays.

Up-to-date travel information on Sweden and all other countries is available on the Department of State’s website, see Department of State (open link in Google Chrome). On this page, see “Travel Advisory” for current information, including the Crime and Safety Report. All American visitors to Sweden are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP (open link in Google Chrome).

Visa Requirements
Sweden is a party to the Schengen Agreement which requires visas for many foreign but not for U.S citizens. U.S. citizens may enter Sweden for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes with a valid U.S. passport (at least 6 months longer than your planned period of stay) without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.  For visits in excess of 90 days and more information, see link to the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C, Embassy of Sweden

Currency
The currency of Sweden is the krona (crown), which is subdivided into 100 öre. All öre coins have been discontinued as of 2010, but goods can still be priced in öre. When paying with cash, all sums are rounded up to the nearest krona. Other currencies can be exchanged at banks and financial institutions; however steep fees and/or unfavorable exchange rates are the price for this service. There are some places of business - mainly in larger cities - that do not accept local currency cash any longer, a cashless trend that has been growing in recent years.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted both in Swedish stores and ATM’s. Major credit cards such as Visa or MasterCard are accepted in most places. Diner's Club and American Express may be less acceptable due to the high service charges associated with them. ATM’s – most with the English language option - are readily available throughout Sweden but require a chip and PIN card for withdrawal of cash. Prior to departing from the U.S. travelers should ensure that their ATM/credit/debit cards allow use abroad and inquire about frequency, withdrawal limits, and the related fees.

Checks have never had a strong position in Sweden and are very rare. It is difficult to find a place that accepts or cashes travelers’ checks; very few banks offer this service. Depositing a U.S. /foreign check into a Swedish bank account comes with a hefty fee. If the bank accepts the check, there will most likely also be a long delay before the check clears. Wire transfers are preferred, but require a Swedish bank account to receive the funds in.

Telecommunications/Electronics
Sweden (calling code +46) is one of the world’s most connected countries. Wifi is always available in business hotels and often in public spaces, especially in the major cities. Sweden currently uses 3G and 4G cell phone technology. There are essentially no pay-phones available in Sweden any longer. As long as the U.S. provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) activates the roaming function, U.S. cell phones can be used in Sweden. However, using a U.S. cellphone abroad will result in a much higher cost to the user.

Voltage in Sweden is 230 with 50 cycles (Hz), and converters are sold in many electrical/office supply stores. If an American device will work with 230 V, only an adapter to change the shape of the power plug to fit into an outlet is needed in Sweden. Swedish power sockets use the Europlug (type F). 

Transportation
Sweden enjoys a modern infrastructure and all modes of transportation are very reliable, efficient, and generally timely. Sweden can be reached by air, ferry, car, and rail. There are several airlines that have direct U.S.-Sweden flights from cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco/Oakland, Miami, and Ft Lauderdale. Flights from the U.S. arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, 40 minutes north of the city of Stockholm. When taking a cab from the airport, the price should be confirmed prior to departure. There is also a high-speed train as well as bus service from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm’s downtown Central Station. In cities public transportation is mainly used including trains, trams and buses. These are generally reliable with extensive routes and connections.

Sweden has right hand traffic and when driving in Sweden, seatbelts must be used, and headlights must be on, regardless of time of day or time of year. Snow tires are mandatory Dec 1-March 31. Car rentals are readily available but at prices that exceed U.S. averages.

Language
Swedish is the official language of Sweden, but an advanced level of English is generally spoken by the majority of Swedes, and often used in business.

Health
The Swedish state-run health care system is often considered a model for other countries to take after and is comparable to care found in the U.S. There are no mandatory vaccines for traveling to Sweden. The Center for Disease Control lists a few vaccines worth considering when traveling to Sweden, see CDC website. The emergency telephone number is '112'.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Both Sweden and the USA are in the ATA-carnet system, the documentation that replaces the need to apply for temporary import authorization. Goods that will be temporarily imported to the EU/Sweden and re-exported in unchanged condition (such as certain professional equipment, show materials or samples), can be temporarily admitted. More information about the temporary admission of goods can be found on the Swedish Customs website. Information regarding bringing personal belongings to Sweden can be found on the website of Swedish Customs.

Web Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s information for Travelers to Sweden
OECD Sweden Data                                       
Swedish Customs                                          
Swedish Embassies & Consulates abroad           
Swedish bank holidays 2019
State Department Consular information sheet Sweden
US Embassy in Sweden                               
Visit Sweden

 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.