Welcome to Sweden and Småland
Moving to another country is an exciting experience. Culture, people, work, language and
housing – everything is new and you throw yourself into the task wholeheartedly.
And so it should be, and that is why we are here to help you and your family a little bit along
the way. No doubt you will have dozens of questions on your mind.
In this little handbook, we have put together information about how moving to Sweden works,
and something about what it’s like living here. The text has been compiled in collaboration with
people who have moved, with their families, from different countries and who have generously
shared their experiences with us about what can be important to know and to be aware of. To
the best of Medak’s knowledge all information is correct at the time of writing. The handbook
should be used as a general guide only and is updated at regular intervals. Any tips or
comments on the contents are welcome.
Sweden has a very well developed Internet service. A great deal of information is therefore
only a click away. Even the smallest flower shop has its own web site! Information, for
example, from authorities, is updated continuously. It might be a good idea to keep an eye on
these web sites from the very beginning. Many of them are written in several languages.
In general, Swedes speak rather good English and although we are a bit shy, we are usually
happy to be able to help. So, if there is anything that you wonder about or quickly need help
with, then simply ask Medak, a colleague at work or a neighbour.
In principle, this handbook is divided into two parts. It starts with important immigration issues
in general and continues with local information about society here. Many useful words are
directly translated into Swedish in the text.
Never hesitate to contact Medak. We are here to help you and to make your transition into
Swedish culture as pleasant an experience as possible. Maybe you would like to discuss
matters with others who have moved to Sweden. That can also be arranged.
By the way – the å in Småland is pronounced like “or” (this or that). So now you know.
OK. Come and join us so we can start our journey!
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Contents
Page
The County of Kronoberg (Kronobergs län)
Municipalities (kommuner)
Society
Residence permit – (uppehållstillstånd)
Work permit (arbetstillstånd)
Application for personal ID number (personnummer)
ID card (ID-kort)
Banking
Opening a bank account
Credit cards (kreditkort)
Post Office (postkontor)
The Social Insurance Office
The Swedish Tax Authority
The Political system
The Head of State
Religion
Education
Schools
Child care
Health care
Health care centre
Hospital
Medicine
Dentist
Housing & Family
Buying a house
Living in a house
Living in an apartment
Telephone
TV
Recycling waste
Bringing pets to Sweden
Vets
Worthwhile items/documents to bring with you
Driving in Sweden
Fuel
Is your drivers licence valid?
Importing your car
Car insurance
Transport and travel
Bus
Car rental
Airport
Swedish food
Special dishes
Special dates and events – public holidays
Etiquette and customs
The Right of public Access
Swedes at work
Useful words and phrases
Useful web addresses and contacts
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Introducing The County of Kronoberg (Kronobergs län)
The County of Kronoberg is a part of the Småland region and is known to be the
entrepreneurial region of Sweden. The County is also very interesting historically, with peasant
leaders such as Nils Dacke who, in the 16th century, led the peasants’ rebellion against the
king, but was executed in the end, and Blenda, the female leader who encouraged and led the
women of the region to save the area around the city of Växjö from the Danes when their men
were away at war. The Danes were entertained with food and drink and then slaughtered in
their sleep by the women! Here, author Wilhelm Moberg wrote his world famous epics about
the emigrants Karl-Oskar and Kristina. In the seventies it became an Oscar winning film and
later a highly acclaimed musical by the two men from Abba. One of whom, by the way, is from
Småland....
There are many beautiful lakes to fish and swim in, hire a boat or go camping, with excellent
facilities. You will also find places where you can barbeque in the forest or by the lake. For
specific information, get in touch with the local tourist office (turistbyrå).
One of the great things in Sweden is “the Right of Public Access” (Allemansrätten) which
means that everyone has the right to be out in the countryside. Read more about this unique
tradition at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
And of course this is the Kingdom of Crystal. There are many places where you can watch
glass being blown in the glass house (glashytta) as well as visit the world’s best glassworks.
Many of them offer a special, traditional “glass blowers” meal at reasonable cost. This is
served around the furnaces, as it used to be, cooked and served for the workers. It usually
consists of traditional sausage and herring, cooked in the “afterglow” of the glass furnace. Well
worth a visit and a memorable experience of traditional food.
Yes, this region really does have a lot of tales to tell! Read more about this at södra Småland
and at Medak’s website. You will be spoiled for choice of things to do and see in Kronoberg.
Municipalities (kommuner) in Kronoberg
There are eight municipalities in Kronoberg. The information on their websites varies but all
are very helpful with details of leisure, tourism, work, walks, child care, schools, etc. All
municipalities have lots of areas for activities, from sport to painting, walking, churches and
museums. Please read more about all the possibilities.
Växjö
Alvesta
Ljungby
Uppvidinge
Tingsryd
Lessebo
Markaryd
Älmhult
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Society
Right of residence – (uppehållsrätt)
Sweden is a member of the EU/EES, hence EU citizens who can provide for themselves have
the right of residence in Sweden. But if you are going to stay longer than three months you
have to register your stay to the Swedish Migration Board in order to receive a permanent right
of residence.
If you are a citizen of EU/EES, you and your immediate family can apply for a permanent right
of residence even after entering Sweden. If you stay in Sweden less than three months, you
will not require to apply for a right of residence. You may, however, require an entry visa.
Read more about the right of residence here.
For a stay in Sweden for longer than three months over a period of 90 days NON- EU or NONEEA citizen must have a residence permit. The granting of a residence permit can take at
least one month. If you know well in advance (e.g., six months) that you are going to move to
Sweden, you must apply for a residence permit at the Swedish Embassy in your home country
before coming to Sweden. The Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket) is the government
department that grants you your permit. For detailed information please visit the Swedish
Migration Board.
Work permit (arbetstillstånd)
Non EU/EEA citizens will have to apply for a visa in order to work in Sweden. For employment
longer than three months you must also have a residence permit (see above) as well.
Your permits must be processed and entered into your passport before you enter Sweden, so
contact the Swedish Embassy or consulate in your home country as soon as you know you
are going Sweden in business. In the application, you must submit written and signed
confirmation from your employer, including address, telephone number and the name of the
person acting as your contact at the company. The duration and type of employment should
also be included. Read more about how to get a visa here.
The Immigration Office (Migrationsverket) is the government department that grants you your
permit. For detailed information for you and your family:
http://www.migrationsverket.se/english.jsp
Application for personal ID number (personnummer)
Everyone in the whole family, children included, living in Sweden for longer than one year,
must have a personal ID number. The number consist of your birth date plus four digits. It is
unique to you. Application from anyone under the age of 18 must be approved by
parent/guardian or applied for personally on the child’s behalf. Everyone, including babies,
must go to the Swedish Tax Authority offices (Skatteverket) in person. A valid passport must
be produced as well as a residence permit. Fill in the forms on the spot. The application is free
of charge. It will take at least two weeks to get your personal ID number. In Sweden you will
be asked for your personal ID number all the time, so remember it, or keep it on a piece of
paper in your wallet! You can not open a bank account, have a telephone or even rent a video
without it.
Apply for a personnummer at:
Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Authority)
Linnegatan 8, Växjö
Alternatively:
Skatteverket Ljungby
Stationsgatan 2, Ljungby
Open: 9:00 – 16:00
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Tel: 0771-567 567 From abroad: +46 2 707 34 98
ID card (ID-kort)
If you are a customer of Swedbank you can obtain an ID card through them.
www.swedbank.se/sst/inf/out/infOutWww1/0,,113186_m109_m44_508435,00.html
You can also obtain an ID card from the Nordea Bank too. You don’t have to be a customer.
Just take with you:
- An extract from the population register, i.e., a document from the Swedish Tax Authority
(Skatteverket) that proves that you are who you are. It’s called a “personbevis” and you can
obtain it once you have your personal ID number. Tell the clerk that you need it for an ID card
- A photo. Same kind as your passport photo.
- Your residence permit (uppehållstillstånd)
- Someone with a valid ID card who can confirm that you are who you say you are. Your
passport is not valid for this purpose. Price 200 - 300 kronor.
Banking (banker)
Open Mondays to Fridays: 10.00 – 15.00
Sweden has a very well developed Internet banking service. Sweden is a member of the EU
but has not changed its currency to EUROS. The “krona” is still used, i.e., the Swedish crown,
or SEK.
Opening a bank account (bankkonto)
Opening a bank account in Sweden can be tricky. The key is the Swedish ID card.
To be sure, you must take with you to the bank:
If you have a Swedish ID card
- Personbevis /Extract from the population register.
- Residence permit
- Work permit
- Your ID
If you don’t have a Swedish ID card
- Personbevis/ Extract from the population register
- Residence permit
- Anställningsbevis/proof of employment
- Passport and someone from your company who can certify that you are employed
You need to take your personal identity number and your passport with you. The company
must be a customer of the bank.
If you are not employed, you must have a Swedish ID card in order to open a bank account.
(See more about obtaining an ID card under the “ID card” heading)
Credit cards (kreditkort)
Most credit cards are widely accepted in shops, petrol stations and restaurants in Sweden. In
many supermarkets it is also possible to round up the sum of your purchases with a cash
withdrawal.
Post Office (postkontor)
There are no post offices in Sweden any longer, at least, not in the classic meaning of the
word. Parcels and letters are nowadays left at certain locations that offer a postal service.
These are often petrol stations, kiosks, etc. If you should receive a parcel, information will be
sent home to you as to where you should pick it up. Stamps can be bought in kiosks or at the
supermarket. Post boxes are bright yellow.
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The Social Insurance Office (Försäkringskassan)
The Social Service system is among the best in the world and studied by many other
governments with envy. Everyone who is resident in Sweden is registered for social insurance
when they reach the age of 16. Social insurance offices administer the social insurance
scheme. They ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
For full information about your social security rights visit www.fk.se (Försäkringskassan).
Choose the language you require by clicking on “Välj språk” at the top of the page. You can
then read all about parental allowances, child allowances, if you become ill, etc. Check with
your own insurance company as well.
Tax (skatt) / The Swedish Tax Authority (Skatteverket)
You generally pay between 28 – 33% of your income in tax. It is important for you to consult a
tax adviser to go through your figures and to explain your situation when you take up or
consider taking up employment in Sweden. In Sweden, all adults in the family work. It is
difficult or virtually impossible to survive on just one salary.
www.skatteverket.se/4.34a801ea1041d54f9e2800025.html (Swedish Tax info in English)
You should ask for an A-tax card from the Swedish Tax Authority, which you must then hand
to your employer to assist him in making a tax deduction from your salary and paying tax to
the authority.
The Political system (politiskt system)
Sweden is a democracy, since 2006, run by an alliance of non-socialist parties. You can see
how it all works at www.sweden.se/templates/cs/CommonPage____2713.aspx
The Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen) has the highest proportion of female members in the
world - 47%. Swedish citizens over the age of 18 can vote at all elections. Non-Swedish
citizens who have been registered as residents in Sweden for more than three consecutive
years and citizens of member EU countries as well as Norway and Iceland and are over 18
and registered as residents in Sweden are eligible to vote on municipal and county council
elections.
The Head of State (statsöverhuvud)
The King, Carl XVI Gustav, has been the head of state since 1973. Sweden’s King is the
country’s supreme representative, but without any political powers. Sweden has a
constitutional monarchy and the King represents Sweden when visiting other countries and
acts as host for heads and representatives of other states.
Religion (religion)
The majority of Swedes are Protestants. Sweden guarantees religious freedom to all people.
In the region there are congregations of different religious persuasions, including Muslim and
Catholic.
Education (utbildning)
The academic year begins about the 2nd week of August and ends at the beginning of June.
The longest holiday, apart from the summer break, is at Christmas, nearly three weeks. There
is a week’s holiday in October, February and Easter as well as a number of public holidays.
School is compulsory for all children between seven and sixteen years of age.
Most children go to their local school (see lists for your area/municipality).
Info: www.skolverket.se Click on the English flag.
The council is obliged to arrange for pre-school education for all children from the year of their
sixth birthday up until school begins at seven. This pre-school (sexårsverksamhet) is voluntary
but is often integrated with the compulsory school and most attend school at six.
Books and meals are free to all students.
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Of course, you can opt for another municipality school or an independent sector school such
as Montessori school, Waldorf or IBO (International Baccalaureate Organisation) schools.
The Swedish Education Act states that “all children and young people must have access to
education of equal value’. It also specifies that ‘it should provide pupils with knowledge and
skills and promote harmonious development towards becoming responsible human beings
and members of society”. This basically means that children are encouraged to take part in
decision making for their future, with an emphasis on social conduct in the belief that this will
encourage students to enjoy their education and become valuable contributors to Swedish
society. In fact, the truancy rate is minimal and continuation to higher education is one of the
highest in the world. 97% continue into the Sixth Form or Senior High School (Gymnasium).
The Swedish work force is one of the highest educated in the world.
Schools
9 year compulsory schooling includes:
Infant school at the age of 6:
Grades 1, 2 & 3 from the age of 7 - 9 (primary school)
Grades 4, 5 & 6 from the age of 10 - 12 (junior school)
Grades 7, 8 & 9 from the age of 13 – 16 (senior school)
Sixth-Form College or Senior High School (voluntary)
From the age of 16 - 19 (Most students in Sweden continue to this level)
University
The nearest university is in Växjö www.vxu.se
Development discussions (utvecklingssamtal) are held regularly about your child’s education,
results and development until the age of 18, when they become of age (myndiga).
Child care
Swedish childcare has twin tasks, “providing care to enable parents to combine work, study
and parenting and encourage children’s development”. www.skolverket.se includes clear info
on Swedish childcare.
Childcare is available for children 1 – 12 years whose both parents are working or studying.
This should also be available for the children of the unemployed (1 – 5 years of age) in some
municipalities for about three hours a day.
Pre-school staff usually have a university education or other kind of teacher training.
Swedish – how to learn it
Learning the language is the key to work and social life in Sweden. 99 % of the employers
demand that you speak Swedish rather fluently.
Most Swedes speak very good or fluent English and are very happy to practice their skills with
you. Don’t be tempted to forget about learning Swedish, you will need it. If at first it seems
difficult, it will become easier as you use it, in shops, etc.
There are private companies as well as free schools for you to attend Swedish lessons. Your
own or your partner’s place of work will give you help in finding education companies near
you.
Most ‘KOMVUX’ – (municipal Adult Education Institute) are able to offer SFI courses (Svenska
för invandrare i.e., Swedish for immigrants)
If you are an immigrant, at least 20 years of age and lack the basic skills in the Swedish
language, you have the right to attend an SFI course.
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If you live in Växjö, get in touch with Centralen. They can answer any question about
language education and work in Växjö. Tel: +46 (0)470-79 60 81
email: centralen@kommun.vaxjo.se
You can also choose the Academic Fast Track. You can find out more about this at
www.vxu.se/svi/akademikersparet/akademikersparet_eng.xml
If you live in Älmhult the contact person is Eivor Frodig tel: +46 (0) 476 – 55225
If you live in Alvesta the contact person is Monica Nordahl tel: +46 (0) 472 - 15335
If you live in Ljungby call+46 (0) 372-78 40 60 for more information.
Publications in the Swedish language are available from the Swedish Institute.
Swedish as a foreign language books and cassettes are available from the Swedish Institute,
www.si.se Sweden Bookshop Tel: +46 (08) 453 78 00
Children learning Swedish
Children learn quickly. They make friends at school and soon they will help you translate in the
supermarket. Your child will be your best guide to Swedish every day life!
Växjö
International classes are available today at Bokelund, Teleborgs Centrum, Bergunda,
Östregård and Lillestad for junior and senior school children.
Pre-school children start directly in school as it has been shown that play is the best teacher.
School start support is also provided (and paid for) in the form of an interpreter.
Parents with a higher education most frequently choose to let children attend normal schools
believing that children learn on their own (with other children around). If you choose a normal
school, your children can, even so, start in an international class and for a period of one year,
receive a bus pass in order to travel to and from the school, if they don’t live close enough.
The children who do this, still maintain contact with “their” class.
Contact in Växjö: Madeleine Medoc 0470 – 410 88
http://www.vaxjo.se/vaxjo_templates/Page.aspx?id=1386
Älmhult
Here there are no classes specially intended to receive international students. There is an
English language school for students who stay in Sweden for a limited period of time.
Alvesta
Here there is an international preparatory class at Grönkullaskolan. Students are then placed
in normal classes according to individual readiness.
Telephone Principal: 0472-15580 /15360
Head teacher for native language teaching Nancy Nilsen: 0472 – 154 08
Uppvidinge
Åseda school, international classes. Principal: Anders Bernberg 0474 – 471 04.
Ljungby
Area principal Nils-Göran Jonasson 0372 – 78 94 87
Native language teaching is run in Swedish schools for children from other countries when
there are sufficiently large groups (at least five children) that can be coordinated and when a
teacher is available.
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Health care (Hälsovård)
SOS emergency number to police, fire department, ambulance – dial 112
Medical advice and information about if/where you should seek medical attention – dial 1177
For all information in many languages visit the Kronoberg county council homepage, choose
“Languages” www.ltkronoberg.se
Visit www.fk.se (Försäkringskassan) for information about your social security rights.
Health care centres (vårdcentral)
Here you can make an appointment with a doctor (läkare) or a nurse. The doctors at the
health care centre are general practitioners. There is a centre in your area. Your address
determines which health care centre you should attend, but you are free to choose another.
Your personal ID number will be required.
Hospital – (lasarett/sjukhus)
Central Hospital Växjö
Tel 0470 58 80 00
Hospital Ljungby
Tel 0372 58 50 00
When visiting a doctor or a specialist you pay a fee, which covers part of the cost of your care.
Each visit will cost between 150SEK – 300 SEK. They do not make home visits. For
information about all costs (nurses, paramedics, etc.) visit www.ltkronoberg.se
The maximum amount you will have to pay each twelve month period is SEK 900. The
remaining care is free for that year. Ask for a card – högkostnadsskydd (high cost protection).
You should then have it stamped each time you visit a doctor.
Medicine (läkemedel/medicin)
Medicine is dispensed at a discounted price. The maximum amount you pay within a 12 month
period is 1800 SEK. Again your “special high cost protection” card automatically registers the
costs of your prescribed medicines each time you visit a Chemist/Pharmacy (Apotek) to buy
prescription medicines.
Dentist (tandläkare)
Dental treatment for children up to the age of 19 is free.
It is worth asking your colleagues to recommend a dentist in your neighbourhood.
The cost of your dental treatment depends on what kind of treatment you need.
Dentists themselves decide what they will charge. Ask for the cost before the dentist starts the
work. Dentists can be costly; it might be worth having your teeth attended to in your home
country before arriving in Sweden.
Housing (bostad) & family (familj)
Buying a house
If you are thinking about purchasing a house for you and your family, it might be worth living in
rented accommodation first to get to know the area before committing yourself to a house or
location. Ask for help from your local estate agent and your colleagues about areas, prices,
etc.
If you are handy at do-it-yourself work in the house, it might still be advisable to consult
professionals before making any commitments to “renovate” your property. There are a
number of rules as to what jobs you can do yourself. For instance, it might be very tempting to
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try your hand at plumbing, but if things go wrong and you have a leak or flooding, the
insurance may not cover the damage.
Living in a house
Rubbish collection usually takes place every fortnight. The collectors expect you to put the
rubbish bin right where they stop their vehicle – find out by looking at how the neighbours do it,
or you can end up not having your rubbish removed.
The electricity supply is 220V .
If you need any work done, such as plumbing or electrical repairs/alterations, ask your
colleagues at work to recommend an electrician, plumber or builder.
Always check the price and time schedule for the work and agree on them, preferably in
writing, before any work commences. This is particularly important for bigger jobs, so be
careful, otherwise they could end up costing you more than you anticipated.
As in all countries, workmen are notorious for being late and taking longer than promised. Just
keep on at them and make sure you get to the top of their priority list.
Letterboxes are situated outside your gates, so that the postman is able to drive right up to the
box and drop your post into it.
Apartment
If you want to rent, there are two sectors; private and council.
In the private sector, the owner can determine the rules for the property, i.e., whether any pets
are allowed, who to contact to do repairs, etc.
In all council properties the rules are the same. You are allowed pets, and reasonable noise is
allowed, however, it is customary to make as little noise as possible between the hours of 10
pm (22.00) and 7 am (07.00)
You will receive a folder with important information including emergency numbers; in fact all
you ever needed to know about living in an apartment in Sweden.
Generally you will get a quick response from tradesmen when any work needs doing.
You may not decorate or change anything without first consulting your landlord. N.B. Even if
they say that it’s OK to make certain changes, think twice. You could incur substantial costs if
the landlord is not satisfied with the work and you have to pay craftsmen to re-do it.
When moving out, your apartment must be clean.
It is very important to have a “householders comprehensive insurance and liability insurance”.
Talk to any insurance company about it. The most well known in Kronoberg is
Länsförsäkringar Kronoberg.
There is no need to bring or purchase cooker, fridge, freezer, washing machine and in some
cases dishwasher. Almost all properties include these items in the basic inventory of the
property.
In apartments there is usually a laundry room, which you can book to do your washing. You
will also find a communal room where the washing can be hung up to dry.
The period of notice for an apartment is usually three months.
Telephone (telefon)
There are many telephone operators in Sweden. N.B. Before you can obtain a phone you
must have a personal ID number and an ID card. In certain cases you might be asked for a
deposit. Everyone who purchases services such as a telephone service will be subject to a
credit check. In doubtful cases, you might have to deposit as much as 5,000 kronor (according
to Telia, one of Sweden’s largest telephone operators). Mobile phones can be purchased in
the majority of electrical stores.
TV
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Anyone can buy a TV, of course, but in Sweden a TV licence fee must be paid to Radiotjänst
to see Public Service TV (SVT1 & 2) and TV4. Read more about the system at
www.radiotjanst.se/ - the web site is in several languages. With today’s techniques, it is not
always necessary to have your own antenna. You can often receive TV, telephone and
Internet services via broadband. There are several operators on the market. Check with your
work colleagues to find out which is the best and best value for money right now, based on
you and your family’s needs.
Recycling waste (återvinning av skräp)
All municipalities or towns will have their own recycling centres, clearly signposted, so it’s a
good idea to learn where they are located. Sweden is very active in terms of recycling; in
many shops you can take your empty bottles and deposit them in special bottle machines, for
both glass and plastic and get money back for them (you actually pay a small deposit on such
bottles when you buy them). Ask a friend about this – it’s pure science!
Bringing pets to Sweden
The rules concerning bringing dogs and cats to Sweden from abroad have been simplified
since “pet passports” were introduced. However, there are still many things to consider before
you decide to bring your pet to Sweden.
At www.sjv.se (Board of Swedish Agriculture) you will find all the information you need about
this in English and German.
Check with your home country about the rules for bringing your pet back!
When walking your dog, you must carry a “poo bag” to collect your dogs “droppings” from
public places. Special waste baskets are placed here and there for this purpose.
Even out in the country, dogs should be kept on a lead from March to September. That is the
time wildlife reproduces and is protected. At the seaside as well as beside lakes there may be
special dog bathing areas, but check first.
Other dog owners may not be very eager to introduce their dogs to your pet. Do not take this
as an insult, rather than a safety measure, until they get to know how your animal behaves.
Most pet foods are available from your local pet shop or supermarket.
At www.skk.se/ you can read more about this and Swedish dog on the Swedish Kennel Club’s
web site.
Vets (veterinärer)
There is a veterinary clinic in Växjö, but the web site is only in Swedish. As most people speak
English they will be glad to help. http://www.vaxjodjursjukhus.se/
Phone: 0470-719050. There is a bigger clinic in Helsingborg. Telephone: 042-16 80 00 and for
emergency calls, 042-16 80 80
Worthwhile items / documents to bring with you
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Your family’s medical records – main points from your GP – and vaccination
certificates/records.
Any prescriptions any member of your family might have.
Your “favourite” medicines. There are medicines, which are the same, but until you get to
know the names it might be worth having your own. Note that most medicines require a
prescription from a doctor. For example, antibiotics are never sold without a prescription at
the chemists (apotek).
Notes from teachers as to the levels your children have reached in all subjects
Your qualifications – very important if intending to seek employment – your qualifications
can be evaluated in Sweden. www.hsv.se /english/agency/naric.html
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-
Anything for outdoor activities. There is plenty of outdoor life from walking to sailing, ice
skating to skiing.
If you like your newspapers, order them from your home country. You might get English
papers at train stations and good paper shops but they are expensive.
Driving in Sweden
It’s important to Swedes to safeguard the environment and to keep fit at the same time! Almost
everybody owns a bicycle, children as well as adults, and many people take a daily walk; to
work, in the evening, or to an event. Family dogs are very common, so you often make new
friends while walking the dog.
Walking may be first choice, but as Sweden is the land of Volvo and Saab, the roads are good
and safe. The scenery is magnificent - driving is a treat.
However, there are some sensible rules to follow to keep driving a pleasurable and accidentfree experience:
Never drink and drive! Alcohol should be completely avoided completely if you plan on driving.
The rules relating to alcohol and driving are very strict. You can lose your licence and even
end up in prison! The police are allowed to breathalyse you even if there is no reason to
suspect you have been drinking.
Do keep to the speed limits – if you don’t and you get caught, the fines are heavy; 2800SEK,
or you may loose your driving licence.
If you are driving slower than the other traffic, please move over to hard shoulder so other
motorists may overtake you. However, you are not allowed to stay there all the time.
Wildlife warning signs should be taken seriously. There are many accidents with vehicles
colliding with elk, deer and wild boar, particularly in Kronoberg.
Always belt up! Front seats as well as back seats. If not, you can be fined.
Always carry your driving licence and vehicle registration documents with you in the car. It is
also compulsory to carry a warning triangle in your vehicle.
The law in Sweden says you must be seen, so all vehicles must drive with at least dipped
headlights even in daytime.
Winter tyres are compulsory from the 1st December to the 31st March.
Pedestrians have the right of way on Zebra crossing. The law states that you must stop and let
them cross the road. It is important to keep to the speed limits and drive with caution where
there are pedestrian about, i.e., in town centres and near schools.
Watch out for cyclists! They are everywhere and they tend to have their own ’road’ and rules.
When filling the liquid in your windscreen wash, dilute the wash fluid as instructed. It can get
very cold in Sweden and the screen wash can easily freeze if the mixture is not right.
Fuel (bränsle / bensin)
98 Octane (4 star), 95 octane (unleaded) and diesel. Many petrol/fuel (bensin) stations are not
manned. You can pay for your fuel using your credit card or cash. You can also apply for a
petrol account card (each petrol company has its own card). You then use this card just like a
credit card and receive your petrol bill monthly.
Is your drivers licence (körkort) valid in Sweden?
Foreign driving licences are valid in Sweden. They must be issued in English, German,
French, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian for the Swedish police to be able to understand them.
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You find detailed information in English and many other languages about driving licenses at
www.vv.se .
The Swedish Road Administration (Vägverket) is the national authority assigned the overall
responsibility for the entire road transport system.
Contact: Vägverket, telephone from abroad +46 771 119 119. From Sweden 0771 119 119
For breakdown assistance - Assistencekåren/emergency repairs, etc: 020 - 912 912
Importing your car into Sweden
See www.vv.se
Car insurance (bilförsäkring)
Motor insurance in Sweden covers the vehicle, not the driver. It is worth checking with your
colleagues and friends to recommend an insurance company for you. It is also worth
comparing the prices with at least three different companies e.g.,
http://www3.lansforsakringar.se/kronoberg/privat/startsida/default.htm
When a new car is over three years old it must have an M.O.T. certificate (bilprovning). It will
then be tested again after a further two years. Thereafter, it will be subject to a test every year.
Your dealer will be able to help you with this information or ask anyone about the procedure.
There are parking meters or machines where you can pay for parking, even in small towns.
The cost varies. Always check for parking meters or machines before you park and have some
loose change in your car. Parking fines are in operation and high.
You pay a road tax for your car every year. You will receive a reminder from the Swedish
Road Administration (Vägverket).
Transport and travel
The nearness to the Öresundsregion (Malmö, Copenhagen and its surroundings) creates
great opportunities for great mini-holidays and work. The excellent communications makes it
easy to commute and travel. Read more about this travel link at
www.oresundsregionen.org/oresundsregionen
The Swedish rail network is very efficient and covers the whole country. Trains are very
modern and good value. It is advisable to book your tickets/seats in advance, this is
compulsory for some long journeys.
The high-speed X2000 takes you quickly across the country. The Öresund train takes you
from Kalmar on the east coast to Lund, Malmö and Copenhagen in Denmark, several times a
day. It’s easy to commute in Kronoberg!
You can buy your Swedish rail tickets at railway stations, through travel agents or www.sj.se
(Statens Järnvägar/The Swedish railway network)
Bus (buss)
Bus travel in Sweden is very efficient, cheap and easy. All buses leave from railway stations
and travel between all major towns and cities and through many villages. It is an excellent
form of transport and a good way of getting to know your surroundings.
On city buses children under 6 travel free, young people under 18 or students with student
card and senior citizens receive a discount.
For long distance buses contact Swebus Express www.swebus.se or www.ramkvillabuss.se
Local buses in Kronoberg: Länstrafiken Kronoberg, telephone: 020 76 70 76
www.lanstrafikenkron.se
Car rental (biluthyrning)
All major car rental companies have offices at airports and major cities. Discount may be
available during holiday periods.
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Airport – (flygplats)
There are domestic as well as international flights available from Smaland airport
www.smalandairport.se Among other places, you can fly direct to Thailand, Egypt and Berlin.
Your nearest main airports are Malmö/Sturup (Buses and trains operate from Malmö and Lund
central stations once or twice an hour and take 40 minutes) and Copenhagen International
Airport/Kastrup.
From Kastrup you can fly all over the world and the connection to Sweden over the bridge by
train takes about 20 minutes.
Swedish food (svensk mat)
You buy practically all your food in the supermarkets. There are no longer any specialist
butchers’ shops or fishmongers in or around Växjö. For that kind of shopping you would have
to go to Lund or the bigger cities. However, you can buy fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables
from local producers at the local market. Ask around!
Most food shops are open from 8.00 am until 9.00 pm, daily. There are also petrol stations that
sell food around the clock in Växjö. The most popular supermarkets for food shopping are ICA
MAXI, KONSUM EXTRA and City Gross. The Växjö area is more than well served by
supermarkets like them. You never need to be hungry! Plastic and paper carrier bags are
available at tills at a small cost, but in order to save the environment, Swedes are starting to
make use of specially designed re-usable bags.
Other retailers open later, sometime between 10.00 and 12.00 and close around 18.00. This
applies to hairdressers as well. Many hairdressers, particularly in smaller towns, are not open
on Saturdays.
Special dishes
Almost everyone has heard of the Swedish “smorgasbord”, a buffet table where a large variety
of both hot and cold food is available and to which you help yourself. Traditionally, you start
with marinated herring (sill) and continue through various cold fish dishes, then on to cold cuts
of meat and sometimes poultry, to end up with hot Swedish specialities. “Smörgås” is also the
word for sandwich and a smörgås or two is a common breakfast in Sweden.
Marinated herring (sill) is served cold in various sauces such as dill, onion, and mustard sauce
to mention but a few.
Meatballs (köttbullar) are served with boiled potatoes, gravy, parsley (persilja) and lingon berry
sauce (which is very similar to cranberry sauce and is delicious).
Look out for restaurants advertising lunches as “Dagens rätt”. These are excellent value for
money and are usually around 60 – 90 SEK.
For really typical Swedish fast food you should pop into a “korvkiosk” (a sort of hot dog stall)
where Swedish sausages are served not only as hot dogs but also in many other different
ways.
Grilled sausage with mashed potato is a typical meal on these menu.
Special dates and events – public holidays
Swedes really like to make the most of their celebrations. Lots of effort goes into planning
them and many traditions are maintained.
New Year’s Eve (Nyårsafton)
New Year’s Eve is big party time, lasting until the early hours seeing in the New Year. There
are usually lots of firework displays to be seen and heard around towns and villages.
Easter (påsk)
From Good Friday to Easter Monday. This is a four day holiday from Friday to Monday.
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Children with painted faces and dressed as witches visit people’s homes from Maundy
Thursday to the evening of Easter Saturday. They walk from house to house collecting sweets
or coins on their way to Blåkulla where the witches have their annual celebration. They all fly
there on their broomsticks, taking their coffee pots and black cats with them . Birch branches
are decorated with colourful feathers.
Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton)
The last day of April, the arrival of spring, Swedes celebrate with bonfires, lots of choral
singing and speeches. In the old days bonfires where lit to scare witches and evil spirits away.
In more remote country areas, this was also one way of letting neighbouring villages that the
winter had been survived. Sometimes a torchlight procession lights the bonfire. People get
together to watch the bonfire and the fireworks, and to sing songs welcoming the Spring.
The First of May
This day is celebrated more or less all over Sweden with workers’ rallies, brass bands,
marches, speeches and other activities associated with the labour movement and human
rights issues. But it also is a day when people continue their celebrations from Walpurgis
Night, or just relax and enjoying each others company over a cup of coffee.
Ascension Day – Kristi Himmelsfärds dag
Is always on a Thursday in May and the following day (Friday) many people have an extra
day’s holiday. Ascension Day is a bank holiday. Only supermarkets are open.
Whitsun (Pingst)
This is a very popular weekend for couples to get married.
Sweden’s National Day– 6th June
If not on a weekend, this is a bank holiday.
Graduation weeks – in the beginning of June
These are the parties for the young. Streets are crowded and the atmosphere is very festive
as the Sixth Form/Senior High School students graduate. The celebrations start early with
students gathering at each others’ houses or parks, with joyful singing and high volume
conversations. The girl students tend to be dressed in white clothes to match their white cap,
which is earned on graduation day (boys tend to wear suits/jackets and ties). They also
receive their final grades from their schools. Family and friends congratulate them at the
school and they travel through the town in cars and trucks, which are colourfully decorated.
There will be family parties and later the students will have their own celebrations all through
the bright summer night.
Midsummers Eve – (midsommarafton)– around 21st of June.
Nothing is more “typically Swedish”. This is the festival of the year. All around you will see
“May Poles” beautifully decorated with leaves and flowers and possibly ribbons ready for the
summer party. This is the lightest period of the year and it stays light almost 24 hours a day.
People often arrive wearing their regional costumes. You will see Swedish flags on flag staffs
and on tables too. Traditionally, there is a lot of music and people join hands to dance around
the May Pole. The celebration naturally involves lots of eating, especially herring, new
potatoes with sour cream and dill and the drinking of schnapps and beer. Strawberries are
usually served for dessert.
Crayfish party (Kräftkalas)
In the beginning of August Swedes get ready to end the summer with catches of crayfish.
Tables are decorated with brightly coloured lanterns, tablecloths and many people wear “silly”
paper hats for the occasion. The eating of crayfish can go on well past midnight and the
singing and laughter from such parties is very much part of the sound of a late Swedish
summer.
Eating crayfish can be a bit messy but an enjoyable experience. A definite delicacy to be
tasted while in Sweden. Large amounts of schnapps are usually served at a crayfish party.
All Saints Day – (Alla helgons dag)
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Bank holiday when people visit the graves of departed family members.
St Lucia (Luciadagen) 13th December
As Swedish as it can be, but with a connection to Italy! This is a procession of young carol
singers dressed in white gowns carrying candles lead by Lucia with a crown of white candles.
Lucia means light. Stable boys are also dressed in white carrying stars and following the
procession.
After singing these angel-like beings will offer the audience yellow saffron flavoured buns
(lussekatter). Lucia is celebrated all over Sweden in schools, work places and at home.
There are procession held at night in the town, when a chosen Lucia travels by wagon with
torches followed by other girls and stable boys. Lucia processions are usually televised too.
Read about Lucia www.sweden.se/templates/cs/CommonPage____11421.aspx
Etiquette and customs
When meeting people you should shake hands and announce at least your first name, when
you are meeting for the first time, depending on how formal the meeting is. It is also customary
to shake hands with your hosts, at least, on departure.
Swedes say “you” (du) and call each other by their first name, so you don’t have to worry
about using Mr This or Mrs That even to older people. It’s only the royal family you have to
address formally!.
On entering a Swedish home for a normal visit, it is customary to make an effort to remove
your shoes until the host or hostess tells you to keep them on. If they don’t – simply take them
off! Particularly during the winter time when heavy shoes or boots are worn, it is quite normal
to take “indoor shoes” with you and change into them in your hosts’ hallway.
The Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten)
According to Swedish law, everyone has a right to enjoy nature, to wonder in forests, pick wild
flowers (but not protected species), set up camp for one night or to swim in lakes. Nature
should be respected and kept as clean and tidy as possible. Do not damage trees or anyone’s
property. The privacy of others should be respected. www.naturvardsverket.se
Swedes at work
Normal working hours are from 8am to 5pm. Many people like to make an early start Monday
to Friday to be able to finish earlier on Friday. This is particularly common during the summer.
The dress code tends to be casual but “smartish”. Business suits are worn for important
business occasions. Swedes take their work seriously and work hard to create a pleasant
working environment. Meetings are part of everyday life when all matters tend to be discussed
in groups before any decisions are made. Swedes tend to work in partnerships. If you want to
make friends with Swedish people you say: “Ska vi ta en fika?” which means “Shall we have a
cup of coffee?” Why? Fins, Swedes, Norwegians and Danes are top of the world coffee
drinking league table. Equally, we are world class milk drinkers and readily add milk to our
coffee too. We have a unique and strong tradition with coffee as a social drink. In the old days
even babies where fed coffee. From the coffee mornings of the old farming society to today’s
coffee shops, coffee has been an integral part of our social structure. Perhaps the drinking of
coffee in Sweden can be likened to the socialising aspects of the British Pub?
It is important for the Swedes to have their breaks during the working day. The coffee break
(“fikapaus”) is more like a social gathering, where sandwiches, cakes and biscuits are
frequently served and discussions encompass anything and everything. Coffee breaks are
usually around 9 am and 3 pm, the length of them varies from day to day.
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Lunch is the most important break in the working day, when at 12 prompt you can witness
crowds leaving their work places in search of a good lunch. It is not common to eat your
sandwich at your desk but to go out or to another common room to eat and socialise. Having
your own lunchbox (matlåda) brought from home with leftovers in a “doggy bag” or “food box”
(matlåda) is very common. Microwave ovens are usually to be found in the staff room
(personalrum).
Useful words and phrases in Swedish
Yes - Ja
No - Nej
Hello - Hej (You say “Hej” to everyone)
Thank you very much – Tack så mycket
Do you speak English – Talar ni engelska?
Excuse me – förlåt mig, ursäkta mig
Could you please help me? – Kan du hjälpa mig?
Sorry – Förlåt
I don’t understand Swedish – Jag förstår inte svenska.
Can you help me, please? – Kan du hjälpa mig?
Where is…? - Var är…?
Doctor - läkare
Nurse - sjuksköterska
Dentist - tandläkare
Hospital - sjukhus / lasarettet
Health care centre - vårdcentral
Chemist – apotek
Social security – Försäkringskassan
Unemployment office – Arbetsförmedlingen
Child benefit – barnbidrag
Off licence / drink store– Systembolaget
Indoor swimming bath – simhall
Library – bibliotek
Train - tåg
Railway station - järnvägstation
Bus - buss
Useful web addresses and contacts
www.amazon.com - dictionaries
www.medak.info – information and help moving to the Kronoberg area.
www.scb.se – Swedish statistics
www.rsv.se – tax authorities
www.utrikes.regeringen.se / - ministry of foreign affairs
www.migrationsverket.se /english.enav.htm – immigration issues
www.sjv.se – agriculture, importing pets
www.vv.se – information about transport/licence, also forms in pdf on importing your vehicle
www.ams.se /english – Swedish employment service
www.fk.se /ny information about social security issues
www.sr.se /rs/red/ind_eng.html – Radio Sweden international site – news etc
www.fawco.org. – American women’s link
www.hsv.se /english/agency/naric.html - evaluate your qualifications in Sweden
www.skolverket.se /english/system – Swedish education site including child care
www.sweden.gov.se / system - government
www.riksdagen.se /english/society.governed.asp riksdag/ - politics
www.kronoberg.se – information in Kronoberg community
www.sweden.thelinks.com – lots of information about many issues on Sweden
www.amerikanska.com – many useful sites, opinions about life in Sweden
www.visitsweden.com – many facts, travel, culture, etc., issues about Sweden
www.si.se - lots of information in English
www.defra.gov.uk information about taking pets abroad.
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Copyright: Medak Networking +46 (0)470 74 50 05 / 06 email: catharina@medak.info
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