Well not me but my wife is going on a Scandanavian tour + Finland from Korea next week. Is there anything she should know about before going. I’ve been to Europe myself a few times but not the northern part and I’m just worried bout her even though it is relatively safe up there.
That said, anything she should know good or bad? local customs? warnings? tourist traps?
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The original was posted on /r/sweden by /u/BobbyBacala9980 at 2023-07-25 06:55:33+00:00.
It’s generally very safe there, so not much to worry about. If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking in unpopulated areas make sure you do your due diligence. The weather is pretty nice in the summer. Nearly everyone speaks good English, with the exceptions of some older people and those in rural areas. Enjoy your time there, the people are friendly and the land is breathtaking.
Fit-Picture-5096 at 2023-07-25 08:05:53+00:00 ID:
jtcx6il
I recently found some cash in an old jacket. I had to google the bills to see if they still were usable. I haven’t used cash in years.
Expensive-Variety757 at 2023-07-25 08:05:10+00:00 ID:
jtcx4ht
We are very very racist. Have a nice visit.
Muted_Sprinkles_6426 at 2023-07-25 07:58:01+00:00 ID:
jtcwllw
Just so you know what to do if you encounter trolls…watch this documentary :
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1740707/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_7_tt_8_nm_0_q_troll
/s
lixzr at 2023-07-25 08:07:54+00:00 ID:
jtcxbuk
In sweden it’s forbidden by law to be a criminal
RedditPickel at 2023-07-25 07:59:33+00:00 ID:
jtcwpou
Avoid smaller cab companies especially at airports and train stations
Duckfro at 2023-07-25 18:07:58+00:00 ID:
jteygt4
To clarify, it’s legal to charge what you want for a taxi ride, as long as you display the price on the yellow sticker on the right rear window. Learn how to read those and what’s a good price and you can take most cabs.
There are also cab companies that have cars and names very similar to the “big brand” companies. Be alert.
cc81 at 2023-07-25 11:08:29+00:00 ID:
jtdbgvw
This is important. This is most likely one of the most common scams that tourists encounter.
PapaIIII at 2023-07-25 08:13:25+00:00 ID:
jtcxqdm
Uber is perfectly safe.
Rising_Spirit at 2023-07-25 09:49:41+00:00 ID:
jtd4ty7
Beställde uber en gång. Chauffören dök upp en timme sent och när han väl hade dykt upp ville han att vi skulle betala honom extra i kontanter för att åka med
Mindcoitus at 2023-07-25 10:44:31+00:00 ID:
jtd9bno
Hur är det ens möjligt, avbryt och beställ en till om den inte dyker upp.
geon at 2023-07-25 09:10:22+00:00 ID:
jtd1wsf
Uber is not a small company.
Kaffepaus_ at 2023-07-25 08:16:30+00:00 ID:
jtcxyjg
Can’t stress this enough, stick to the main company’s (taxi Stockholm, kurir).
Zvenc at 2023-07-25 11:35:48+00:00 ID:
jtde2pz
You do know that those are only big in Stockholm right? On Gotland we NEVER use your taxis because they charge ridiculously high. We use Taxi Gotland or virtually any other companies that aren’t Swedish.
IcyHedgehog1549 at 2023-07-25 12:11:25+00:00 ID:
jtdhvmp
No, stick to Uber as a tourist. You cannot get scammed, they are way nicer, and you will pay less.
RaXha at 2023-07-25 13:24:10+00:00 ID:
jtdqqtu
Uber is far from widely available, at least in Sweden.
Tazyrelliex at 2023-07-25 15:37:10+00:00 ID:
jteabuf
Where I live it’s not uncommon for uber drivers to take the ride, deny it, call you and tell you they’ll drive you for above what uber said the price would be.
SirElroy at 2023-07-25 19:49:40+00:00 ID:
jtfeodj
Or take a min to learn about commuter trains and busses. Sweden is not as good as seoul but its good enough in Stockholm/arlanda area. taxi in sweden is way overpriced.
peterk_se at 2023-07-25 20:03:44+00:00 ID:
jtfgz3x
This is VERY important OP - in Sweden, there are a few taxi scams going on at the airport. Look at the rear window on Taxi’s they are forced by law to type the average price per kilometer.
If this numer is anything but 300-700 swedish crowns …then something is wrong.
It’s not a scam, technically, it’s just that certain taxis ramp up their kilometer price to several thousands. Quite unethical, but not illegal - unfortunately.
stressedraccoonie at 2023-07-25 07:39:09+00:00 ID:
jtcv6w3
Bring a jacket and umbrella - you cannot always predict the weather so best to be prepared
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 08:08:23+00:00 ID:
jtcxd60
I heard its chilly there right now…
Pudding5050 at 2023-07-25 08:46:59+00:00 ID:
jtd0781
She should pack for anything from chilly and rainy to hot summer weather.
procrastinationprogr at 2023-07-25 08:27:17+00:00 ID:
jtd2b4m
It’s been around 16-22 degrees which is cold for this time of year.
Threaditoriale at 2023-07-25 09:15:52+00:00 ID:
jtd3eu2
Some days are rainy, windy and 17°C while some are 23°C and clear skies, with the occasional unexpected downpour.
bawng at 2023-07-25 08:27:17+00:00 ID:
jtcyrj5
It is. A few weeks ago it was warm and lovely though so we hope it’s coming back.
Bellum_Romanum05 at 2023-07-25 09:12:49+00:00 ID:
jtd239o
As soon as the sun pokes out between the clouds it can get really hot and humid. When it dissapears it gets chilly. Random rainstorms and thunderstorms can also appear from out of nowhere. Typical Swedish summer weather. Being in the sun all day can be dangerous so far up north during the summers as well. Be careful and wear sunscreen in that case. Sunrays up here can easily burn your skin if left unprotected.
Common-Wish-2227 at 2023-07-25 09:03:17+00:00 ID:
jtd1dyt
Umbrellas are usually pointless due to wind. Accept the rain. It is over quickly.
JusSpringsteen at 2023-07-25 08:40:16+00:00 ID:
jtczpmn
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
stressedraccoonie at 2023-07-25 08:59:24+00:00 ID:
jtd13ui
Javisst
itzak1999 at 2023-07-25 07:44:46+00:00 ID:
jtcvm4x
Systembolagets öppetider
RaXha at 2023-07-25 13:30:48+00:00 ID:
jtdrmm7
Ah! Something I don’t think has been mentioned: Alcohol above 3,5% can only be purchased in a bar or restaurant, or at the government run liquor stores “Systembolaget”. This often surprises people.
JaguarZealousideal55 at 2023-07-25 07:07:41+00:00 ID:
jtcstdu
Welcome!
Payment with card (visa or master card) is more common than paying with cash. Swish (an app-based system) is also popular and common. Many places don’t even accept cash. My elderly parents manage but they grumble a bit when they have to use their phones to buy the grandkids ice-cream.
I live in Sweden btw.
RiiluTheLizardKing at 2023-07-25 07:12:30+00:00 ID:
jtct6tz
You cant get Swish unless you’re a citizen with a personnummer.
tobberoth at 2023-07-25 07:19:03+00:00 ID:
jtctogv
You don’t need to be a citizen, but you do indeed need a personnummer, so it’s not available for tourists. You need to be a resident.
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 07:27:08+00:00 ID:
jtcuabh
All of Scandanavia is like this or just Sweden? So she should just use her Korean visa credit card for transactions?
Korea is the same way actually… it’s almost a cashless society.
maark91 at 2023-07-25 09:08:50+00:00 ID:
jtd1sqc
Get ~500 sek just in case if she visits a farmers market or small kiosks on the beach/nature since they dont always accept cards.
Elhiar at 2023-07-25 07:30:59+00:00 ID:
jtcukt9
Yeah just use a debit or credit card.
pink_board at 2023-07-25 07:58:56+00:00 ID:
jtcwo2h
Easier to use cards but might come with extra fees when converting currencies
bawng at 2023-07-25 08:25:56+00:00 ID:
jtcyo0d
Someone down voted you but this is correct. Card payments are free in Sweden but if you have a foreign card your bank will charge an exchange fee.
Same as when we Swedes use our cards abroad.
manInTheWoods at 2023-07-25 09:18:37+00:00 ID:
jtd2ifv
It’s around 1%, better than forex rates. I wouldn’t worry.
Joz43 at 2023-07-25 12:48:02+00:00 ID:
jtdm5cf
This depends on the bank, there are a few that do 0% and just charge you whatever VISA or Mastercard’s rate is, but yes many large banks charge a foreign transaction fee of anywhere from 1% to 5% on top of the VISA/Mastercard rate.
SunTzuYAO at 2023-07-25 08:03:44+00:00 ID:
jtcx0rd
Norway is very similar in this regard, except for some remote parkings near the wilderness areas where there might be parking fees that can only be paid via their local mobile payment system (which you can’t get as a tourist) or cash. Virtually everything else you’d normally pay by card.
Not sure about the other countries but would imagine it’s the same.
Drahy at 2023-07-25 08:24:32+00:00 ID:
jtcyka4
Denmark is the same.
JaguarZealousideal55 at 2023-07-25 07:33:41+00:00 ID:
jtcury9
I don’t know about the other countries.
exForeignLegionnaire at 2023-07-25 07:58:26+00:00 ID:
jtcwmoh
Mastercard and vida debit, or use Apple pay or Google pay. Don’t bother using cash. At least in Norway.
LuceDuder at 2023-07-25 08:57:05+00:00 ID:
jtd0xse
Second that for Finland
s-maerken at 2023-07-25 09:05:28+00:00 ID:
jtd1jno
Third that for Sweden
Elhiar at 2023-07-25 07:31:05+00:00 ID:
jtcul2z
Yeah just use a debit or credit card.
eloktro at 2023-07-25 08:25:39+00:00 ID:
jtcyn84
Yea, all of Scandinavia.
BackgroundRate3700 at 2023-07-25 09:19:38+00:00 ID:
jtd2l57
So she should just use her Korean visa credit card for transactions?
Absolutely. Just make sure to check with the bank before, just in case it’s region locked or something for security purposes.
Possible-Finish-9499 at 2023-07-25 19:37:07+00:00 ID:
jtfcn5f
If your card requires signature CVM instead of PIN, you’ll have to show passport everytime you want to make payment.
helm at 2023-07-25 08:53:41+00:00 ID:
jtd0p3g
Swish is hard to use as a foreigner without BankID
gammalsvenska at 2023-07-25 12:34:01+00:00 ID:
jtdkg94
It’s basically impossible.
ARM7501 at 2023-07-25 08:05:34+00:00 ID:
jtcx5m6
Sweden is almost completely cashless. Most places don’t even accept cash, so there’s no need to go to an ATM.
Don’t buy water. The tap water (in most places) will be the cleanest thing you’ve ever drank.
If you’re in Stockholm and see a crazy lady on the subway, screaming about Jesus, just ignore her.
leethepolarbear at 2023-07-25 07:55:28+00:00 ID:
jtcwew7
Funny you happened to travel right around the same time thousands of Swedes are travelling to Korea because of the World Scout Jamboree.
grimexp at 2023-07-25 06:59:29+00:00 ID:
jtcs6aw
Beware of the polar bears roaming the streets.
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 07:55:19+00:00 ID:
jtcwehu
I grew up in Canada… saw them everywhere so I’m used to them.
Paws_On_Keyboard at 2023-07-25 08:18:47+00:00 ID:
jtcy4je
Never been there, but I’ve often gotten the feeling that we’re quite similar in a lot of ways.
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 08:54:19+00:00 ID:
jtd0qpp
Actually reading peoples replies here I find Koreans and Sweden very similar
defronde1 at 2023-07-25 06:57:40+00:00 ID:
jtcs18j
Where are you guys going?
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 07:31:52+00:00 ID:
jtcun4m
Dunno her itinenary… assume just the touristy areas. It’s with a big travel tour group. That’s how Koreans travel… always by tour groups lol
ajangvik at 2023-07-25 08:31:36+00:00 ID:
jtcz2v7
If she’s with a big group nothing will happen. The only dangers are for people who are alone in sketchy areas at sketchy times.
Threaditoriale at 2023-07-25 09:36:30+00:00 ID:
jtd3tuc
Sketchy 1 = leaving a night club, after a few hundred meters when the crowd has thinned out
Sketchy 2 = close to the closing time of night clubs
Snusandfags at 2023-07-25 07:55:25+00:00 ID:
jtcwerl
Why do you do that?
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 08:16:36+00:00 ID:
jtcxyus
Why do Koreans travel in big tour groups? I think it’s mainly for the older folks. They prefer it. Having all the schedule pre planned by someone else and not having to worry about small details (car, hotel).
Also, travelling overseas is still relatively new for the average Korean citizen. Interestingly enough, they weren’t allowed to travel internationally until 1988 because the president believed travelling to be a luxury too rich for a poor country. I believe he also didn’t allow daytime TV because his reasoning was that people should be busy doing things and not watching TV.
xSayZ at 2023-07-25 08:32:39+00:00 ID:
jtcz5mr
Based
eolisk at 2023-07-25 09:00:35+00:00 ID:
jtd16zh
Today I learned South Korea was a dictatorship in 1988?! Did your president really personally decide on these kind of things? 😧
SweetVarys at 2023-07-25 08:24:01+00:00 ID:
jtcyiwj
It’s comfortable if you don’t speak any relevant language and can’t even really read signs. It’s common for Europeans visiting China for example
defronde1 at 2023-07-25 07:49:49+00:00 ID:
jtcvzms
In that case I don’t think there will be any issues. They should stay away from any dangerous areas.
Pudding5050 at 2023-07-25 08:49:10+00:00 ID:
jtd0cvl
Oh ffs, there are no “dangerous areas”. And if she’s travelling in a group they’re going to move from one tourist attraction to the other.
defronde1 at 2023-07-25 09:48:17+00:00 ID:
jtd4q10
Tell that to several of my friends who have been mugged in these areas. I had youth gangs throw rocks at me and my girlfriend and was mugged once when I lived there. And that was one of the “safer” areas.
Sticking your head in the sand does not change reality.
Joz43 at 2023-07-25 13:55:01+00:00 ID:
jtduxd3
Since you no longer live there, can you say where specifically you encountered these youth gangs that threw rocks at you? Around what year, and was it a Friday night with lots of drunk people?
kba334 at 2023-07-25 08:14:59+00:00 ID:
jtcxufl
If approached by someone offering something on the street, it’s most likely a scam.
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 08:32:07+00:00 ID:
jtcz481
Does Scandanavia suffer from alot of those scam artists/pick pocketters found in other parts of Europe?
Pudding5050 at 2023-07-25 08:49:34+00:00 ID:
jtd0dza
Not really no. There have been people trying to offer a rose (and then demand cash) or asking for you to sign petitions, but I haven’t seen those in years. Definitely nothing on the same level as in the more famous tourist cities.
PrinceOfFucking at 2023-07-25 08:51:12+00:00 ID:
jtd0idc
It happens, in larger cities like sthlm or gothenberg atleast
Just dont stop and watch those street magicians with cups and a dice/ball, they have friends who “win” so you think youll have a chance and theres a chance there are pickpockets among the audience
Also obviously dont bother with any charity where you have to sign anything as a tourist
Keffpie at 2023-07-25 08:48:35+00:00 ID:
jtd0bc8
Not as many, but they do exist since they literally tour Europe during the summer.
FHmange at 2023-07-25 08:56:27+00:00 ID:
jtd0w5j
Not as much as the larger tourist cities in Europe (London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome etc), but it exists here as well.
It’s mostly Gypsies who will attempt these street scams but it’s extremely easy to not fall for it. Swedes almost never come up to you in the street to ask for something or try to small talk randomly, so if someone would do that, just walk away or at least make sure there is no way that they or anyone else around you can take anything from your pockets or bag. Don’t give any money to the gypsy beggars either, if you do you’re pretty much just giving money to organized crime.
Also just make sure no one can pickpocket you in crowds. I’ve only been pickpocketed once in my entire life of living in Stockholm, and I was very drunk and young when that happened and didn’t pay attention (plus it obviously made me an easy target). Just be somewhat smart about where you keep your valuables and you’ll be completely fine.
Stockholm (and all of Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia) is very safe, and you’ll be unlucky if something happens. But it’s still always good to just pay a bit of attention to your surroundings.
bogvisir at 2023-07-25 07:01:24+00:00 ID:
jtcsboo
Don’t bother getting any travel currency
Rising_Spirit at 2023-07-25 09:44:05+00:00 ID:
jtd4ei8
Having some is definitely helpful in case there is any issue with your card
shitsu13master at 2023-07-25 10:18:15+00:00 ID:
jtd745m
In fact, they don’t take physical money anymore in a lot of places
Purpleshoeshine at 2023-07-25 08:33:19+00:00 ID:
jtcz7d8
Sweden: Visa and Mastercard can be used almost anywhere. American Express and Diners Club will work in some places but far from everywhere.
elevenblade at 2023-07-25 08:57:07+00:00 ID:
jtd0xw3
AmEx usually works in chain grocery stores (Coop, ICA, Lidl, Willy’s, 7-11, etc), larger hotels and upscale restaurants and department stores. Small boutiques, cafés and smaller restaurants usually don’t accept it.
reallyserious at 2023-07-25 09:07:24+00:00 ID:
jtd1oz6
Does Swish work for foreigners?
Arvidex at 2023-07-25 09:10:18+00:00 ID:
jtd1wn2
Yes technically, but you need a Swedish bank, so no realistically.
already-taken-wtf at 2023-07-25 10:42:34+00:00 ID:
jtd95l7
As long as they have a personnummer and a Swedish bank account.
OutrageousMoose8 at 2023-07-25 08:20:57+00:00 ID:
jtcyah5
This probably applies to Finland too
BobbyBacala9980 (OP) at 2023-07-25 08:27:31+00:00 ID:
jtcys4k
what bout Norway and Denmark?
helm at 2023-07-25 08:51:32+00:00 ID:
jtd0jbd
Denmark is always the exception. I was forced to use cash there this summer, but they did accept Euro
Foksn at 2023-07-25 08:30:48+00:00 ID:
jtcz0sz
Just dont bother. Applies to all of Scandinavia.
zethian at 2023-07-25 08:32:37+00:00 ID:
jtcz5jn
Unless travling to the rural countryside or going to a local farmers market, won’t need it there either
TM_Crystal at 2023-07-25 08:42:59+00:00 ID:
jtczwr4
I cannot remember the last time I used cash so as long as your wife isn’t staying for 5 years then the need for cash will probably never arise
s-maerken at 2023-07-25 09:01:18+00:00 ID:
jtd18uj
I haven’t used cash in Sweden for years except when paying for… you know
geon at 2023-07-25 09:05:13+00:00 ID:
jtd1iyu
Buttplugs.
Kazath at 2023-07-25 10:14:41+00:00 ID:
jtd6tp8
Have you used Swish sometime in the last five years to pay for something where they didn’t accept cards? Cause this is a situation where they would need cash.
Creator13 at 2023-07-25 09:24:50+00:00 ID:
jtd2z0j
Haven’t touched or seen any cash in the six months I was in Sweden. That said, without having swish, it got a bit more difficult. There was this tiny roadside rural self-service museum that would only accept swish or cash. Swish is not available for travelers unless you somehow already have a Swedish bank account.
DucklockHolmes at 2023-07-25 09:05:42+00:00 ID:
jtd1kb1
Cash in Sweden is only for buying drugs
xXMonsterDanger69Xx at 2023-07-25 10:10:08+00:00 ID:
jtd6gkp
Bro give your frisör and lokala pizzeria cash to help them out
Lavithz at 2023-07-25 09:36:54+00:00 ID:
jtd3uyp
i have not seen or used physical cash in Sweden for 25 year. i think this is true XD.
we waste 100s of millions to keep cash and all it does is fueling the drug market.
Indorn at 2023-07-25 10:46:07+00:00 ID:
jtd9gry
And to not be completely in the hands of the banks.
1sarocco1 at 2023-07-25 10:53:29+00:00 ID:
jtda42h
What happens if there’s war and the internet is down? Or if there is a power outage. Then you can’t buy shit.
SwompyGaming at 2023-07-25 09:24:35+00:00 ID:
jtd2yce
some small unmanned shops on the countryside where some cash could be nice since they mostly use cash or swish. but in the city you wont be needing cash
fittan69 at 2023-07-25 11:34:32+00:00 ID:
jtddy60
I keep hearing this. Is this a southern thing? In Norrbotten you can still use cash, though some places are changing this.
Edit: in a city btw
deppkast at 2023-07-25 11:48:31+00:00 ID:
jtdfde9
I have family in Norrbotten and from what I can tell you guy’s seem to be pretty conservative with most technological/societal changes
Heuristics at 2023-07-25 11:59:33+00:00 ID:
jtdgk75
A few years ago we went to the fortress where Charles XII got killed in Norway, they refused to let us in (to the parking) on account of only taking cash. Perhaps they have updated their tech stack now though.
fiendishrabbit at 2023-07-25 07:21:07+00:00 ID:
jtctu40
Some is nice. Like 500kr. The “What if there is a freakish accident and the internet is down but I still have a terrible urge to get thaifood right now” money.
s-maerken at 2023-07-25 09:03:57+00:00 ID:
jtd1fob
Which happens once every three years, only goes on for a few hours and is almost always restricted to one or two market chains. There’s absolutely no point in carrying cash.
drl33t at 2023-07-25 08:56:44+00:00 ID:
jtd0wvt
Hard disagree. Don’t think it’s necessary at all.
RoundishWaterfall at 2023-07-25 09:02:34+00:00 ID:
jtd1c4u
I dont think I’ve had to use cash in the last 15 years to be honest.
helm at 2023-07-25 08:52:30+00:00 ID:
jtd0lxl
The food truck will still have the sign “inga kontanter, tack” up
manInTheWoods at 2023-07-25 09:12:17+00:00 ID:
jtd21vq
Do get some currency. Some small places do only accept Swish,.which is not available to tourists. With cash, ylu can make a deal with someone to Swish in your place.
Pastejkoket2023 at 2023-07-25 06:58:05+00:00 ID:
jtcs2eq
I would recommend asking the same question to bings chat-AI. Set it to creative and you will get good tips.
