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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Sweden

Money and duty free for Sweden

Currency and Money

Currency information

Swedish Krona (SEK; symbol kr) = 100 öre. Notes are in denominations of kr1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of kr10, 5, 2 and 1.

Credit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted, although it should be noted that most shops and restaurants require ID when paying with a credit card. ATMs are widely available and can be used with most international bank cards, although it’s worth bearing in mind that you may incur a small charge. Personal cheques are no longer used, while traveller's cheques can be cashed at most banks.

ATM

ATMs are widely available.

Travellers cheques

Traveller’s cheques are accepted at some banks. To avoid unfavourable exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to rely on credit or debit cards instead.

Banking hours

Banks are open Mon-Wed and Fri 9000-1500. On Thursdays, banking hours are slightly longer, running from 9000-1800. In larger cities such as Gothenburg, Malmo and Stockholm, some banks have longer opening hours and are open at weekends.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency exchange

Currency can be converted at FOREX foreign exchange agencies; these are found in major cities, airports and ferry terminals.

Sweden duty free

Overview

Sweden is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Sweden's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Sweden's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Sweden by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these tobacco products provided you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of strong beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products provided the limit is not exceeded.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

Rules that must be obeyed no matter where the alcohol/tobacco is bought:
• You must be at least 20 years old to bring alcohol and 18 years to bring tobacco.
• The alcohol/tobacco must be for your or your family’s private use.
• You must transport the alcohol/tobacco yourself.

Banned Imports

Unlicensed firearms and ammunition, meat, fish, and dairy products from outside the EU, endangered species (unless you have a permit), and medicines and narcotics (unless prescribed).

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Banned Exports

Unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

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