Understanding Swedish currency makes it easier to budget, pay for everyday purchases, and avoid unnecessary exchange costs during your trip. Sweden uses the Swedish krona, commonly written as SEK or kr, and the country has become one of the world’s most cashless societies. This guide explains how the krona works, where you can pay with cash or cards, and what visitors should know before arriving.
What is the currency in Sweden?
The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish krona. The word krona means “crown,” while the plural form is kronor. You may see prices written with the abbreviation kr, the international currency code SEK, or both.
For example, a price of 250 kr means 250 Swedish kronor. On websites and financial services, the same amount may appear as SEK 250 or 250 SEK. The krona is divided into 100 öre, although öre coins are no longer used for everyday cash payments. Prices are generally rounded to the nearest whole krona when you pay with cash.
Sweden is a member of the European Union, but it has not adopted the euro. The Swedish krona remains the country’s official currency, so euros are not a reliable substitute for Swedish currency.
Swedish currency at a glance
- Official name: Swedish krona
- Plural: Swedish kronor
- Currency code: SEK
- Common symbol: kr
- Issuing institution: Sveriges Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank
- Subunit: 100 öre, although öre coins are not used in normal circulation
- Euro status: Sweden does not use the euro as its official currency
Exchange rates change constantly, so check a live rate shortly before your trip. The rate shown by a search engine or currency app may not be the rate your bank, card provider, exchange office, or ATM actually uses.
Swedish krona banknotes and coins
Swedish banknotes are issued in several denominations and feature well-known Swedish cultural figures. The notes in circulation include 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kronor. The 1,000-krona note is less useful for ordinary travel purchases because some businesses may not accept large notes.
Coins commonly used in Sweden include 1, 2, 5, and 10 kronor. They differ in size, colour, and weight, but visitors may still find them unfamiliar at first. Cash payments are rounded at the total purchase level, not necessarily for each individual item.
Banknotes and coins are redesigned from time to time. Older issues may stop being legal tender after a stated deadline, so avoid accepting very old-looking notes from unofficial sources. If you receive a damaged note, ask the retailer or your bank whether it can be exchanged.
Does Sweden use the euro?
No. Sweden uses the Swedish krona rather than the euro. Some tourist-oriented businesses may accept euros, especially in major cities or near international attractions, but this is not standard practice. When euros are accepted, the exchange rate may be less favourable than the rate available through your card provider.
Paying in euros can also result in change being returned in kronor, which may leave you with foreign cash that you did not plan to use. For predictable pricing, pay in SEK or use a card that has low foreign transaction costs.
Can you use cash in Sweden?
Yes, cash is still legal tender, but it is less widely used than in many other European countries. Sweden has invested heavily in digital payments, and many residents rarely carry banknotes or coins. Some shops, cafés, museums, and public transport services are entirely cash-free.
A sign saying Kontantfritt means “cash-free.” If you see this notice, the business accepts card or mobile payments but not physical Swedish currency. Cash-free policies are particularly common in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and other large urban areas.
It is sensible to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies or for a business that does accept it, but most travellers do not need to exchange a large sum before arrival. A small note or a few coins can be useful in places such as some public toilets, second-hand markets, rural cafés, or independent vendors. Always check first, since acceptance varies.
Using cards and mobile payments
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Sweden. Contactless payments are common, and many transactions can be completed by tapping a card, phone, or smartwatch. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and similar services are accepted by many retailers, although support depends on the individual business and payment terminal.
Before travelling, tell your bank that you will use your card abroad if its security system requires travel notifications. Make sure you know your card’s PIN, especially if you need to insert the card rather than use contactless payment. It is also wise to bring at least two payment methods stored separately in case one card is blocked, lost, or rejected.
Some terminals may ask whether you want to pay in Swedish kronor or your home currency. Choose Swedish kronor in most cases. Selecting your home currency activates dynamic currency conversion, which often uses an exchange rate set by the merchant or payment processor. Your own bank or card network may offer a better rate.
What to do if a card terminal asks for a tip
Card terminals in restaurants and cafés may display a tipping option, even when tipping is not required. Check the amount carefully before confirming the payment. You can normally select no tip, choose a percentage, or enter a custom amount.
Sweden does not have the same tipping culture as the United States. Staff receive wages, and a service charge is often included in the price. Rounding up or leaving a modest tip for especially good service is appreciated, but you should not feel obliged to leave a large percentage.
Where to exchange money in Sweden
You can exchange foreign cash at some airports, train stations, banks, and dedicated currency exchange offices. Exchange counters at airports are convenient but often offer less competitive rates than other options. Compare the final amount you will receive rather than focusing only on the advertised commission.
Many Swedish banks do not provide over-the-counter currency exchange for casual visitors, and opening hours can be limited. This means that exchanging money at home or withdrawing Swedish kronor from an ATM may be more convenient.
If you bring foreign cash, use an established exchange provider and keep the receipt. Avoid informal exchanges with individuals or unlicensed businesses. Count the money before leaving the counter and confirm the commission and exchange rate in advance.
Using ATMs in Sweden
ATMs are available in airports, city centres, shopping areas, and many supermarkets. The main operator you may see is Bankomat, although availability depends on the location. ATMs usually allow you to choose English and display the amount before you confirm the withdrawal.
Your home bank may charge a foreign withdrawal fee, while the Swedish ATM operator may apply its own charge. Your bank may also impose a daily limit. Check these conditions before travelling and consider making fewer, larger withdrawals if the fees are fixed per transaction.
When an ATM asks whether you want the withdrawal converted into your home currency, decline that option and withdraw in SEK. This is another form of dynamic currency conversion. Letting your own bank handle the exchange will often provide a more competitive rate.
Use ATMs attached to banks or located in busy, well-lit areas. Be cautious if a machine looks damaged, has unusual instructions, or appears to have been modified. Cover your PIN and remember to take your card before leaving.
How much does Sweden cost?
Sweden is often considered an expensive destination, particularly for accommodation, restaurant meals, alcohol, and some transport services. Prices vary significantly between cities and regions. Stockholm and Gothenburg can be more expensive than smaller towns, while popular summer destinations may charge higher rates during peak season.
Typical travel expenses can include:
- Accommodation: hostels, hotels, and holiday rentals vary widely by city, season, and location.
- Food: supermarkets and lunch specials are usually cheaper than sitting down for dinner at a central restaurant.
- Coffee and pastries: cafés provide a range of prices, with central and fashionable areas generally costing more.
- Transport: local tickets are usually purchased through an app, travel card, or contactless system rather than with cash.
- Attractions: museums and tours may offer online discounts, combination tickets, or free admission on selected days.
To build a realistic budget, record prices in SEK rather than relying on a quick conversion to your home currency. Currency values move daily, and constant mental conversion can make ordinary purchases seem more confusing than they are.
Paying for public transport
Public transport systems in Sweden are increasingly digital. Depending on the city, you may buy tickets through a transport app, a travel card, a ticket machine, or a contactless bank card. Some buses do not accept cash at all, and drivers may not sell tickets onboard.
In Stockholm, local transport tickets are commonly handled through the SL system. Gothenburg uses Västtrafik, while Skånetrafiken serves much of Skåne, including Malmö. Check the official transport website or app for current payment methods before boarding.
Do not assume that a ticket purchased in one city works elsewhere. Local transport authorities have separate zones, fares, and ticketing rules. Buying in advance is especially useful for early-morning departures or rural routes with limited sales points.
Tips for getting the best exchange rate
- Check the mid-market rate before travelling so you know the approximate value of the Swedish krona.
- Use a card with low or no foreign transaction fees when possible.
- Always choose SEK when a card terminal or ATM offers a choice of currencies.
- Compare the total cost of cash exchange, including commission and fees.
- Avoid exchanging large amounts at airports unless convenience is more important than the rate.
- Keep some backup cash and a second card, but do not carry more Swedish currency than you need.
- Review your bank statement after the trip to identify unexpected fees or duplicate charges.
Understanding prices and receipts
Swedish prices normally include value-added tax, known as VAT. The amount displayed on a shelf or menu is generally the amount consumers pay, although optional tips may be added at restaurants. Receipts show the total in kronor and may list the VAT rate or amount.
Sweden has different VAT rates for different goods and services. Food, accommodation, books, transport, and restaurant services may not all be taxed at the same rate. Visitors do not need to calculate VAT for ordinary purchases, but the information can matter when applying for a tax refund.
If you are paying by card, check the total on the terminal before tapping or entering your PIN. Keep receipts for expensive purchases, travel insurance claims, or tax refund applications.
Tax-free shopping and refunds
Visitors who live outside the European Union may be eligible for a VAT refund on qualifying purchases taken out of the EU. The retailer must participate in a tax-free shopping scheme, and minimum purchase requirements and documentation rules apply.
Ask the shop for the correct tax-free form at the time of purchase. You may need to show your passport, provide proof of residence, and have the goods available for inspection when leaving the EU. The refund is not always equal to the full VAT amount because the service provider may deduct a fee.
Rules can change, particularly when your journey includes several European countries. Check the current guidance from Swedish Customs, your retailer, and the refund operator before relying on a tax refund as part of your budget.
Can you take Swedish currency out of Sweden?
You can generally travel with Swedish kronor, but large amounts of cash may need to be declared when entering or leaving the European Union. The threshold applies to cash and certain cash equivalents, and rules can involve the combined value of different currencies.
If you are carrying a substantial amount, check the latest customs requirements for both Sweden and your destination. Keep exchange receipts or withdrawal records if you need to explain the source of the funds. For most holidays, this issue does not arise because travellers use cards and carry only a modest amount of cash.
Useful Swedish payment words
- Kontant: cash
- Kontantfritt: cash-free
- Kort: card
- Kvitto: receipt
- Betala: pay
- Växel: change
- Öppet köp: return or exchange policy, often subject to store conditions
Learning the word kontantfritt is especially helpful because it tells you immediately that physical Swedish currency will not be accepted. In most tourist situations, however, you can complete a payment in English or simply use a contactless card.
A simple Swedish currency plan for travellers
Before departure, check the exchange rate, confirm your card fees, and activate any travel notifications required by your bank. Bring at least one backup card and make sure your phone has a secure payment method. Download relevant transport or travel apps while you have reliable internet access.
After arriving, pay in SEK whenever possible, use reputable ATMs, and keep a small cash reserve rather than exchanging a large amount. Watch for cash-free signs, check card terminals before approving payments, and save receipts for significant purchases.
With these habits, Swedish currency is straightforward to use. The Swedish krona may look unfamiliar at first, but widespread card acceptance and clear digital payment systems mean that most visitors can manage everyday spending without carrying much cash.