SHOPPING
VAT (Moms) is refundable to visitors who are resident in non-EU countries on goods bought at shops participating in the Tax-Free Shopping scheme. The refund is payable to the customer when departing from Sweden at either airports or customs offices at ports. Special purchases include glassware and crystal, ceramics, stainless steel and silver, hemslöjd (cottage industry artifacts) and woodcarvings. Women’s and children’s clothes are good buys, especially handknitted Nordic sweaters.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1600. In larger towns, some shops have longer opening hours and are also open Sundays. In rural areas, shops and petrol stations close by 1700/1800.
Currency Information:
Currency
Swedish Krona (SEK) = 100 öre. Notes are in denominations of SEK10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of SEK10, 5 and 1, and 50 öre.
Currency exchange
Currency can be converted at FOREX foreign exchange agencies; these are found in major cities, airports and ferry terminals etc. ATMs are widely available.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.
Travelers cheques
Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Swedish Krona against Sterling and the US Dollar:
Date |
May '04 |
Aug '04 |
Nov '04 |
Feb '05 |
£1.00= |
13.63 |
13.76 |
12.73 |
13.22 |
$1.00= |
7.63 |
7.47 |
6.72 |
7.00 |
Banking hours
Mon-Wed and Fri 0930-1500, Thurs 0930-1500/1730. Some banks in larger cities have longer opening hours and are open at weekends.
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Travel Tips