GETTING AROUND IN SWEDEN
Getting to and travel around Sweden is easy and accessible, with almost every part of the country being accessible with Trains, Busses and Boats
Sweden’s rail network covers swathes of the country, all served by different rail companies: Sweden’s national rail company SJ, Snälltåget, Vy and Inlandsbanan operate nationally and internationally.
VR operates between Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Buy your tickets on each train operator’s website or in the station before travelling – keep in mind that tickets cannot be purchased on board.
And even if your route is operated by another train company, it’s worth checking the SJ website for an overview of rail routes and destinations.
DOING GROCERIES
Sweden has many supermarket chains but also many local small shops with international food.
Lidl: By far the cheapest grocery store you will be able to find. Lidl has their own brands that you won’t be able to find in other stores.
WIlly’s: Willy’s will be your second cheapest option. This store has a very large selection of everything you might need from meats, cheeses, vegetables, canned goods, etc. Willy’s has typical Swedish brands in stock.
ICA: ICA is the third most expensive option on this list. There are different types of ICA stores to look out for. ICA nära means it is smaller and might be a little more expensive. There is also ICA Maxi which means it is a bigger ICA store with all kinds of items.
Coop: Coop is a great store with great produce and items but it can be expensive. It has all the same things as a normal grocery store but just at a higher price tag.
Hemköp: Hemköp will be your most expensive option although it will have everything you need when it comes to a typical grocery store.
And while we are on the topic of shopping it is good to know that Sweden is mostly a cashless society and many places will only accept debit/credit cards
IN CASE YOU GET SICK
Getting sick outside your home country can be tricky but seeking help in Sweden is not that difficult…
If you require care but are not acutely ill, contact a health centre (“vårdcentral”) to book an appointment. Visit 1177.se or call +46 771-11 77 00 if you need help finding a health centre. At the health centre, there are general practitioners and nurses who can refer you to specialist care should you need it. Many medications are by prescription only. You may need to see a doctor at a health center to get a prescription. If you don’t speak Swedish, you may get an interpreter to help you. Notify the staff if you need an interpreter when booking your appointment.
If its something more serious you can go directly to your nearest emergency department or “Akutmottagning” in Swedish. Call emergency number 112 for an ambulance if someone is seriously ill or injured. You may also visit a hospital emergency room or a walk-in care center. If your unsure where to go, you can always call +46 771-11 77 00 for medical guidance.
If you are a EU citizen it’s always best to have your blue European health insurance card with you to avoid paying anything extra.
