flywithlivHej! Välkommen!
Whenever you visit a new country, you never know what surprises await you. I had done research about Sweden before my big move, of course. However, after living here for a year, I truly believe no research will be enough to prepare you for the culture shock in another country, especially when you are visiting Sweden. You’ve got to experience it yourself!
Here are a few things you NEED to know before visiting Sweden:
1. Silence of the Swedes
Swedes are nothing like us North Americans. They’re very quiet people. It takes a lot of getting used to their silence, especially when you are out in public, whether this is in the streets or out for coffee at a cafe. When you come to Sweden, keep in mind that you will probably be the loudest in the room!
2. People keep their distance
Before the “social distancing” rule during the pandemic, Swede’s were already doing it! If you’re on public transit, Swedes will not sit next to you. If you’re walking in the streets, people will keep some distance away from you. There is nothing wrong with you, Swedes just like their personal space! All in all, when you are visiting Sweden, leave a space between yourself and others when you take a seat on the bus!
3. The Scandinavian Stare
In most places around the world, it is common smile at strangers and to greet your neighbours, friends, and colleagues when you see them out and about. Well… here is something you NEED to know before visiting Sweden: Swedes don’t usually say hi or smile at people, even the people they know! Instead, Swedes tend to stare at people – this is called the Scandinavian Stare. So, when you are walking around the streets of Stockholm and get a lot of stares from the people around you, don’t worry – there’s nothing wrong with you, this is just the infamous Scandinavian stare!
4. Get in line!!!
Interestingly, Swedes LOVE to line up. They form one big line up for the bus stop. When you go to the pharmacy, you need to take a number to be “in line”. When you go to the bank, you need to take a number to be “in line.” If you were there first, but didn’t take a number? TOO BAD. You are at the end of the line now. Now you know, when you visit Sweden… take a damn number and get in line!
(While this is not too bizarre, when you are visiting Sweden, you will see a nice long line of people waiting for the bus stop!)
5. Card only!
While in many countries you’ve seen the signs “cash only,” Sweden’s got its own version… card only! Yes! You need to know this before visiting Sweden because most places in Sweden don’t accept cash anymore! There are select grocery stores that will take cash. However, you will not find those everywhere. Make sure you bring your card, or even better, install it in your phone under Apple Pay when you visit Sweden. Enjoy this digital life, but don’t have too much fun! Believe me, when you don’t see cash disappearing from your pockets, it’s easy to forget that money is not unlimited. This is real life! With that said, here are some amazing places to spend your money when you take a trip to Sweden.
6. No language dictionary needed!
Amazingly, most Swedes are bilingual, if not trilingual… and that’s downplaying their language-learning skills! You will have no problem communicating with most of them in English. If you look around the city o of Stockholm, most of the stores and restaurants have English names. Additionally, a majority of the menus at restaurants will have English menus as well. No need to stress, Swedes are the best! If you need more convincing to visit Sweden, here are more reasons why Sweden is the best.
