If you’re on your way to relocate to a life in Sweden, there are some things about living here that you might need some time to get used to. While planning your move you might have tried to do some research on “living in Sweden pros and cons”, “life in Sweden for foreigners”, or simply “what is life in Sweden like?”
Wanting to know more about your future home is perfectly normal. And some level of culture shock is normal when moving abroad too. Don’t worry, we’ll go through some quirks you’ll come across in your new daily life in Sweden.
Live cash-free: “Do you Swish?”
Something you’ll likely notice quite quickly is the lack of cash in Sweden. Many shops in Sweden are “cash-free”.
We can’t talk about Sweden’s cash-free society without mentioning Swish. Swish is a mobile payment app which allows you to make instant transfers to other accounts. The app is so widespread in Sweden that swisha (to swish) has become a verb in the everyday language.
Live green—Recycle and reuse
As you’re likely aware, Sweden is pretty passionate about protecting the environment. Be prepared for the environmentally conscious culture to rub off on you.
Separating and recycling garbage is second nature to most Swedes. Unless you want daily lectures from your Swedish friends, you’ll have to learn about and embrace the recycling systems that are in place.
For example, there’s pantsystemet. Pant means deposit, and it refers to the fact that Swedish residents pay a deposit when buying drinks in a bottle or can. To then “panta” these bottles/cans, refers to the act of recycling them in a machine station which gives you your deposit back. Through this system, Swedes recycle 1.8 billion bottles/cans a year.
Live sober—If you forgot to go to Systembolaget
Oh no, don’t worry, you can drink alcohol in Sweden! You just might have to learn how and where to buy said alcohol, but you can drink it.
Buying a drink at a bar or a restaurant is pretty similar to other countries, but if you want to buy more potent alcohol from a store, there’s only one option: Systembolaget.
Systembolaget is a nationwide and state-owned chain of stores, and these are the only stores in the country allowed to sell strong alcoholic drinks.
This alcohol monopoly is in place to minimize alcohol-related problems, and more than 70% of Swedes support the monopoly.
As a non-Swede, you might have to get used to the fact that you can’t pick up a bottle of wine at the nearest supermarket. You might also have to keep a note of Systembolaget’s opening hours. Hint: They close in the early afternoon on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays. That means, you’ll have to shop ahead of time for that Sunday party you were planning.
Freezing cold winters… and people
Most people know that Swedish winters can be cold. Fewer people are prepared for how few hours of sunlight you get during those cold winter days. The lack of sunlight and vitamin D can make you feel tired or even depressed. It’s not a very fun fact, but it’s something to be mentally prepared for.
Speaking of the cold, many newcomers to Sweden will also find Swedes to be quite cold and reserved. Being aware of this Swedish personality trait can help you to not take it personally and be patient. Swedes generally need some time to warm up to new people, especially when it comes to talking about deeper or more personal topics.
There are exceptions, and we’re sure you’ll find quite a few warm and chatty Swedes upon arrival too. Our tip? Make friends by finding common interests, perhaps related to sports or a hobby.
Ready?
Do you feel prepared? Life in Sweden and with all its quirks await you. The e-book “I’m moving to Sweden! Everything you need for your new Swedish life” is here to accompany you on every step of the way toward Sweden.
Get it now and learn not just how to acclimatize to life in Sweden, but how to integrate into Swedish society, and how to tackle any other bureaucratic obstacle that pop up on your way.