Money in Sweden: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping

Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK). ATMs are widespread in cities and towns; most will dispense SEK without fees if you use a card from a major network. Card payments are accepted at almost all shops, restaurants and transport, so you can travel with a debit or credit card. Keep a few hundred SEK in cash for small vendors or rural areas that may not take cards.

The official currency is the Swedish krona (SEK, symbol kr). Euro is not used. ATMs are abundant in urban areas and at train stations; most dispense SEK and accept Visa, Mastercard and often American Express. Fees depend on your bank; some Swedish banks charge a small fee for foreign cards.

Contactless card payments are common, and many places accept mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Visitors without a Swedish bank account cannot use Swish, Sweden’s popular phone‑payment app, but card terminals work the same as in other EU countries.

Service charge is included in restaurant and café prices, so there is no mandatory tip. If service was exceptional, rounding the bill up by 5–10 % is customary but not required. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest whole SEK is common. No tip is expected in hotels or for bar service.

Cash is rarely needed; many small stalls and market stalls accept cards, but a few may only take cash, especially in remote areas.

Currency exchange offices are available at airports and larger train stations; rates are better at banks.

If you need to convert cash, look for banks (SEB, Swedbank) which often give the best rates.