Sweden is one of the most "cashless" countries in the world: the card reigns supreme, but a little cash in Swedish kronor (SEK) remains useful for travelling with peace of mind.
Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Lapland or the Baltic archipelagos: every year Sweden draws French travellers won over by Scandinavian design, nature and its easy way of life. But once there, many are surprised by a very practical detail: here, you pay for almost everything by card or by phone. Before you leave, it is best to understand how the Swedish krona works and to calmly prepare your currency purchase.
The Swedish krona (SEK), a currency worth knowing
Contrary to a common misconception, Sweden is a member of the European Union but has not adopted the euro: its official currency remains the Swedish krona, abbreviated SEK and often written "kr". One krona is divided into 100 öre, even though öre coins have almost entirely disappeared from circulation. You will mostly come across banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kronor, and coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 kronor.
Exchange rates change every day: we apply indicative counter rates (buy and sell), adjusted according to the market. There is no point looking for a fixed figure: the key is to plan ahead and compare before you leave, rather than exchanging at the last minute at an airport, where conditions are rarely favourable.
A society almost without cash
Sweden is renowned worldwide for being ahead of the curve on cashless payments. Many shops, cafés, museums and even some places of worship openly display "Vi tar inte kontanter" ("we do not accept cash"). Swedes make heavy use of contactless cards and the mobile payment app Swish, which is reserved for local bank accounts and therefore inaccessible to tourists.
In practical terms, for a French traveller:
- A Visa or Mastercard is accepted almost everywhere, including for very small amounts (a coffee, a transport ticket).
- Favour a card with no foreign-transaction fees or reduced fees, as some banks charge commissions on every payment made in a foreign currency.
- ATMs, known as Bankomat, are present in cities but become rarer in rural areas and in Lapland.
Card or cash: what should you really plan for?
The rule is simple: card for everyday spending, a little cash for peace of mind. Having a few hundred kronor on hand remains useful in several situations: local markets, small villages, flea markets, tips, or in case of a payment terminal breakdown. When hiking or on excursions in the Far North, where network coverage and ATMs are scarce, a cash reserve can save the day.
As for tipping, Swedish culture is relaxed: it is not mandatory, as service is generally included. At a restaurant, rounding up the bill or leaving around 5 to 10% for very good service is appreciated, most often directly on the card terminal.
Our advice: exchange a moderate amount into kronor before you leave to cover your first few days and the unexpected, then top up by card while you are there. This way you avoid the queues, the unfavourable airport rates and the stress of hunting for an ATM on arrival.
Preparing your currency exchange from Paris
There is no need to wait until you reach Stockholm to sort out your money. At Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you can obtain your Swedish kronor commission-free, from among more than 53 currencies available. You book online, then collect your banknotes in store at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the very heart of the Latin Quarter.
Our agency is open 7 days a week (Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm), which is rare in Paris and ideal for a last-minute weekend departure. Access is direct via the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) and the RER B and C, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame station.
Finally, keep customs regulations in mind: if you carry the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash (all currencies combined) when entering or leaving the European Union, a customs declaration is mandatory. For a typical tourist stay, you will remain well below this threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay in euros in Sweden?
No, the official currency is the Swedish krona. A few rare tourist-oriented shops may accept the euro, but at an unfavourable rate. It is better to pay by card or to have kronor on hand.
How much cash should you take for a trip to Sweden?
Since cards are accepted almost everywhere, a modest reserve is enough for most trips: enough to cover small purchases, markets and unforeseen events. The exact amount depends on your itinerary, especially if you are planning to visit rural areas or Lapland.
Where can you exchange euros for Swedish kronor in Paris?
At Paris Change, at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005), an ACPR-approved bureau, commission-free and open 7 days a week. You can book your kronor online and collect them in store.
Prepare for your trip to Sweden with complete peace of mind: book your Swedish kronor online now and collect them at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, commission-free and 7 days a week.
