Time

Sweden operates on Central European Time (CET), or GMT+1 from late October to late March, and Central European Summer Time (CEST), or GMT+2 from late March to late October. Sweden uses the 24-hour clock to write times, e.g., 6 in the evening is written as 18.00 instead of 6.00PM.

Electricity

The current used in Sweden is 220 volts and 50 Hz and the plugs and sockets are type F, used in many European countries. This might differ from what you are used to and in order to use electrical equipment you may have to use an adapter and/or converter.

Units of measurement

Sweden uses the metric system. Distances are measured in kilometres, measurements are given in metres and centimetres, and weights are given in kilograms and grams. Temperatures are measured in Celsius (°C).

Water

Tap water in Sweden is of very good quality. You can drink the water straight from the tap and there is no need to filter it or buy bottled water.

Recycling

'Pant' symbol found on bottles and cans that can be recycled for money.

Some plastic bottles and aluminium cans, such as beer and soda cans, carry a deposit called 'pant.' This deposit is refunded when the bottle or can is returned to a recycling machine in a grocery store. For used paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, batteries and electronics, etc., recycling facilities can be found in or outside of your apartment building. There are also several large recycling stations available around the city.

International dialling

Dial 00 + country code + area code (the first digit of the area code is usually omitted if it is 0, 1, 8 or 9), followed by the phone number of the person you are calling. Most students make international calls through an internet operator. The country code for Sweden is +46 (or 0046).

Internet

There are several options for internet in Sweden; contact your landlord to see which options are available to you at your accommodation. An alternative is mobile internet (USB modem), which students use quite frequently. There are several companies who provide this, such as Comviq, Tele2, Tre, Telenor and Telia. Wireless internet is also available in most university buildings.

Currency exchange

Cash can be exchanged into other currencies at all banks, X-change and Forex offices. The one closest to the university is a Forex office located inside the Malmö Central Station building. However it is important to mention that cashless payments very much go hand in hand with the Swedish lifestyle and there are stores that only take cards and no cash.

Postal services

There are no regular post offices in Sweden. Instead, you will find Postal Service Points operated by the company PostNord located in many grocery stores and convenience stores, where you can send letters and parcels and purchase stamps. To find your closest Postal Service Point, visit PostNord's website.

Embassies in Sweden

If you need contact information for your embassy, you will be able to find the contact details to all embassies in Sweden on the Swedish government's diplomatic list.

Buying alcohol

Alcoholic beverages, including wine, can only be purchased in government-run stores called ‘Systembolaget' in Sweden. Beer, wine and cider with an alcohol content of less than 3.5 % can be purchased in grocery stores. Systembolaget is open during business hours from Monday to Saturday but is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The legal drinking age is 18 years old (to be served alcohol at restaurants, bars, etc.), but you must be 20 years old to purchase alcohol at Systembolaget.

Food and shopping

The university campuses have their own restaurants with lunch and snacks at reasonable prices, but in Sweden, many students prefer to cook at home rather than go out to eat. For food shopping, there are various supermarkets located all around Malmö. When it comes to buying food, bigger super markets tend to offer both a larger selection and lower prices than smaller corner shops. Examples of big supermarkets are Willy’s, Coop, Citygross, Lidl and ICA. There are also specialty food stores such as Asian, African and Eastern European that offer imported products. For fruits and vegetables, there are a number of open-air markets throughout the city, you can check Favorite spots in Malmö for info on this.

Tipping

In general, only taxi drivers and waiting staff in restaurants are tipped. Hairdressers and other service providers do not expect tips.