Gothenburg Travel Guide

Gothenburg Travel Information

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Standard European two-pin plugs are used.

Language

Swedish is the main language, with Lapp being spoken by the Sami population in the north. Most Swedes speak and understand English. Many also speak German and French.

Tipping

A service charge is included in restaurant bills, but an additional tip of 7 to 10% is expected for evening meals in Sweden. Generally customers round off the fare when using a taxi. Tips are welcome for exceptionally good service in hotels, but are not expected.

Safety Information

Sweden is an extremely safe country to visit. There is some petty crime during the summer months in the cities where tourists congregate, but crime is at much lower levels than elsewhere in Europe. Most visits to Sweden are trouble free.

Local Customs

Swedish culture is very liberal and secular. Despite a reputation for excess and a love for partying, drunk driving is a serious crime and public nudity is considered inappropriate anywhere other than designated nude beaches. Smoking is not allowed in indoor establishments like restaurants and bars, however many Swedes partake in snus (snuff). It is polite to remove your shoes when entering a Swedish home. Equality is an important part of Swedish culture, and boastfulness and open conflict is usually avoided. 'Chivalry' is often considered an outdated concept in Sweden, which is one of the most gender equal countries in the world, and gestures like opening doors for women are not considered necessary.

Business

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Communications

The country code for Sweden is +46, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use, e.g. 08 for Stockholm. Public telephones are available and there is good coverage across the country for mobile telephones, which use different GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Internet cafes can be found in all the cities and towns.

Duty Free

Travellers to Sw