Swedish - Etiquette (2024)

FAQs

What are the do's and don'ts in Sweden? ›

Honesty and straight-talking are two highly cherished sides of the Swedish character; a promise in Sweden is just that. Haggling over prices is not the done thing. On meeting, friends of both sexes usually hug, rather than kiss, each other. In more formal situations, people shake hands whilst saying their name.

Arrangements are usually made when visiting one another. Unannounced visits are uncommon. Guests are expected to arrive at the designated time. People will typically remove their shoes before entering someone's home, particularly in winter.

Your guest is very likely to be meticulously punctual, as arriving later than 15 minutes after the agreed hour is considered very rude. The first thing your Swedish visitor will do is to take off their shoes and leave them by the front door, regardless of the season.

Do not criticize Swedish lifestyle, sexual habits, suicide rate, prices, etc. Do not compliment lightly. Insincere comments are considered rude.

If want to visit Sweden as a tourist for longer than 90 days you can be granted a residence permit for visits so that your total stay amounts to a maximum of six months. The duration of the permit will be based on the circ*mstances of each individual case.

It is illegal to spontaneously dance

↗️ I know what you're thinking. This weird law forces pubs and bars to have a licence in order for people to dance in them. It's quite outdated as it dates back to the 1970's.

When Swedes talk about fika, what they generally mean is a coffee break. The coffee can be switched out for tea or even lemonade, but some kind of non-alcoholic and preferably hot beverage is always a part of the deal. More arbitrary is the presence of a sweet treat or a snack, such as cake or a sandwich.

Further, there are not many words or phrases that signal politeness or good intentions, for example Swedes do not use titles or any equivalent to please. Rather, the tone of your voice serves this purpose. To speak slowly and intone correctly (perhaps even in an exaggerated manner) will make you seem much more polite.

Tipping in Sweden isn't as established as in many other countries. It's always welcome but not expected. When eating out in Sweden it is common to to round up to the nearest big number. For example if your bill comes to 280 SEK, you can round up to 300 SEK.

What do Swedish people care about? ›

Swedish society is based on equality and individualism. Swedes are proud of their nation and its accomplishments. Lagom, which means “not too much, not too little…just right” is a word often used and heard in Sweden. Swedes also have a profound respect for integrity.

Swedes themselves are usually fashionably well-dressed in public. Appropriate clothes would be a dark suit and tie for men, and a business suit or skirt and blouse for women. Trousers are also acceptable for businesswomen in Sweden. Swedes value quality and that is also true when it comes to clothes.

Swedes won't give you dinner

It's true: Swedes tend not to serve meals to visitors in their home.

Don't Ignore Personal Space

Swedes value their personal space. Unless you're in a crowd, you should never stand too close to people, even the cashier in a shop. And you definitely shouldn't sit next to somebody on a bus if there is an open seat for you elsewhere.

Travelling to Sweden from countries outside the EU

Please note that you are not allowed to bring plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers or seeds into the European Union without a phytosanitary certificate. Certain exceptions apply for powdered infant formula, baby food and special foods required for medical reasons.

Dress tends towards smart-casual in Swedish business life. Although it is not that usual to see businessmen dressed in dark suits and ties, nonetheless a uniform of sorts is apparent. Swedes usually wear jackets and trousers – often with a fairly distinctive tie to set them apart.