When you live in Sweden, you may not experience it as an expensive country. After all, you are winning Kronor. But what about the traveler who wants to explore Sweden on a budget?
Sweden has always been considered one of the most expensive European tourist destinations. However, thanks to the fact that Sweden did not switch to the Euro currency, Sweden has gradually dropped to a price level similar to other European countries. Of course, there are still ways to get the most out of your trip to Sweden without counting pennies. Here are some ways to save money in Sweden:
Plan ahead!
When planning your trip to Sweden, it is best to book your flight well in advance. Of course, there are some great last minute deals available, but it’s always a risky bet. Booking your ticket directly through the airline online is the cheapest option, as travel agencies add fees to your booking price.
Location and Accommodation
Sweden doesn’t have many, but there are cheap hotels in Sweden. Some hotels are happy to offer discounts if you plan to stay for longer periods. Youth hostels and self-catering units offer a cheaper option, assuming you don’t spend the rest of your funds on food. The facilities in Swedish hostels are excellent, by the way.
You should take into account the location of your hotel or hostel when making your reservation. Even if the central locations are more expensive, you will save a lot on public transport. Calculate those rates in your hotel costs and you better stay in a central location. Hotels have the advantage of generally including breakfast in their package.
Cheaper transportation
If you want to travel within Sweden, traveling by train is worth mentioning. Sleeping cars on the train are clean and quiet, and also cheaper than a hotel room.
Do you want to explore the city and its surroundings? Save a ton of money and burn some calories by riding a Citybike! Sweden is one of the friendliest countries for bicycles, as can be seen with the clearly marked bicycle lanes.
Using the public transportation system shouldn’t be too expensive either if you do your research. When traveling in a group of two or more, you can purchase a discounted family pass. Student discounts are also available to people under the age of 25. Stockholm, for example, offers the Stockholm Card, a pass that entitles you to save on public transport, as well as free entry to certain museums and attractions.
Good food, good prices?
When you go on vacation, most of your budget goes to room and board. Winning and dining well in Sweden can be especially expensive, with main courses costing around 250 crowns.
If you choose the self-service option, supermarkets and local fresh produce markets are the way to go. Most of them offer different promotions every week. Alternatively, many restaurants offer great lunch deals at a fraction of your dinner price, so plan lunch as your main meal of the day.
Alcohol is VERY expensive in Scandinavian countries. Your tax is based on the percentage of alcohol it contains, so beers and ciders will be more affordable. The good thing is that you are allowed to consume alcohol in public areas of Sweden, so you can buy your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy an evening in one of the beautiful parks.
Go wireless!
Do you miss your family and friends at home? Use the free wireless service in most cafes. Sometimes you will have to make a purchase to use the service, but it will save you money by not making expensive phone calls.
Avoid mindless purchases
This seems too obvious to some, but consider how much a gift shop will charge you for a souvenir. When money is tight, don’t buy something you don’t need on vacation. If you really want to take gifts home, go small at local markets.
