On inevitability: “Becoming cashless is inevitable, not just for Sweden, but for other countries as well.”
-Jonas Hedman, Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School
I have been living in Sweden as a permanent resident for more than 15 years. It’s fair to say that Sweden is a completely cashless society if you are a resident. However, for travelers, it can be a little bit difficult. Travelers should carry a small amount of cash just in case.
When I travel to different parts of Sweden or other Boreal and Nordic regions, there’s always the question: cash or card? Personally, I don’t like to carry much cash. But at the same time, I don’t want to face problems in places that only accept cash.
Today, I’ll share my experience about what work best for me in Sweden—as a resident and what will be the best way for the traveler.
🏦 Most People in Sweden Use Cards
In Sweden, almost everyone pays with card. At restaurants, in shops, even on buses—people just tap their card or phone. I see this everywhere.
I pay for most things using my debit card. It is fast and easy. I also add it to my phone wallet so I can tap without taking out my wallet.
Swedes don’t use much cash. One local even told me they hadn’t touched cash in weeks!
Cash Still Help in Some Moments
Even though cards are popular, I still need cash a few times. Here’s when:
- At a street food stall – They only took cash.
- For tipping – I gave small tips at cafés or to hotel staff.
- In small towns – Some tiny places didn’t have card machines.
So, I keep a little Swedish krona in my wallet, just in case. It saved me more than once.
💳 Using Europian Card in Sweden is Easy
Travelers from other European countries can usually use their cards without any problems. But few small fees can be applied. If travelers want to avoid that, they should use a card with low or no foreign transaction fees. I use Wise for my travel spending—my friend recommends it to me.
There are many ATMs (called “Bankomat” in Sweden), and they’re easy to find. You can see them at malls, train stations, and banks. You can usually withdraw money within minutes.
🚌 Where I Use Card vs. Cash in Sweden
Here’s how I pay for different things:
| What I Pay For | Card ✅ | Cash ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis | Usually | Yes |
| Restaurants | Yes | Yes |
| Public Transport | Mostly | Sometimes |
| Small Shops | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor Markets | Rarely | Yes |
Travelers should use a card for most payments
Why?
- Almost every shop, restaurant, train, and bus accepts card.
- It’s fast, safe, and convenient.
- You can use contactless (tap to pay).
- No need to carry large amounts of cash.
Tip: Use a travel card like Wise, Revolut, or a bank card with no foreign transaction fees to save money.
💰 Backup: Carry a Small Amount of Cash
Why?
- Some small markets, toilets, or old taxis may only take cash.
- Useful for tipping or places without machines.
- Avoids problems if your card doesn’t work.
How Much?
About 200–500 SEK (around £15–£40) is usually enough for backup.
Summary Table:
| Situation | Use Card? | Use Cash? |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels, restaurants, shops | ✅ Yes | Maybe (if small) |
| Street food or flea markets | ❌ Maybe not | ✅ Yes |
| Taxis | ✅ Often | ✅ Sometimes |
| Public transport | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually not |
| Tips or coin toilets | ❌ Usually not | ✅ Yes |
My Advice For Travelers:
- Use your card 90% of the time.
- Keep a little cash just in case.
- Avoid cards with high foreign fees.
📲 Swish-Other Ways People Pay in Sweden
Some locals use apps like Swish to pay friends or small businesses. It’s like sending money by phone number. I couldn’t use Swish without a Swedish bank, but it is interesting to see.
Many shops also accept Apple Pay and Google Wallet. I used Apple Pay in a few stores and had no issues.
Common Questions
What is the best currency to use in Sweden?
The Swedish krona is the local currency. Use it for both cash and card spending.
Can I use my UK or other countries debit card in Sweden?
Yes, you can. Just check with your bank about foreign fees before your trip.
Are ATMs free in Sweden?
Some are free. Others charge a small fee. Always check the screen before you accept.
How much cash can I bring to Sweden?
You can bring up to €10,000 without needing to declare it.
Do Swedish taxis accept card payments?
Yes, most taxis take cards. But ask before the ride just to be sure.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, using a card for most payments in Sweden is the easiest and safest way to go. As a resident, I rarely need cash at all. But if you’re a traveler, it’s smart to carry a small amount of cash just in case. Cards work almost everywhere, and contactless payments make things quick and smooth.
To save money on fees and get the best exchange rates, I recommend using the Wise card for your travels. Wise helps you spend like a local with low fees and lets you withdraw cash easily from ATMs in Sweden.
Start your trip prepared — get a Wise card today and enjoy hassle-free payments in Sweden and beyond!
Get your Wise card now and spend smart while traveling. visit wise.com to sign up.
