Settling Into Swedish Life
Practical guide to everyday life: shopping, mobile phones, recycling, culture, and making friends.
Agencies involved in this guide:
Get a Swedish Mobile Number
ImportantGet a Swedish SIM card. Prepaid options like Comviq or Lycamobile don't require personnummer. Contract plans from Telia, Tele2, or Telenor offer better value but may need Swedish ID.
Learn Where to Shop for Groceries
Sweden has several grocery chains: ICA (largest), Coop (member-owned), Willys & Lidl (budget), Hemköp (quality). Most are open late and on weekends.
Learn Swedish Recycling System
ImportantSweden is serious about recycling. Sort household waste: food waste, paper, plastic, glass, metal, batteries. Return bottles/cans for money (pant).
Discover Second-Hand Shopping
Save money and be sustainable. Blocket is Sweden's Craigslist. Myrorna and Stadsmissionen have thrift stores. Tradera for online auctions.
Understand Swedish Culture & Customs
ImportantLearn key Swedish concepts: fika (coffee break), lagom (just right), personal space, queue culture (take a number). Swedes may seem reserved but are friendly once you know them.
Start Learning Swedish
ImportantWhile many Swedes speak English, learning Swedish helps integration. SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) is free. Private options include Folkuniversitetet and online resources.
Join Expat & Social Communities
Making friends in Sweden takes time. Join expat groups on InterNations, Facebook groups, Meetup events, or sports clubs (föreningar) to meet people.
Understand Family Benefits
Important🔐 BankIDSweden has generous family benefits: child allowance (barnbidrag), parental leave (föräldrapenning), temporary parental leave for sick child (VAB). Apply through Försäkringskassan.
Related Guides
Need more help?
This guide provides general information. For specific questions, contact the relevant agency directly. Most agencies have English-speaking support.
Your progress is saved locally in your browser. It won't be shared with anyone.